BMW finally pulled the wraps off of its revived 8 Series coupe in M850i xDrive trim. The M850i will utilize a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque going out through an eight-speed automatic. With a 4,478 pound curb weight, 0-60 mph will take just 3.6 seconds. All of this sounds impressive, but it all comes at a cost. US pricing has yet to be announced, but based on an online configurator for Europe, we can assume the 8 Series will be around $130,000. If you can't afford that, here are eight cheaper alternatives.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMGThe twin-turbo V8 found in the new 8 Series is quiet impressive, but for less than $100,000, there are even more exotic options out there. Thanks to classic German car depreciation, we found several examples of the Mercedes CL65 AMG well under $85,000. The most recent version of the CL65 was powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque going out to a five-speed automatic. Why settle for a V8, when you could have a V12?
Aston Martin DB9BMW is one of the most highly coveted marques in the auto industry, but it pales in comparison to Aston Martin. For less than the price of a new 8 Series, you can get an Aston Martin DB9. Though less powerful than the BMW, the Aston Martin sounds amazing thanks to its 510-hp 6.0-liter V12 engine. Though most DB9 models were fitted with a six-speed automatic, a six-speed manual was also available so enthusiast's can rejoice.
Ferrari 612 ScagliettiKeeping on the theme of V12 engines, we have the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Though it is far from the prettiest Ferrari, the 612 is one of the best values on the pre-owned Ferrari market. Under the hood sits a hand-built 5.8-liter V12 producing 540 hp. In order to keep the budget under $100,000, you'll have to buy a 612 with the six-speed automatic. A six-speed manual was offered, but values have skyrocketed to around three times as much.
Bentley Continental GTWhile it's possible to buy a pre-facelift Bentley Continental GT with the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, we prefer the refreshed model with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. This engine is shared with many Audi RS models, and produces 500 hp. Though it won't be as quick as the 8 Series, the Bentley will likely be quieter and more comfortable.
Jaguar XKR-SThe twin-turbochargers in the new 8 Series make it extremely powerful, though not as powerful as the Jaguar XKR-S. The XKR-S uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 hp. It is also one of the most affordable cars on our list with prices starting at under $60,000 on the used market.
Maserati Gran TurismoThough it is the least powerful modern car on our list, the Maserati Gran Turismo is no slouch. You can now buy a 2015 Gran Turismo MC, which produces 454 hp from its 4.7-liter V8 for less than $100,000. The power may not be a lot compared to other cars here, but the Gran Turimso makes up for it with sexy looks and a throaty exhaust sound. Older models can be found for as little as $30,000.
Porsche 911 Turbo (991.1-gen)The Porsche 911 may "only" have a flat-six engine, but for less than $100,000 you can now buy a 991.1 generation Turbo. The 991.1 generation car produced 520 hp from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. Though it may be slightly less powerful than the BMW, the Porsche PDK dual-clutch helps the 911 rocket to 60 mph in under three seconds.
BMW 8 Series 850iThe new M850i picks up where the old 850i left off. Though it is much slower than the new car, the old 8 Series has become somewhat of a collectible. The 850i came powered by a 5.0-liter V12 producing 296 hp. It may not have supercar speed, but it doesn't have a supercar price tag either. We found used 850i models with the six-speed manual transmission for less than $30,000.
