10 Coolest V8 Sleeper Sedans On The Used Market

Most times, it is quite easy to discern a fast car from the crowd thanks to their aggressive styling, prominent spoilers, and other sporty design elements. But, sleeper cars are different kinds of performance cars that defy these conventions. They come disguised as ordinary daily drivers, while subtly concealing their monstrous power with a mundane appearance.

The true magic lies under the hood, where automakers stuff well-tuned, high-powered engines clad in inconspicuous sedan, wagon or SUV bodies. These are the ultimate stealth machines for speed lovers who want to go somewhere fast minus the attention-grabbing traits of a muscle car or a European sports car. We dived into the used car market and found these sleeper sedans featuring powerful V8 engines.

10 2009 Pontiac G8

Used Market Range: $10,859 – $25,598

Pontiac offered the G8 in 2008 and 2009 based on the popular Holden Commodore model. It was the brand’s first rear-wheel-drive sedan in many years, and the GPX trim raised the performance bar with a version of the C6 Corvette’s 6.2-liter LS3 V8 pushing 415 hp, helping it launch to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. These cars are dirt cheap on the used car market, going for as low as $10,859 according to KBB data.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

RELATED: 10 Sleeper Sedans That’ll Outrun A Dodge Charger

9 2017 Chevrolet SS

Used Market Range: $34,014 – $37,411

GM debuted the Chevrolet SS in 2014 essentially as the Pontiac G8 GPX successor. It rode on the Holden Commodore VF chassis and with the same LS3 V8 engine. Minor engine improvements meant engine output remained the same. Top speed rose to a governor-limited 160 mph, and the SS could eat the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. 2017 was the last model year and buyers are paying about $35k on the used car market for its tire-smoking power.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

8 2018 Audi S6

Used Market Range: $36,105 – $41,446

The Audi S6 is one of those high-performance sports sedans that might be too subtle and lacking in vehicular validation for some people. But it is also the perfect choice for those seeking to fly under the radar in a luxury car that effortlessly hides 450 hp of twin-turbocharged 4-liter V8 muscle under a practical five-passenger sedan body. You also get all-weather grip thanks to the standard all-wheel drive. Used 2018 models go for a fraction of the original price, and you can buy one for as low as$36,105.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

7 2016 Lexus GS F

Used Market Range: $43,000 – $59,999

When the Lexus GS F arrived in 2015, it brought a charming old school cool vibe with a high-revving naturally aspirated V8, and fixed-rate dampers. Also, loads of selectable settings made it drive with the agility and excitement of an overgrown Miata. Production ceased in 2020, but the GS F will remain one of the greatest and most reliable sleeper cars you can take to the track or daily driver. Used 2016 models have retained their value well and listings on Edmunds range from $43,000 to $59,999.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

6 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Used Market Range: $49,828 – $54,771

Cadillac has made great strides to win over the enthusiast community, and it is mostly thanks to the excellent performance cars like the CTS-V and its CT5 successor. These classy, luxury sedans pack impressive performance, high-tech features and pose as the closest American alternative to the European sports sedans from Mercedes Audi, and BMW. The unassuming 2016 CTS-V packs a Corvette C7 Z06 sourced supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 motor, pushing up to 640 hp and allowing supercar-slaying 3.5-second sprints to 60 mph. Typical listing price on the used car market average at $52,873 according to KBB.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

5 2020 Audi S8

Used Market Range: $65,888 – $84,995

The Audi S8 belongs in an exclusively priced segment where the priority includes providing a quiet drive with the magical ability to smooth out imperfections in the road for the occupants in the richly appointed cabins. Still, the gutsy V8 engine under the S8’s hood grants it explosive acceleration, and it is also surprisingly athletic for a big sedan and its polished looks helps it effortlessly fly under the radar. Data from Edmunds show used 2020 S8s listed at up to half the original MSRP of $130,000.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

4 2020 Chrysler 300C

Used Market Range: $25,320 – $28,767

Chrysler launched the 300C in 2005 and through constant updates and revision, it remained a good choice for buyers seeking a good-looking, big sedan. Like its Dodge Charger cousin, it benefits from a rear-wheel-drive and the smooth and strong Hemi V8 engine, allowing snappy acceleration and helping it fit the sleeper personality. It is one of the last great American sedans and used 2020 models are quite affordable with prices as low as $25,320.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

3 2020 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate

Used Market Range: $37,128 – $41,333

While the Genesis G80 lacks the brand awareness and cachet of its European midsize-luxury sedan rivals, it poses as a great alternative offering incredible value in the executive sedan segment. It comes loaded with amenities, safety features and class-leading warranty. It is no slouch, either, with an optional V8 under the hood delivering high-performance to a car that prioritizes a pleasing ride quality. The 5.0 Ultimate trim packs a 5-liter V8 engine, pushing up to 420 hp. Used 2020 examples range from $37,128 to $41,333 according to KBB.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

2 2019 Cadillac CT6-V

Used Market Range: $56,230 – $64,833

With the introduction of the CT6-V in 2019, Cadillac took a different approach to the CTS-V which shared parts with its GM cousins. It was a Cadillac-exclusive clean-slate build, with a 4.2-liter unit dubbed the Blackwing, featuring a pair of turbochargers to make up for the loss in displacement. And it came significantly cheaper than flagship European sedans with similar performance levels. It remains a relative bargain in the used car market with prices ranging from $56,230 to $64,833.

Engine And Performance

Pricing

RELATED: 10 Sleeper Sedans That Can Keep Up With The New Corvette

1 2020 BMW 7 Series

Used Market Range: $46,229 – $74,800

The BMW 7-Series is a stately car with its dominant full-size luxury sedan proportions and an impressive array of lux amenities. It also attempts to create a balance between luxury and sportiness, with some elements of BMW’s sports sedan DNA. Under the hood, it packs muscular powertrain options, including a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and a 6.6-liter V12. The V8 features in the 750i xDrive and Alpina B7 trim, where it pushes up to 600 hp, turning it into the ultimate luxury sleeper sedan.

Engine And Performance

Pricing