7 German sedans to enjoy for less than 15,000 euros

7 German sedans to enjoy for less than 15,000 euros

German cars do not embody perfection any more. But driving in an Audi, BMW or Mercedes sedan gives access to a certain concept of luxury. If their level of finish has tended to decline a bit in recent years, their build quality remains very attractive and often above the competition.. In addition, their overall comfort makes them great commuters while their engine ranges still leave the choice with powerful and uncompressed blocks, whether it’s the 6-cylinder in BMW’s line or the V6 in Audi or Mercedes. And if all of this universe is often inaccessible in the new, the occasion is an unparalleled playground to search for these archetypes. To help you, we have selected 6 models that are still fresh but whose first copies can easily be found under 15,000 euros. It remains to ensure the maintenance and reliability of the chosen engine so that it does not suffer disappointment in the months following the purchase.

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A used Audi sedan under 15,000 euros

Audi A4 produced between 2008 and 2015, from 8,500 euros

It is the interface that develops in particular, with a more defined look, evoking the two big sisters A5 and A6.© Audi

Whether it’s the version released in January 2008 or the restyled model in November 2011, this A4 impresses with its build quality. On the road, it has a pleasant demeanor, as does the comfort of the suspension. Moreover, in the middle of the range of available engines, the excellent 2.0 TDI lets you have fun without breaking the bank. It will simply be necessary to put up with a trend that is sometimes a bit ambiguous. In use, we can only blame the A4 for its small door bins and misplaced MMI wheel, the use of which forces you to take your eyes off the road.

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Audi A6 produced between 2011 and 2018, from 13,500 euros

The fourth generation Audi A6 adopts a rather conservative style, despite its more expressive appearance than before.
The fourth generation Audi A6 adopts a rather conservative style, despite its more expressive appearance than before.© Audi

The A6 is Audi’s BCBG road. She had to step up in order to maintain her attractiveness. Moreover, a few kilometers are enough to see the disappearance of the terrible jerks that affected its predecessor at the slightest defect in the road. Another advance, the diesel’s rumble at idle seems to be contained better than before. Easy to drive and precise steering despite now electric assistance, the A6 disappoints, on the other hand, with its average chassis efficiency and exemplary braking.. Otherwise, the large Audi remains a welcoming cruiser, just as spacious as its German rivals – interior space is the same as that of its predecessor. But the third position in the back is a decoy, as the position is uncomfortable.

Used BMW sedans under 15,000 euros

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

The BMW 3 Series revs its performance upwards and is more reminiscent than ever of a small 5 Series.
The BMW 3 Series revs its performance upwards and is more reminiscent than ever of a small 5 Series.© BMW

It’s nice to live aboard the old third series. The brand’s regulars wouldn’t be out of place with a driver-oriented dashboard. Seating is welcome, but as usual in BMW, space in the back is limited. Whatever the engine is efficient and discreet, it turns out to be one hell of a car on the road, even if it loses a bit of the agility that set BMWs a little apart.. There are even some off-road body movements. Note that controlled damping (optional on some models) fixes things.

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

Evolving its bourgeois ways, the 5 Series is more reminiscent than ever of the 7 Series. Refinement and comfort will delight enthusiasts, but those who value dynamism will be disappointed by the slackness of this 523i petrol version.
Evolving its bourgeois ways, the 5 Series is more reminiscent than ever of the 7 Series. Refinement and comfort will delight enthusiasts, but those who value dynamism will be disappointed by the slackness of this 523i petrol version.© BMW

This Series 5, in addition to being fun to drive, is comfortable. The range of engines, entirely in BVA, is as complete as it is efficient and relatively discreet. In petrol as in diesel it will nevertheless be necessary to prefer the 6-cylinder blocks, because the chassis is a bit flimsy for the 523i and 520d versions.. This Series 5 lacks an indication of habitability to achieve perfect tuning. And a slightly shorter list of options to lower prices.

Used Mercedes cars under 15,000 Euros

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

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

For 2007, Mercedes revised its C-Class and injected it with a good dose of dynamism. More luxurious than its predecessor, this third generation also offers good comfort, as long as the roads are not too slippery. Because when they are, two-law damping sometimes provides dry reactions for the suspension. The safety equipment is top notch for the class and the standard equipment is still interesting. The only way to avoid jerky gear changes with a manual gearbox is to opt for an automatic transmission, which is also very successful. On the other hand, there’s no way to escape sticky city steering and limited rear roominess.

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Mercedes E-Class produced between 2002 and 2010, from 5,500 euros

A road car with a star reassures its owner more than it delivers real driving pleasure.
A road car with a star reassures its owner more than it delivers real driving pleasure.© dr

Its perfect technological content and comfort make this E-Class a fledgling tourer. As a bonus, it offers generous spaciousness, a particularly elegant presentation and a very complete standard equipment of essential classic finishes. Along with these top-flight services, some details stand out, such as the unpleasant manual gearbox controls (usually in Mercedes) or even the blunders that get made at the end.. Braking is good, but the pedal feel is not working. In addition, the high cost of maintenance, and above all the improved reliability of the electronics, which has nothing to do with the prestige and reputation of the brand, may turn some people away. The station wagon version, whose cargo volume ranges from 650 to 1950 cubic decimeters, is simply gigantic.

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

Gone are the four optics: for the sake of its mid-career redesign, the E-class ditched this feature.
Gone are the four optics: for the sake of its mid-career redesign, the E-class ditched this feature.© Mercedes

This E-class leaves a mixed feeling. It is serious, clean and well planned, but the atmosphere lacks warmth and finish, which exudes quality, and at times lacks rigor. When driving, this 4.87-meter sedan knows how to make people forget its size and weight. Including in the city, where smoothness and a good turning radius make life easier. On the highway, comfort is superb and the suspension, with the exception of some texturing, absorbs unevenness brilliantly.. Well planted on the ground, the E is operated with one hand. On the road, it shows great agility: always balanced and stable. Despite its weight, it turns easily. The trend forces wide angles on the steering wheel, but it’s not the “sticky” side of the old wheel. The trunk of the station wagon is massive.

Posted in 11/27/2022 updated 11/27/2022 François Lemur and the editorial staff

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