7 German sedans for fun under €15,000

German cars do not embody perfection more than others. But driving in an Audi, BMW or Mercedes sedan gives access to a certain concept of luxury. If their level of finish has dropped a bit in recent years, their build quality remains very flattering and often superior to the competition.. Furthermore, their overall comfort makes them remarkable commuters, while their engine ranges offer a choice of 6-cylinders in a BMW or V6 in an Audi or Mercedes, with a range of powerful and erratic units. And if this whole universe is often still out of reach, the opportunity is an unparalleled playground to mine these models. To help you, we have selected 6 models that are still new, but first copies are easily found for less than €15,000.. In order not to be disappointed in the months after the purchase, it remains to ensure the maintenance and reliability of the selected engine.

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Audi sedans under €15,000

Audi A4 was produced in 2008-2015 with prices starting from 8500 euros

In particular, the A5 and A6 are developing front with a more determined look reminiscent of their older siblings.©Audi

Whether it’s the January 2008 version or the November 2011 facelift, this A4 shines with build quality. On the road, it exhibits pleasant behavior such as suspension comfort. Plus, amidst the range of engines on offer, the excellent 2.0 TDI lets you have fun without breaking the bank. You’ll just have to put up with a slightly vague direction sometimes. In use, we can only fault this A4 for its somewhat small door boxes and out-of-place MMI wheel, which forces you to take your eyes off the road.

Audi A6 was produced between 2011 and 2018 with prices starting from 13,500 euros

Although the fourth-generation Audi A6 has a more expressive look than before, it has a fairly conservative style.
Although the fourth-generation Audi A6 has a more expressive look than before, it has a fairly conservative style.©Audi

The A6 is the BCBG way at Audi. He had to move forward to protect his appeal. Moreover, it only takes a few kilometers to see that the nasty jolts that affected its predecessor at the slightest imperfection in the road surface have disappeared. Another improvement is that the diesel’s rumble at idle is better contained than before. Despite the current electric assistance, easy to control and accurate steering, the A6, on the other hand, disappoints with average efficiency of the chassis and excellent braking.. The big Audi remains as roomy, welcoming a cruiser as its German rivals – with interior space identical to its predecessor. But the third place in the back is cheating, because the posture is uncomfortable.

Used BMW sedans under €15,000

BMW 3 Series produced between 2011 and 2019, from €11,500

The BMW 3 Series upends its performance and resembles the smaller 5 Series more than ever.
The BMW 3 Series upends its performance and resembles the smaller 5 Series more than ever.©BMW

It’s good to live aboard the old 3 Series. Permanent representatives of this brand will not be out of place on the driver-oriented dashboard. The seats are welcoming, but as always with BMW, space in the back is limited. Whatever the engine, efficient and alert, it makes one hell of a road car, even if it’s lost a bit of the agility that sets BMW cars apart.. Even the bumpy roads have some body movement. Note that controlled damping (optional on some models) makes things right.

BMW 5 Series produced between 2010 and 2017, from €9,500

Developing its bourgeois ways, the 5 Series resembles the smaller 7 Series more than ever.  Lovers of elegance and comfort will be pleased, but those who appreciate dynamism will be disappointed by the indifference of this 523i petrol version.
Developing its bourgeois ways, the 5 Series resembles the smaller 7 Series more than ever. Lovers of elegance and comfort will be pleased, but those who appreciate dynamism will be disappointed by the indifference of this 523i petrol version.©BMW

This 5 Series is fun to drive as well as comfortable. The range of engines, all from BVA, is as complete as it is efficient and relatively sober. In gasoline, as in diesel, it will be necessary to give preference to 6-cylinder blocks, because the chassis is a little indifferent for the 523i and 520d versions.. This Series 5 lacks a hint of habitability to achieve perfect synthesis. And a slightly shorter list of options to lower prices.

Used Mercedes sedans under €15,000

Mercedes C-Class, produced between 2007 and 2014, from €9,500

The central inverted bumper air intake is reminiscent of the E-Class.
The central inverted bumper air intake is reminiscent of the E-Class.©Mercedes

In 2007, Mercedes revised the C-Class and gave it a good dose of dynamism. More lively than its predecessor, this third generation also exhibits good comfort if the roads are not too bad. Because when they are, damping with two laws sometimes ensures dry responses of the suspension. Safety equipment is still top-notch for the category, and standard equipment is interesting. The only way to avoid slippery gear changes with a manual gearbox is to opt for an automatic, which is very successful. On the other hand, there is no escape from the sticky steering wheel and limited rear space in the city.

Mercedes E-Class, produced between 2002 and 2010, with prices starting at 5,500 euros

A stellar road car is more about reassuring the owner than giving real driving pleasure.
A stellar road car is more about reassuring the owner than giving real driving pleasure.© DR

Exemplary technological content and comfort make this E-Class a born tourer. As a bonus, it offers generous space, a particularly neat presentation and a full range of standard equipment rather than the basic Classic finish. Along with these high-level services, a few details stand out, such as the unpleasant controls of the manual gearbox (a habit in Mercedes) or even the gross mistakes made in the finish.. Braking is good, but pedal feel is unappealing. In addition, expensive maintenance costs and, above all, the improved reliability of electronics, little to do with brand prestige and reputation, may put some people off. The wagon version, with a loading volume ranging from 650 to 1950 dm3, is simply huge.

Mercedes E-Class, produced between 2009 and 2016, from €12,500

Gone are the four optics: the E-Class abandoned this feature for mid-career restyling.
Gone are the four optics: the E-Class abandoned this feature for mid-career restyling.©Mercedes

This E-Class leaves mixed feelings. It’s serious, clean, well built, but the atmosphere lacks warmth and the finish, which exudes quality, sometimes lacks toughness. Behind the wheel, this 4.87 m sedan knows how to make people forget about its size and weight. Including in the city, where smoothness and a good turning radius make life easier. Comfort on the highway is remarkable and, with the exception of some fittings, the suspension absorbs unevenness perfectly.. Well planted on the ground, the E is controlled with one hand. It shows great agility on the road: balanced, always stable. Despite its weight, it easily adapts to curves. The steering applies wide angles to the steering wheel, but does not offer the “sticky” aspect of the old one. The trunk of the wagon is big.

has been published 27/11/2022 Updated 27/11/2022 Francois Lemaur and editorial staff

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