BMW 540i E39
The E39 generation of BMW’s 5-Series was on the market from 1995 to 2003 and is still widely regarded as one of the best performance sedans ever made. The most respected model is the sublime M5 with a 4.9-liter V8 engine and 400 hp but there’s more to the E39 5-Series than just the M5. Next in line is the almost as good and fast 540i sedan (via Wheels).
Looking almost identical and featuring a 4.4-liter V8 engine, the 540i delivered 291 hp and quick 0 to 60 mph times of around six seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph so this was a fast sedan for its day. While the prices of M5 are slowly going through the roof, the price for a 540i is still surprisingly low.