Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
The 2006-2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class had just about every feature Mercedes could throw at it. Panoramic roof, multiple sunshades, and 10-way power adjustable seats with heat and ventilation. You could even use both of those seat features at once. That sounds like a great way to start a tornado in your seat, but Benz says it will actually keep you warm and dry on rainy days. No more humidity for you, Mr. Luxury Car Driver. It had adaptive cruise control available, and four-zone climate control. All that on top of the fit and finish and excellent material quality you’d expect from a Benz.
There were 3.5L V6 engines available, a 5.5L V8, and even a 3.0L diesel option. But the one you want is the E63. That 6.2L V8 bellowed to release 507 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It had a seven-speed AMG automatic transmission and sent drive to the rear wheels. No all-wheel drive available here. The E63 was designed to storm the Autobahn, and it delivered. It was like driving a living room that could power its way to the 155 mph limiter.
The AMG model also gets a much more firm suspension for carving corners, along with big brake upgrades and a subtle body kit to make sure passers-by know what you’re driving. And now they’re available for less than $20,000. Just make sure you find one that’s been well maintained, and that applies to most of this list, because with great power can come great repair bills.
Jaguar XJ
If it’s absolute style you’re looking for, then look no further than the 2003-2008 Jaguar XJ. The big cat didn’t get much of a styling change for the all-new model, but there are huge changes underneath.
This model XJ is all aluminum underneath. Or should that be all aluminium since this car is coming from dear old Blighty? Chassis, body, and engine, are all from the lighter metal. That made for some impressive weight savings. The lightest XJ sold in this generation came in under 3,400 lbs. It’s a massive 600 lbs lighter than the previous generation, and lighter than some compact sedans. In a full-size luxury car. The reduced weight improves the ride, improves the dynamics, and it helps save some fuel, too.
Inside, the XJ is loaded with leather, real wood, deep carpeting, and class. Under the hood were a choice of big engines. In North America, the XJ was V8 only. The base engine was a 4.2L V8 that made 300 hp. If you wanted more purr from your sleek cat, the XJR strapped a supercharger on the engine to make 390 hp. Regular versions are available, or you can get an XJ8L if you want to add five-inches of room for rear passengers.
Toyota Avalon
If you’re looking for something that’s a little more plain, we can help you there, too. The Toyota Avalon is the king of understated luxury. It doesn’t look like much on the inside, especially the 2005-2012 generation, but don’t let its looks fool you. It still counts as one of the best used luxury cars in our books.
This car offers a leather interior, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. It’s even got a 268 hp V6. But that’s not why you buy an Avalon.
The Avalon does old-school luxury. The kind that Buick and Cadillac became famous for. It’s the kind of car that can whisk you quietly and smoothly across the US, and probably before you ever realize you’ve left.
If you want a car that is nearly silent on the highway, this is it. If you want a car that eats potholes for breakfast, this is it. If you want a car that’ll need scheduled services and that’s about it? Then this is the car you want. And isn’t effortless the true measure of luxury? Well, it’s a pretty good one, at least.
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