10 Used German Luxury Cars That Are Surprisingly Affordable

Germany makes some of the finest premium vehicles in the world. In particular, their sedans and coupes have set benchmarks that the rest of the world constantly aim to meet. New German cars, however, can be expensive, making the used market your friend if you’re on a budget.

Some of the most iconic sports sedans and premium saloons have come out of Germany, with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class bettering most of their rivals. If you are clever, you can find fairly modern examples of these iconic sedans and coupes at a fraction of what they cost new thanks to depreciation.

Taking a look at used German cars, we’ve found ten models that are perfect for enthusiasts on a budget. We outline the average price of each model on the used market. Additionally, we highlight what makes these cars such standout options, exploring their comfort, tech, and performance.

10

2018 BMW 5-Series

Average Used Price: $18,582

Front 3/4 shot of a 2018 BMW 5-Series

The 2018 BMW 5-Series marked the first model year of the seventh generation, the G30. This was the beginning of where the German brand began to soften the sedan and turn it into more of a luxury-first saloon. Back in 2018, its MSRP started at $53,645, but you can pick up a used model for a fraction of that.

Performance Specifications

The 2018 5-Series comes in three distinct flavors. The 530i features a four-cylinder engine, the 540i an inline-six, and the M550i a twin-turbo V-8. There was also a 530e, a plug-in hybrid which paired the four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. In any case, you were in for smooth power delivery and a responsive and engaging drive.

9

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Average Used Price: $20,856

Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

If you were to buy a brand-new E-Class, you’d have to have around $65,000 to start. While a 2017 model may have some miles tacked on and is a generation behind, it still has all the class and comfort you would expect from a car wearing the three-pointed star. It was also fairly ahead of its time in terms of technology.

Performance Specifications

The E300 is quicker than you’d expect for a car with a four-cylinder engine. You can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, though we’d opt for the latter. The E-Class offers an exceptionally smooth ride and while it is responsive, it prioritizes comfort about sportiness.

8

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Average Used Price: $21,141

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

When a luxury brand makes an affordable entry-level model, it doesn’t always go right. However, the A-Class sedan manages to keep all the elements that define a Mercedes. This little sedan is loaded with technology and delivers a smooth yet exciting driving experience.

Performance Specifications

Considering its size and its more budget-oriented approach, the A-Class still delivers pretty fantastic ride quality, going over bumps in the road with very little effort. While 188 horsepower doesn’t seem like all that much, the A-Class feels quick when pushed and handles bends with precision.

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7

2016 BMW 7-Series

Average Used Price: $21,251

Front 3/4 shot of a 2016 BMW 7-Series

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience and want something with a little more space, a used 7-series may be more your style. Considering this car retailed for over $80,000 when it was new, getting it a close to $20,000 is fantastic. Just be aware that it is going need some extra TLC.

Performance Specifications

If you’re looking for sportiness, the 7-Series is not the way to go. It is a premium cruiser, albeit one that can accelerate at an absurd rate. Pillow soft suspension and smooth power delivery are its main party tricks in the performance department. The 540i comes with the inline-six and the 550i the V-8. If you have some more cash to spend you can also go up a model year and grab the plug-in hybrid model or the 601 horsepower W12.

6

2019 BMW 3-Series

Average Used Price: $22,676

Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 BMW 3-Series

The sixth generation of the BMW 3-Series was a disappointment, not living up to the nameplates’ legendary reputation. However, the seventh generation, starting with the 2019 model year, was a return to form. If you’re looking for a modern premium sports sedan, there are few better choices.

Performance Specifications

The 3-Series is the benchmark when it comes to performance sedans for a reason. Its finely tuned chassis and its overachieving engines make it one of the most engaging and rewarding sedans you can drive. It can also be smooth though, even more so if the model you pick up comes with adaptive dampers.

5

2020 Audi A4

Average Used Price: $22,681

Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Audi A4

The 2020 Audi A4 is essentially the same as the newest model on the market, with a few minor differences. One of the biggest differences is that the 2025 model has an MSRP of around $45,000. This stylish and sporty sedan is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a luxury bargain.

Performance Specifications

The 2020 facelifted Audi A4 came with a choice of two different powertrains. The base model seemed to be more budget-oriented, and it came with front-wheel drive, very uncharacteristic of an Audi. We’d stick with the more powerful model. It can easily keep up with a BMW 330i, both in terms of acceleration and handling.

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4

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Average Used Price: $24,914

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2019 C-Class introduced a facelift, with the styling being updated and plenty of more modern features being added to the sedan. The C-Class sedan has always stood for exceptional levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology, meaning despite its age it will still blow you away.

Performance Specifications

Unless you plan on dipping into the more expensive AMG-tuned models, the C300 with the turbocharged inline-four is your only choice. The C-Class prioritizes comfort, meaning that, despite its acceleration, it isn’t all that sporty. It could even be optioned with air suspension for an even cushier ride.

3

2019 Audi A6

Average Used Price: $25,658

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Audi A6

While the next generation of the A6 is on the horizon, slated to start production soon, the 2019 model year is still technically a part of the most recent generation of the sedan. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, but it is equally comfortable and has a raucous side as well.

Performance Specifications

While a turbocharged inline-four would be added to the lineup later, for the 2019 model year the V-6 was the only choice. It makes use of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which runs the stop-start system. It’s quick, handles like a champ, and floats across the road with a superb level of refinement.

2

2019 Audi A8

Average Used Price: $33,180

Front 3/4 shot of a 2018 Audi A8 

In our opinion, the A8 is a criminally underrated full-size luxury sedan. Its competitors are much more popular and get much more attention, but the A8 easily makes a case for itself. The 2019 had a starting MSRP of above $80,000. Buying used you get the same high end features for less than the price of most new cars.

Performance Specifications

The A8 comes with either a V-6 or a V-8 under the hood, both assisted by a mild-hybrid system. In either case, power delivery is silky smooth. We think the V-6 is plenty for most. Features like adjustable air suspension help justify the A8’s ultra-luxury status, keeping passengers comfortable regardless of the road quality.

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1

2019 BMW Z4

Average Used Price: $34,852

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 BMW Z4

If sedans aren’t quite your cup of tea, perhaps the Z4 roadster will tickle your fancy. Designed in tandem with the GR Supra, the Z4 is one of the most impressive convertibles on the market today. It is cool and refined when cruising and can turn up to 11 when you want to tear up some backroads.

Performance Specifications

The 2019 model year of the Z4 only came with the turbocharged inline-four. If you have some more money to spend, though, you can grab a 2020 Z4 M40i with the turbocharged inline-six instead. The four-cylinder offers plenty of power, though, and the roadster’s finely tuned chassis makes it an aboslute joy to drive.