Our Top Pick: W222 Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan
A depreciated luxury performance sedan is a previously premium, high-horsepower four-door flagship that has lost a large share of its original value after several years, yet still delivers near-supercar acceleration, outstanding cabin quality, and advanced technology at a price similar to mainstream new sedans or crossovers, making it one of the best performance sedan bargains for buyers willing to handle higher running costs. The standout example is the W222 Mercedes-AMG S63, and it is the car you should buy first. If you want one vehicle that mixes daily comfort, long-distance refinement, and sports-car-level speed, this S-Class AMG is the answer. You get the badge prestige, the limousine-grade rear seat, and a cabin full of premium leather, wood, aluminum, ambient lighting, and a Burmester surround-sound system that makes the car feel like a rolling lounge. All of that comes with acceleration that matches a Porsche 911 Carrera to 60 mph.
| Spec | S63 Sedan 5.5 V8 | S63 Sedan 4.0 V8 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, handcrafted | Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 |
| Power & Torque | 577 hp, 664 lb-ft | 603 hp, 664 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 3.9 seconds (with 4Matic AWD) | 3.4 seconds (with 4Matic AWD) |
| Top speed (limited) | 186 mph | 186 mph (standard limiter) |
Why Depreciated AMG Sedans Beat New C-Class and Sports Cars
A used Mercedes-AMG S63 from the 2010s gives you far more luxury and performance than a new compact sedan that costs about the same as an average W222 S63, making it one of the clearest V8 sedan deals on the market. You are buying a car that was once among the brand’s highest-end models, sitting just below the V12 S65 AMG in the hierarchy, yet now trades at prices comparable to the average new car. According to one review, “a used S63 AMG can provide plenty more luxury and excitement than a new C-Class”, and that is the heart of the buying case. Thanks to its twin-turbo V8 and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the S63 sprints to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, identical to a 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera in sedan form. The later 4.0-liter V8 versions cut that to 3.4 seconds, entering territory most buyers expect only from sports cars.
The AMG S63 Coupe: The Smart Ultra-Luxury Performance Alternative
If you prefer a grand touring body style, the C217-generation AMG S63 Coupe is the best ultra-luxury performance coupe to buy right now. It was designed to do everything the S-Class sedan did while adding two-door style and long-distance GT ability. Early cars use a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with 577 hp and 664 lb-ft, delivering 0–60 mph in around 3.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 186 mph. The 2018 facelift brought a smaller 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 hp and the same torque, cutting the 0–60 mph sprint to 3.4 seconds while keeping the governed top speed unchanged. There is no electrification here, making it one of the last large pure-ICE AMG coupes. Inside, you get a cabin where everything you see or touch is real wood, brushed aluminum, leather, or polished metal; finding cheap plastic is nearly impossible.
Key Buying Criteria: Running Costs, Maintenance, and Suitability
These cars are outstanding performance sedan bargains, but you must go in with open eyes about ownership. First, budget for fuel: the thirsty V8 delivers a combined 18 miles per gallon, so daily use will not be cheap. Second, understand that complex hardware like Airmatic air suspension and 4Matic AWD can cost thousands to repair if anything fails, and heavy cars wear brakes, suspension components, and wide tires faster than regular sedans. If anything happens to the Airmatic air suspension, a strut replacement alone can run into the thousands, and turbochargers require dedicated servicing to avoid catastrophic bills. You should also assume premium prices for brake jobs and high-performance tires. These cars suit buyers who have disposable income to keep up with a demanding AMG and want one vehicle that combines daily comfort with sports-car thrills.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan if you want Porsche 911 acceleration with full-size luxury sedan space and comfort.
- Skip the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan if you are sensitive to fuel costs and cannot live with a combined 18 mpg V8.
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan if you want more luxury and excitement than a new compact sedan at similar money.
- Skip the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan if paying thousands to fix Airmatic suspension or complex AWD hardware would strain your budget.
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you want the best ultra-luxury performance coupe and can budget properly for maintenance.
- Skip the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you prefer low-cost ownership similar to a typical reliable family car.
- Buy the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe if you value a pure-ICE, twin-turbo V8 grand tourer with a cabin free of cheap plastics.
