10 Best V-8 Sedans For 2016

2016 Kia K900 ・ Photo by Kia

It's easy enough to understand the appeal of a V-8 sedan. Even something as basic as the rumble of an eight-cylinder engine roaring through its exhaust pipes is enough to raise the hair on the back of the necks of automobile fans everywhere. When it comes to instant-on power, outstanding torque, and high performance reliability, it's hard to beat a V-8, and when you include a practical sedan package that offers just enough day-to-day utility to justify its higher fuel bill, then you're speaking to an even larger crowd of potential buyers. Let's take a quick look at 10 of the best V-8 sedans you can buy in 2016.

1) 2016 BMW M5

The 2016 BMW M5 isn't satisfied with merely having a 4.4-liter V-8 under its hood - it also stuffs in a pair of turbochargers to extract 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Offered with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the BMW M5 is a comfortable executive car that doubles as a track-day terror once the weekend rolls around thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. Looking for more? The available Competition package introduces an extra 15 ponies to expand your bragging rights amongst BMW cognoscenti.

Photo by BMW

2) 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Of course, if you're looking to boast, it's hard to argue with the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V. Featuring a 640-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 (that also produces 650 lb-ft of torque), the Cadillac CTS-V belies its size on a road course by way of its magnetically adaptive suspension system and its surprisingly lightweight platform. The mid-size CTS-V come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it features a top speed of 200 mph - all without sacrificing the comforts of the standard edition of the sedan. 60 mph is available in a mere 3.7 seconds by way of the Cadillac's launch control system.

3) 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC

Don't let the alphabet soup in the 2016 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC's name fool you: this mid-size marvel is a perennial member of any list of the best V-8 sedans. For the current model year, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC steps up with all-wheel drive, a 5.5-liter turbocharged V-8 engine, and 577 horsepower. That latter figure is paired with 590 lb-ft of torque and managed by a seven-speed automatic transmission, which has been programmed to allow for a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph from a standing start - numbers that wouldn't look out of place next to a supercar's name a mere five years ago.

4) 2016 Chevrolet SS

The 2016 Chevrolet SS certainly doesn't look the part of being the fastest four-door in Chevy's stable, but it would be a mistake to underestimate the conservatively-styled sedan. That bodywork is wrapped around a 6.2-liter V-8 that grinds out 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and you can even swap its six-speed automatic transmission for a traditional six-speed manual should you feel the urge to row your own gears. Like the CTS-V, a magnetic suspension system is available with the SS to help manage its heft when traveling at speed, and should you put the hammer down from a standing start you'll see 60 mph approach in a scant 4.5 seconds.

5) 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

The 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a monster in every sense of the word. This full-size V-8 sedan snags the honor of possessing the most powerful eight-cylinder engine ever offered in a production vehicle: 707 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter mill. If this sounds absolutely bonkers, you're not wrong - SRT had to significantly re-work the aero and suspension package offered with the Charger to help it deal with its rocket-like thrust. The end result is a traction-seeking 2.9 second launch to 60 mph and a top speed of 204 mph, which makes it the fastest four-door car on the market.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

6) 2016 Jaguar XJL Supercharged

The 2016 Jaguar XJL Supercharged combines long-wheelbase class and sophistication with the eyebrow-raising forward thrust of a blown 5.0-liter V-8. This engine offers up 470 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to cause any chauffeur to fear for his or her license, but it's delivered in such a smooth and confident manner that most rear-seat riders won't catch on to their triple-digit rate of travel. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive round out the Jaguar XJL Supercharged's design spec, and the big cat leaps to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

7) 2016 Audi S8 Plus

The 2016 Audi S8 Plus proves that there's always more oomph lurking inside a V-8 sedan that you might have first thought. Building on the already-mighty standard S8, the Audi S8 Plus turns up the wick on its turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 to produce 605 horsepower and as much as 553 lb-ft of torque (that's 85 additional ponies over base for those of you keeping score at home). Throw in an eight-speed automatic transmission and the brand's vaunted quattro all-wheel drive, and you've got a full-size four-door that can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of just below 190 mph.

Photo by Audi

8) 2016 Kia K900

The 2016 Kia K900 sticks a V-8 engine where you wouldn't typically expect to find one: inside the snout of a rear-wheel drive Korean luxury car. The 420-horsepower, 5.0-liter motor available with the Kia K900 is also good for 376 lb-ft of torque, and its eight-speed automatic transmission offers well-managed power delivery across the board. In a straight line the car will hit 60 mph in six seconds, but this is one V-8 sedan that's more about coddling than cone-killing, which explains its exceptionally comfortable rear seat and well-insulated suspension system.

9) 2016 Lexus LS 460

The 2016 Lexus LS 460 is a car that takes after the K900's approach to luxury - or should we say, a car that's found itself in an unexpected battle for the hearts and minds of customers versus Kia's challenger. Much of the Lexus LS 460's game plan matches that of its rival, including its six-second 0-60-mph time, although it does feature the added bonus of optional all-wheel drive. Its 5.0-liter V-8 generates 386 horsepower in the base rear-wheel drive model (AWD exacts a 26-pony penalty), along with 347 lb-ft of twist, and its tomb-like interior slams the door on the ruckus produced by the outside world. An eight-speed automatic is included with each and every LS 460 model.

Photo by Lexus

10) 2016 Infiniti Q70

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 offers the option of a 5.6-liter V-8 as its flagship sedan, and it's a choice that's well worth making at ordering time. The motor's 420 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque are a good match for the Infiniti Q70's lithe chassis, which in turn is paired with a roomy interior and comfortable ride. You can also order the Q70 in long-wheelbase form, which is unusual considering its mid-size roots. The four-door zips to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the go-pedal mashed to the floor, which is a respectable time for a luxury car.