Can't Afford The 2019 BMW 8 Series? Here Are 8 Cheaper Super Coupes

You don't need to spend six figures to buy a gorgeous luxury coupe.

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 AMG

The 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 DB9

BMW 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 Scaglietti

Keeping 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 GT

While 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-S

The 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 Turismo

Though 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 850i

The 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.

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Can't Afford A McLaren 720S? Don't Worry, There Are Cheaper Alternatives

The 720S is amazing, but it isn't cheap.

The McLaren 720S is easily the most impressive supercar on the market today. The car's performance is unmatched by its competitors and even the hybrid hypercar holy trinity struggle to keep up with it. If we had $284,475 to spend on a car, we'd immediately go for a 720S. Unfortunately, like most people we do not have close to $300,000 to spend on a car. We know that almost no car at any price point will be able to match the 720S experience, but we still wanted to pitch some cheaper, mid-engined alternatives that can get somewhat close.

McLaren 650S

We'll start off with the most obvious choice, the McLaren 650S. This is the closest thing available to the 720S without approaching its nearly $300,000 price. It seems like yesterday we were just having this same discussion about the 12C, but the 650S has been on the market long enough for some serious depreciation to kick in. We found used 650S examples for as low as around $170,000. This is not an affordable car by any stretch of the imagination, but it is around $95,000 less expensive than it was when new. It won't be as quick as a 720S, but the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 still kicks out 641 hp, which is not bad for a car costing $100,000 less than a 720S.

Acura NSX

The second generation Acura NSX has only been on the market since 2017, so we'd give it a bit more time to depreciate before pulling the trigger on one. A new NSX starts at $156,000, but used ones start at about $140,000. Like the 720S, the NSX is a mid-engined supercar that is perfectly comfortable to use as a daily driver. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is paired with three electric motors for a total of 573 hp. The NSX is the closest thing that exists to a relatively affordable Porsche 918 Spyder, which is very high praise.

Porsche Cayman GT4

We kept this list contained to mid-engine sports cars and supercars, but our choices become understandably slower and more analogue as we start to lower the price bracket. Our next choice, the Porsche Cayman GT4, can't match either of the first two cars in terms of speed. The GT4 makes do with "only" 385 hp from a 3.8-liter flat-six. What the GT4 lacks in turbochargers and horsepower, it makes up for in driving pleasure. The Cayman GT4 is one of the best handling mid-engined cars ever produced and it would be our first choice to take on a track day. Porsche only built the GT4 for one year in 2016, but used models are available for less than $90,000.

Alfa Romeo 4C

If power is your number one priority, you may want to ignore the next car on our list. The Alfa Romeo 4C has half the number of cylinders and half the number of turbochargers as the 720S. It even has less than half the power: just 237 hp from a 1.75-liter turbo four-cylinder. Still, the 4C has become somewhat of a bargain in the world of mid-engine exotic cars. Used examples can be found for just over $40,000, putting it within the realm of possibility for "real" people. It may be less than half the car as the McLaren, but it is around one-seventh of the price.

Lotus Evora

Our final cheap alternative doesn't have the same Italian exoticism as the 4C, but it is a spectacularly well-balanced mid-engined sports car. Everyone seems to forget about the Lotus Evora because it is simply a "mid-engined Camry." Perhaps this is a good thing, because the often overlooked Evora has plummeted in price and is now as affordable as a Camry. We've found several used Evora examples for less than $40,000, making it the most affordable car on this list. The 3.5-liter V6 may have started out in life in a Camry, but 276 hp is more than adequate. The supercharged Evora S can still be found for under $45,000 and produces 345 hp with a supercharger.

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Can't Afford The McLaren 600LT? Here Are Some Cheaper Track Weapons

Remember that "cheaper" doesn't mean "cheap."

McLaren has just revealed the fourth car in a line of Longtail variants. It's called the 600LT, and it is a lighter, more track-focused version of the already quick 570S. The 3.8-liter V8 delivers 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and the whole car only weighs 2,749 pounds. McLaren says the 600LT will be a limited production vehicle, with prices starting at $242,152. Assuming you can even buy one at all, that is a large sum of money. Luckily, there are plenty of cheaper track weapons for a lot less.

997 911 GT3 RS ($160-$200,000)

McLaren's $242,000 price tag assumes that you are well connected enough to secure one of these limited edition cars. Instead of fighting to get on the ordering list, why not just buy a used Porsche 911 GT3 RS? The most recent 991 generation GT3 RS can now be found for less than $200,000, but hasn't depreciated below its original MSRP. The GT3 RS obviously does a good job avoiding depreciation, so it is likely a safer investment than the McLaren. We would recommend spending between $160,000 to $200,000 for the manual-only 997 generation GT3 RS, which could become a collectible in the future.

Porsche Cayman GT4 ($90-$120,000)

The 991 GT3 RS is a great track car, but some people aren't fans of the 911's rear-engine layout. Porsche finally built a high-performance variant of the mid-engined Cayman, known as the GT4. The GT4 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six from a 911, producing 385 hp going out to a six-speed manual transmission. Expect to pay less than $100,000 for a GT4 with minimal options and low mileage. More well-optioned cars with paint-to-sample will command much more.

Lotus Evora 400 ($80-$100,000)

People who buy a McLaren may be in love with the idea of owning a bespoke, British sports car. Luckily, another British sports car company builds a track-focused car for a lot less. Many people forget about the Lotus Evora 400, which produces 400 hp from a 3.5-liter Toyota Camry-derived V6 with a supercharger. Though the engine has humble origins, it is plenty powerful and will be easy to maintain. You can scoop up a practically new Evora 400 for around $80,000 to $100,000.

Gallardo Superleggera ($140-$195,000)

McLaren has made a name for itself in racing and building road cars, but most people still associate supercars with Italy. If you want an Italian track-focused supercar, it's hard to go wrong with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. Expect to pay between $140,000 and $195,000 for this 562 hp, V10, mid-engined supercar.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia ($170-$300,000)

Some McLaren models, like the 675LT, managed to increase in value. Still, McLaren has had a hard time controlling the market prices on its used cars - unlike a certain Italian supercar maker. Specialty Ferrari models have been skyrocketing in value lately, which makes the F430 Scuderia such a good value at the moment. You can currently buy a Scuderia from around $170,000 up to over $300,000 for an example with delivery miles.

Dodge Viper ACR ($130-$170,000)

If you don't mind sacrificing a mid-engine layout, as well as the exotic name, the Dodge Viper ACR may be the ideal track car for you. Not only does the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 produce more power than the McLaren (645 hp), the ACR version has enough aero to keep up with almost any car on the track. We expect the ACR to be a future collectible, and prices now range from around $130,000 to $170,000.

Nissan GT-R Nismo ($110-$150,000)

The McLaren is a great track car because it is blisteringly powerful, but also easy to jump in and drive quickly thanks to its amazing software. Before McLaren even started to build road cars again, Nissan made the ultimate tamable sports car, the GT-R. The most powerful GT-R Nismo produces 600 hp from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (more than the McLaren), and can now be found for around $110,000 to $150,000.

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Can't Afford A New Mercedes GLE? Here Are 7 Cheaper Alternatives

Who says new is always better?

The recently revealed 2020 Mercedes GLE is a big leap forward from its predecessor. Along with an all-new look, the GLE gains a new 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo option in place of the 3.0-liter V6, as well as a new inline-six option with a 48-volt system producing a total of 362 hp. Those power changes are accompanied by a new nine-speed automatic transmission, an available third-row seat, and an all-new interior. This update was much needed, as the GLE was one of the most outdated vehicles in the Mercedes lineup.

We still don't know exactly how much the new GLE will cost, be we assume it will be close to the outgoing car's starting price of around $55,000. The GLE may be an impressive SUV, but $55,000 is a lot of money. For those who simply can't afford such an expensive SUV, don't worry, because we have seven equally awesome used alternatives.

2007-2015 Mercedes ML63 AMG

Often on these lists, we like to recommend the older version of the more expensive new car, and this no exception. The GLE replaced the ML class when Mercedes switched to the 'GL' naming scheme for its SUVs. The AMG Division will eventually get its hands on the new GLE, but why not spend a lot less on a used ML63 AMG?

Up until 2011, the ML63 was powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 510 hp. This engine was later replaced by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 518 hp. You could wait for the new GLE63, but it will likely cost over $100,000 while the old ML63 can be found ranging from $15,000 to $45,000.

2010-2013 BMW X5 M

The second high-performance German SUV on our list is the BMW X5 M. A used M car may not be as easy to maintain as a new, non-AMG Mercedes, but life is too short to worry about maintenance bills. We found several original X5 M examples selling from $20,000 to $40,000. This beast of an SUV is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the M5 pumping out 555 hp. For those who don't mind high mileage, we also found a few examples of next-generation X5 M, which bumped the power up to 567 hp.

2011-2017 Porsche Cayenne

Finishing off our trifecta of German luxury SUVs is the Porsche Cayenne. It truly doesn't matter which Cayenne model you choose, because they are all great. For this budget, we'd stick to a second generation model which began in 2011. Prices begin as low as around $20,000 for high mileage base and S models, while GTS and Turbo models can attract around $50,000. A 500-hp Cayenne Turbo for $50k sounds pretty good to us.

2016-2019 Volvo XC90

Not everyone buying an SUV wants it to double as a sports car, which is why we adore the Volvo XC90. Unlike some of the other SUVs on this list, the XC90's only priority is luxury. It doesn't have crazy paddle shifters or track modes, but it does have a lovely 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder producing 316 hp. Sadly, the 400-hp T8 hybrid isn't available for less than the price of a new GLE but T5 and T6 variants start at around $30,000 on the used market.

2014-2016 Range Rover Sport

Why settle for even the most powerful 362-hp Mercedes GLE, when for much less you could get a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510 hp? We found used, supercharged Range Rover Sport examples for around $38,000 to $50,000 depending on mileage and year. The lesser V6 supercharged engine can be found for even less and still produces a healthy 340 hp.

2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

Ever since Jeep decided to stuff a 707-hp Hellcat engine into the Grand Cherokee, it's all anyone has been able to talk about. This shouldn't detract from the original Grand Cherokee SRT-8, which is still an incredible SUV. We recommend getting the 2012 facelifted model, which is powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 470 hp. High mileage examples can now be found for less than $20,000, with newer low mileage examples approaching $50,000.

2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg

Though the Volkswagen Touareg may not be the most exciting SUV on this list, we once called it the greatest SUV that has ever been built. Just think about it - the Toureg was so well engineered, it eventually became the platform for the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. The Touareg itself was powered by either a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp or a 3.0-liter diesel producing 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Prices range starting at just $10,000 for used second generation models, making the Touareg the most affordable SUV on this list.

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Can't Afford The New BMW 8 Series Convertible? Here Are 8 Cheaper Alternatives

You can spend way less than $121,000 on a luxury convertible.

BMW wowed us when it first revealed the new 8 Series Coupe. Now, our jaw has gone from dropped to fallen off with the reveal of the new 8 Series Convertible. Like the coupe, the convertible will initially be available in M850i xDrive trim with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 523 horsepower. The 8 Series Convertible is also extremely quick, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds - just 0.2 of a second slower than the coupe.

Pricing starts at $121,400, making it $9,500 more than the coupe. However, if all you want is a fast, luxurious convertible, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the used market. Since this is the BMW 8 Series, after all, we have chosen eight cheaper used alternatives.

2010-2018 Maserati GranTurismo

Although it is nowhere near as powerful or as technologically advanced as the new 8 Series, we'd argue few cars are as beautiful as the Maserati GranTurismo. Used Maserati cars tend to plummet in value, which is why used GranTurismo Convertibles can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. The car is powered by a Ferrari-designed 4.7-liter V8 producing 454 hp. Yes, it is not as powerful as the BMW but it sounds even better. For less than the price of the 8 Series, it is even possible to find the more hardcore MC version.

2012-2018 BMW M6 Convertible

The BMW 8 Series takes the place of the old 6 Series in BMW's lineup. Instead of buying the latest and greatest BMW, some people will be more comfortable taking enormous savings on an older model. The last generation BMW M6 Convertible, the F12, can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. Like the new 8 Series, the M6 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8. However, the M6 is actually more powerful with 560 hp.

2013-2014 Bentley Continental GTC

The BMW 8 Series may sit as the flagship of BMW's lineup but it still cannot compare to the prestige of a Bentley. For less than the cost of a new 8 Series, it is possible to buy a Bentley Continental GTC from around 2013 or 2014 (post facelift). Even at this price, we managed to find certified pre-owned examples with both the 500-hp 4.0-liter V8 and 567-hp 6.0-liter W12.

2011-2014 Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder may not fit the same mold as the other convertibles on this list but we still like it at this price point. We found plenty of used examples with both the 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 with the automatic and manual transmission. Obviously, we prefer the gated manual, though the dual-clutch transmission in the 2014-and-later cars is pretty competent. Even at this price, we managed to find an R8 GT Spyder, which has a 560-hp version of the glorious V10 engine.

2013-2014 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S Cabriolet

Most 911 variants tend to hold their value extremely well but the Turbo models are the lone exception. We found plenty of 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabrio models from the 991.1 generation for less than the price of a new 8 Series. This generation 911 Turbo packed 520 hp from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. The Turbo S bumped the power up to 560 hp going out through a seven-speed PDK transmission. While not as luxurious as the 8 Series, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet can hit 60 mph in under three seconds, making it the quickest on this list.

2011-2015 Jaguar XKR And XKR-S Convertible

Few cars depreciate as quickly as a Jaguar, which is great news if you are in the market for a used one. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 510 hp. We also found several examples of the drop-top XKR-S, which produces 550 hp. We love the old-school styling of the XK and believe it is one of the prettiest cars on this list.

2006-2015 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

While we are on the subject of pretty cars, how about the Aston Martin DB9. Yes, for less than the price of a new BMW you could have a bonafide Aston Martin. By the end of the DB9's life, the 6.0-liter V12 produced 510 hp. The newer DB9 examples can command up to $120,000 but the older models can be found for less than $40,000.

2016-2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 And SL65 Roadster

If you don't feel like waiting for the M version of the BMW 8 Series, just turn your attention to AMG. For less than the M850i, you can get either an SL63 or SL65 AMG Roadster. The SL63 is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp. We also found a few examples of the SL65, which packs a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 621 hp. The SL63 can be found starting at around $85,000 for the most recent, facelifted R231 model, while the SL65 is a bit more expensive.

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Can't Afford The McLaren 600LT? Here Are Some Cheaper Track Weapons

Remember that "cheaper" doesn't mean "cheap."

McLaren has just revealed the fourth car in a line of Longtail variants. It's called the 600LT, and it is a lighter, more track-focused version of the already quick 570S. The 3.8-liter V8 delivers 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and the whole car only weighs 2,749 pounds. McLaren says the 600LT will be a limited production vehicle, with prices starting at $242,152. Assuming you can even buy one at all, that is a large sum of money. Luckily, there are plenty of cheaper track weapons for a lot less.

997 911 GT3 RS ($160-$200,000)

McLaren's $242,000 price tag assumes that you are well connected enough to secure one of these limited edition cars. Instead of fighting to get on the ordering list, why not just buy a used Porsche 911 GT3 RS? The most recent 991 generation GT3 RS can now be found for less than $200,000, but hasn't depreciated below its original MSRP. The GT3 RS obviously does a good job avoiding depreciation, so it is likely a safer investment than the McLaren. We would recommend spending between $160,000 to $200,000 for the manual-only 997 generation GT3 RS, which could become a collectible in the future.

Porsche Cayman GT4 ($90-$120,000)

The 991 GT3 RS is a great track car, but some people aren't fans of the 911's rear-engine layout. Porsche finally built a high-performance variant of the mid-engined Cayman, known as the GT4. The GT4 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six from a 911, producing 385 hp going out to a six-speed manual transmission. Expect to pay less than $100,000 for a GT4 with minimal options and low mileage. More well-optioned cars with paint-to-sample will command much more.

Lotus Evora 400 ($80-$100,000)

People who buy a McLaren may be in love with the idea of owning a bespoke, British sports car. Luckily, another British sports car company builds a track-focused car for a lot less. Many people forget about the Lotus Evora 400, which produces 400 hp from a 3.5-liter Toyota Camry-derived V6 with a supercharger. Though the engine has humble origins, it is plenty powerful and will be easy to maintain. You can scoop up a practically new Evora 400 for around $80,000 to $100,000.

Gallardo Superleggera ($140-$195,000)

McLaren has made a name for itself in racing and building road cars, but most people still associate supercars with Italy. If you want an Italian track-focused supercar, it's hard to go wrong with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. Expect to pay between $140,000 and $195,000 for this 562 hp, V10, mid-engined supercar.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia ($170-$300,000)

Some McLaren models, like the 675LT, managed to increase in value. Still, McLaren has had a hard time controlling the market prices on its used cars - unlike a certain Italian supercar maker. Specialty Ferrari models have been skyrocketing in value lately, which makes the F430 Scuderia such a good value at the moment. You can currently buy a Scuderia from around $170,000 up to over $300,000 for an example with delivery miles.

Dodge Viper ACR ($130-$170,000)

If you don't mind sacrificing a mid-engine layout, as well as the exotic name, the Dodge Viper ACR may be the ideal track car for you. Not only does the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 produce more power than the McLaren (645 hp), the ACR version has enough aero to keep up with almost any car on the track. We expect the ACR to be a future collectible, and prices now range from around $130,000 to $170,000.

Nissan GT-R Nismo ($110-$150,000)

The McLaren is a great track car because it is blisteringly powerful, but also easy to jump in and drive quickly thanks to its amazing software. Before McLaren even started to build road cars again, Nissan made the ultimate tamable sports car, the GT-R. The most powerful GT-R Nismo produces 600 hp from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (more than the McLaren), and can now be found for around $110,000 to $150,000.

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