During the 2010s, the automotive industry experienced a golden era of factory-engineered, performance-minded mainstream sedans. Brands routinely applied high-output turbocharged and muscular V-8 engines into their standard commuter platforms, resulting in a broad catalog of sleepers. This direction transformed everyday family haulers and executive sedans into straight-line weapons capable of clocking MPH sprints in supercar-rivaling times.
Thanks to the brutal reality of luxury vehicle depreciation, these once-expensive high-performance sleepers have seen their used-market values plunge. These models have now dropped into the sub-$20,000 used-car market. For the automotive enthusiast chasing maximum performance per dollar, exploring this specific segment provides the ultimate recipe for cheap thrills.
10
2010-2019 Ford Taurus SHO
0-60 MPH: 5.1 Seconds
The fourth-generation Ford Taurus SHO, produced from 2010 to 2019, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and a standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This delivers 365 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 350 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,500 RPM. This achieves a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 5.1 seconds with a 133-MPH top speed limit. Units fitted with the optional SHO Performance Package benefit from an increased 150 MPH top speed, an upgraded cooling package, and a shorter final drive ratio.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
288 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
254 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
18/26 MPG
- Make
-
Ford
- Model
-
Taurus
- Segment
-
Full-Size Sedan
For its final model year in 2019, the Ford Taurus SHO carried a base MSRP of $42,975 before options. According to J.D. Power, the average price paid for a 2019 SHO ranges between $21,268 and $23,806. Market listings aggregated across Edmunds and iSeeCars signal that higher-mileage units sell for between $14,500 and $18,500.
9
2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf R
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The previous-generation Volkswagen Golf R, produced from 2015 to 2019, features a compact turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Facelifted models produced between 2018 and 2019 employ the upgraded seven-speed automatic DSG. The Golf R benefits from VW’s Haldex-based 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Pre-facelifted models produce 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
292 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
280 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
21/29 MPG
- Make
-
Volkswagen
- Model
-
Golf R
- Segment
-
Compact Hatchback
This decreases to 288 hp in facelifted models. Volkswagen claims a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 4.5 seconds for both variations. The German marque also limits top speed to 155 MPH. Final model year Volkswagen Golf R models had a base MSRP of $40,395 for the manual variant. The Golf R currently sells for $22,663 to $25,441, based on J.D. Power‘s data. Real-world valuation metrics indicate that typical daily-driven examples on the current used market regularly sell for between $19,500 and $23,500.
8
2015-2018 Audi S5 Sportback
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The 2015-to-2018-generation Audi S5 Sportback features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine paired with a ZF-sourced eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This generates 354 hp from 5,400 to 6,400 RPM and a 369 lb-ft of torque at 1,370 RPM. The S5 is only available with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, resulting in a manufacturer-claimed 0 to 60 MPH sprint of 4.5 seconds. With summer performance tires, it’ll hit a top speed of 155 MPH. All-season tires cut top speed to 130 MPH.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
354 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
21/30 MPG
- Make
-
Audi
- Model
-
S5 Sportback
- Segment
-
Compact Luxury Performance Sedan
The Audi S5 Sportback‘s final model year carried a base MSRP of $54,400 for the Premium Plus trim. On the used market today, current average dealer retail transactions tracked by J.D. Power hover between $21,500 and $24,800 for clean examples. Data across Edmunds and iSeeCars show that well-maintained private market variants or higher-mileage daily drivers typically sell for $18,000 to $21,000.
7
2012-2015 BMW 550i xDrive
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The 2012–2015 BMW 550i xDrive is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, and an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In the initial 2012 to 2013 model years, this produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. The mid-cycle updated variant benefits from the N63TU engine, producing 445 hp at 5,500 RPM and 480 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 RPM. Expect the updated model to cover the 0 to 60 MPH acceleration sprint in 4.3 seconds. Models with the optional M Sport or Sport packages benefit from a 155 MPH top speed limit.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
240 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
260 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
23/34 MPG
- Make
-
BMW
- Model
-
5 Series Sedan
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury Sedan
For its final model year, the BMW 550i xDrive sold for $67,200 before options. J.D. Power shows that average wholesale and trade-in valuations sit at the low end between $7,250 and $8,300 for clean-condition base cars. Real-world retail transaction data reveals daily-driven consumer listings and clean dealer-sold examples typically sell for anywhere between $11,500 and $16,500.
6
2017-2019 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, produced between 2017 and 2019, benefits from Nissan’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter VR30DDTT V-6 engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. This produces 400 hp at 6,400 RPM and 350 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,600 RPM. A unique optical turbo speed sensor setup allows the twin turbines to spin up to 220,000 RPM at ease. Inifiti sold this in rear-wheel drive and an optional rear-biased intelligent all-wheel-drive configuration. The latter achieves a manufacturer-claimed 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. The top speed for the flagship sports sedan is electronically limited from the factory to 155 MPH.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
7-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
208 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
23/30 MPG
- Make
-
Infiniti
- Model
-
Q50
- Segment
-
Compact Luxury Sedan
For its final model year of this specific range, the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 launched with a base MSRP of $55,250 for the rear-wheel-drive variant. J.D. Power shows clean retail examples currently carry a price paid index averaging between $17,442 and $20,625. Broader consumer listing trends indicate that standard, daily-driven examples frequently sell from $15,500 to $18,500.
5
2015-2017 Chevrolet SS
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The 2015 to 2017 Chevrolet SS features a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a no-cost optional Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. This legendary pushrod powerplant produces 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. A limited-slip differential and a performance chassis featuring standard Magnetic Ride Control dampers are standard. The muscle sedan achieves a manufacturer-claimed 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 165 MPH.
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.2L V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
415 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
415 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
14/22 MPG
- Make
-
Chevrolet
- Model
-
SS
- Segment
-
Midsize Sedan
For its final model year in 2017, the Chevrolet SS sold for $46,625 MSRP. On the secondary market today, J.D. Power indicates that the average price paid for a clean, dealer-sold retail 2017 model ranges between $24,962 and $26,998. Immaculate manual-transmission cars still command well over $35,000, daily-driven automatic variants with average to higher mileage regularly trade hands in the more accessible $19,500 to $24,000 range.
4
2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T AWD
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T AWD features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with advanced all-wheel-drive and dynamic torque vectoring. Opting for the all-wheel-drive layout unlocked the powerplant’s maximum output of 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The mid-size executive sedan delivers a manufacturer-estimated 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 4.8 seconds before hitting a 150 MPH top speed limit.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
245 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
275 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/31 MPG
- Make
-
Lincoln
- Model
-
MKZ
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury Sedan
2019 Lincoln MKZ model years sold for $47,990 MSRP when new, in high-tier Reserve II trim. J.D. Power metrics estimate the average price paid for a clean retail 2019 V-6 AWD variant between $15,525 and $17,350. Typical daily-driven examples regularly sell for between $13,500 and $16,500.
3
2015-2018 Volvo S60 Polestar
0-60 MPH: 4.4 Seconds
The Volvo S60 Polestar, produced between 2015 and 2018, is powered by a choice of two distinct engines depending on the model year. Both models feature a permanent BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system featuring a Polestar-calibrated rear torque bias. The first two model years feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 345 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0L Twincharged Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
362 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
347 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
20/27 MPG
- Make
-
Volvo
- Model
-
S60 Polestar
- Segment
-
Compact Luxury Sedan
The 2017 and 2018 mid-cycle refreshed models inherit a 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder engine producing 362 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. Both engines achieve a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 4.4 seconds with a 155 MPH top speed limit. 2018 models sold for a high $60,000 MSPR. J.D. Power indicates an average price range between $26,063 and $30,203. Real-world market distributions reveal a $14,500 to $19,500 used price territory.
2
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550
0-60 MPH: 4.3 Seconds
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 features a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic transmission. Final model years produce 402 hp at 5,000 RPM and 443 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,600 RPM. The sedan configuration comes standard with the brand’s permanent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, resulting in a 5.2-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 MPH, but performance tires unlock a 155 MPH top speed.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.1L Twin-Turbo Inline-4 Diesel
- Base Trim Transmission
-
7-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
195 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
28/45 MPG
- Make
-
Mercedes-Benz
- Model
-
E-Class Sedan
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury Sedan
The 2014 E550 4Matic sedan sold for a base price of $62,325. J.D. Power’s average consumer transaction prices for clean, dealer-sold retail examples generally settle between $13,469 and $15,325. Real-world valuations demonstrate that functional, well-maintained daily drivers can regularly be found for between $11,000 and $14,500 depending on mileage and body style.
1
2013-2016 Audi S6
0-60 MPH: 4.3 Seconds
The 2013 to 2016 Audi S6 features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Initial 2013to 2015 model years produce 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 2016 model year benefits from a 450 hp power increase. Audi’s permanent Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a standard torque-vectoring sport rear differential lets you accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.3 seconds. Audi limits top speed to 155 MPH.
- Base Trim Engine
-
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
7-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
450 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
406 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
18/27 MPG
- Make
-
Audi
- Model
-
S6
- Segment
-
Compact Luxury Sedan
For its final year of this specific powertrain configuration in 2016, the Audi S6 entered showrooms with a base MSRP of $70,900 for the Premium Plus trim. J.D. Power estimates the average price paid for a clean, dealer-sold 2016 retail example between $16,848 and $19,531. Well-maintained daily drivers or slightly higher-mileage examples regularly sell for $13,500 to $17,500.
Sources: J.D. Power, Edmunds, and iSeeCars.