No one does performance sedans quite as well as the Europeans, and some might say that the 1990s were a golden era for these supercar-slaying four-door beasts. From the outside, they looked fairly normal and sensible (well, at least most of them did, but we’ll get to that later), but under the hood lurked massive V8 engines, turbochargers, and even the occasional Ferrari mill.
That’s right, these cars blended practicality with pure insanity, allowing them to dominate the Autobahn, serpentine alpine roads, and even the racetrack. Let’s take a look at the most outrageous European sedans of the 1990s that could make everyday driving feel like a lap of Le Mans.
Lotus Carlton / Lotus Omega (1990–1992)
Born from the unassuming Opel Omega/Vauxhall Carlton, the Lotus Carlton redefined what a family car could do. Its twin-turbo 3.6-liter inline-six pumped out 377 horsepower, which was enough to hit 176 mph and earn a spot in British tabloids for being “too fast for the road.” No, I’m not kidding! Its legendary speed made it the vehicle of choice for British bank robbers, leading to the British Parliament debating whether it should be banned, influenced by a campaign from the Daily Mail and the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Luckily, the attempt to ban it ultimately failed. Sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in just over five seconds, the Lotus Carlton embarrassed supercars of its time and infuriated politicians. A total of 950 Lotus Carlton and Lotus Omega models were produced between 1990 and 1992. Of these, 320 were badged as the Lotus Carlton (for right-hand drive markets) and 630 were badged as the Lotus Omega (for left-hand drive markets), making it one of the rarest and most infamous performance sedans of all time.
Mercedes-Benz 500E / E500 (W124, 1991–1994)
Built in collaboration with Porsche, the Mercedes 500E was the ultimate German stealth weapon of the early ’90s. Beneath its understated lines lurked a hand-built, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter, 32-valve V8 pumping out 322 thoroughbred German horses and 354 lb-ft of torque, all of which was sent to the rear tires. This engine, shared with the R129 SL 500 roadster, was a groundbreaking addition for its time, giving the car supercar-level performance with a 0-60 mph time of about 5.5-5.9 seconds.
Porsche was commissioned to adapt the W124 chassis and suspension to accommodate a large 5.0-liter M119 V8 engine. Since the 500E was too wide for the standard Mercedes assembly line, the car bodies would be sent from Mercedes to Porsche for assembly of the chassis and drivetrain. They were then sent back to Mercedes for painting, before being returned to Porsche for the final assembly and engine installation. This intricate process meant each car took around 18 days to build. It was worth it, though, seeing as
BMW M5 (E34, 1988–1995)
The E34 M5 may have gotten its start in the late 1980s, but it was perfected during the ’90s. Hand-built at BMW’s M facility in Garching, the E34 M5 was a proper sports car disguised as a large, sensible sedan. Pop the E34 M5’s hood and you’ll find the BMW S38 inline-six engine. Early models had the 3,535ccm version, but in later versions it had grown to 3,795cc. Those first years had a very respectable 311 hp, but with larger capacity came more power, and the later cars sent 340 horsepower to the rear wheels.
In its last year of production, the E34 M5’s transmission was upgraded from a 5-speed manual to the Getrag 420G 6-speed manual. This iconic sedan was the gentleman’s express that could devour the autobahn at 150 mph all day long and look good doing it. As far as analog performance sedans go, it remains one of BMW’s purest driver’s cars to this day.
BMW M5 (E39, 1998–2003)
The E34 BMW M5 was a tough act to follow, but the E39 made it look easy. Launched at the tail end of the ’90s, the E39 was the first M5 to use a V8 rather than the inline-6 the Bavarians were so famous for. This monster produced 400 hp that were sent to the rear via a six-speed manual gearbox, and to make things even sweeter, the E39 had one of BMW’s best chassis ever. No wonder many enthusiasts still think it’s the best M5 of all time.
It would smash through the 60 mph barrier in under five seconds, revved to 7,000 rpm, and handled like a lithe sports coupe. Understated yet devastatingly quick, the E39 M5 became the benchmark for all modern super-sedans. You won’t find many modern sedans that deliver such balance, feedback, and mechanical soul.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210, 1998–2002)
Obviously, Mercedes-Benz couldn’t let its Bavarian rival have all the fun, so it reached out to AMG (this was before the tuning house went fully corporate) and had them convert the comfortable W210 E-Class into a proper monster in the shape of the E55. While its name suggests it’s powered by a 5.5-liter, it actually had a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 under the hood. This hand-built unit produced around 350 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, and was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
While not as sporty as the Bimmer, the AMG Merc packed a serious punch and scrambled to 62 mph in just over five seconds. Understated, yet menacing and brutally effective, the W210 E55 AMG defined the “autobahn stormer” for a new generation, as it was essentially a muscle car in a fancy suit.
Brabus EV12 7.3 (W210, 1996-1999)
The Brabus EV12 7.3 W210 was a limited-production, high-performance car based on the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, featuring a massive 7.3-liter V12 engine built by Brabus. It was known for its extreme power, with Brabus claiming the engine produced 582 horsepower and 575.3 lb/ft of torque, resulting in a top speed that was electronically limited to 205 mph, and a 0-62 mph time of about 4.8 seconds.
Brabus only built 10 of these four-door supercars, making the EV12 7.3 an extremely rare and valuable vehicle that’s highly sought after by collectors world wide.
Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 (1992–1998)
Every self-respecting Alfaholic out there lusts after the 155 Q4 these days, but it wasn’t particularly popular back when it was new. If you’re not a huge fan of Alfa Romeos, let me explain what makes it so awesome. First of all, there’s the boxy styling, which was made famous by the legendary 155 touring car that dominated European racetracks. Second, the 155 Q4 was basically a Lancia Delta Integrale underneath.
That’s right! The 155 Q4’s drivetrain was derived from the famous Lancia Delta Integrale rally car homologation special, which meant a turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve engine with 190 hp and permanent four-wheel drive. It also had three differential gears and was available with electronically adjustable suspension. Approximately 2,700 Alfa Romeo 155 Q4s were built, making it a fairly rare find today, but back in the day, it was the car of choice for Italian executives who preferred to take the scenic route home — sideways.
Lancia Thema 8.32 (1986–1992)
Alfa Romeo wasn’t the only Italian carmaker that knew how to make exciting sedans. In fact, it’s fair to say that Lancia took things even further with its Thema 8.32. This car was pure Italian excess. Why else would anyone go through the trouble of building a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan powered by a Ferrari V8?!
With 215 horsepower and a screaming 7,000 rpm redline, it mixed walnut-trimmed elegance with supercar noise. Granted, the Thema 8.32 wasn’t particularly practical, nor especially reliable, but literally no one cared about that when the V8 came alive! That said, there’s probably a reason why no one else has dared to build something this outrageous ever again.
Audi S6 Plus (C4, 1996–1997)
The C4 Audi S6 Plus was a rare, high-performance variant of the S6 produced in 1996 and 1997. Unlike the standard S6, which was powered by a 5-cylinder engine, the S6 Plus had a massive 4.2-liter V8 unit producing 326 hp, all of which were sent to all four wheels via an upgraded 6-speed manual transmission. It also featured a retuned suspension and brakes to help keep things under control.
Here’s a fun fact for you: The S6 Plus was the first fully quattro GmbH product and featured unique badging and a limited color palette. It is a desirable collector’s item due to its limited production run of just 952 units (only 97 of those were sedans), and the fact that it combined luxury, traction, and brute power into one stealthy package.
Volvo 850 T-5R / 850R (1995–1997)
Volvo has always built cars that didn’t look like your typical performance car, only for them to leave sports car owners to choke on their dust as the lights turn green. The iconic 240 Turbo, affectionately known as the Flying Brick, is the perfect example of this. In the 1990s, Volvo launched the 850 T-5R and 850R, and these sedans pack a Swedish surprise. The 850 T-5R and 850R were available in bright yellow for those who wanted a sleeper car that stood out from the crowd (does that even make sense?), and the 5-cylinder turbo engine packed up to 250 horsepower.
That may not sound like much, but keep in mind that this was front-wheel drive and all the fancy tech that helps prevent torque steer was not yet invented. Still, that didn’t stop these Volvos from hitting 60 mph in under six seconds. The same platform stormed the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) in wagon form, proving even boxy Swedes could throw a proper punch.
Maserati Quattroporte IV (1994–2001)
Marcello Gandini’s angular design gave the fourth-generation Maserati Quattroporte a sharp, almost brutal presence that very much resembles the brand’s two-door models of that era. Well, there’s a perfectly good reason for that, as the Quattroporte IV was built on a modified version of the Biturbo’s architecture. Early cars used a twin-turbocharged V6, and later models received the new V8 engine from the Maserati Shamal grand tourer.
In true Maserati style, the Quattroporte delivered plenty of power, a glorious soundtrack, endless style… and questionable build quality. Equal parts beautiful and infuriating, the Quattroporte IV was the automotive equivalent of fine wine — temperamental but intoxicating when it hit right.
Saab 9000 Aero (1993–1997)
Saab used to be the Swedish car brand of choice for architects and dentists, and in Aero guise, their cars would even satisfy a jet pilot’s need for speed. The Saab 9000 Aero certainly flew under the radar, as there wasn’t much that would tip off other road users as to what was hiding under its sleek hood.
Its turbocharged 2.3-liter engine produced 225 horsepower, and the 9000 Aero could cruise at 150 mph all day while offering heated seats and space for five. Saab’s “Black Panel” dash and aircraft-inspired ergonomics added character to its performance. It was a true Q-car, with equal parts luxury, lunacy, and understated Scandinavian stubbornness.
Opel Vectra Turbo 4×4 (1991–1994)
Rare, underappreciated, and fast, the Vectra Turbo 4×4 was Opel’s secret weapon. This model was produced from 1992 to 1994/1995 and was a limited-production vehicle, with around 2,252 units made. It was expensive, too, costing twice as much as the regular Vectra 2.0i.
The added cost was probably worth it, though, as the Vectra’s 2.0-liter turbo engine made 204 horsepower, and was paired with all-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential. It was sharp, grippy, and quicker than its plain looks suggested. A true hidden gem of early-’90s performance engineering.
Jaguar XJR (X300, 1994–1997)
British carmakers are right up there with the best of ’em when it comes to building fun cars targeted directly at driving enthusiasts, and when Jaguar dropped a supercharger onto the XJR‘s 4.0-liter straight-six, the result was pure British mischief. With 322 horsepower and enough torque to shame an M5, the XJR blended luxury and lunacy.
The coolest thing about the Jaguar XJR was that it really looked like old money but had the performance of a new money sports car. I can’t really think of many cars that balanced charm and brute force so elegantly… or so loudly, for that matter.
Citroën XM V6 24v (1989–2000)
People who love weird engineering and technical solutions often seem to have a penchant for French cars, more specifically Citroën, a brand that’s famous for its quirky and futuristic solutions to problems most people didn’t even know existed. Citroën’s XM V6 24v was a luxury sedan that looked like a spaceship and rode on liquid suspension.
Its 3.0-liter engine had a variable intake system and became known for its smooth performance. With around 200 horsepower, the XM V6 was decently quick, and when it worked, nothing felt smoother. When it didn’t, well, at least it still looked outrageous, even though owners were pulling out their hair. Definitely a car for dreamers, not accountants.
Peugeot 405 T16 (1993–1995)
The Peugeot 405 T16 may look like the average European taxi from the mid-90s, but look beneath its unassuming four-door body and you’ll soon realize that this is more like a practical, road-legal rally car. The Peugeot 405 T16 is a high-performance version of the 405 sedan, combining a sports car’s performance with a family car’s comfort.
Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 196 hp (with an overboost function adding power), which is sent to all four wheels. That kind of power resulted in a top speed of 147 mph, and thanks to the advanced suspension, it could easily embarrass more expensive cars on twisty roads. Elegant on the outside, explosive underneath, it proved that Peugeot still had racing DNA to burn in the ’90s. They only built 1,061 examples of the 405 T16, making it excruciatingly rare today.
Rover 620 Ti (1993–1999)
In the ’90s, those looking for a British sports sedan, but without the infamous British build quality could get behind the wheel of the Rover 620 Ti. Under its conservative body, the Rover 620 Ti hid a turbocharged Honda-derived 2.0-liter engine making 200 horsepower.
It was Britain’s unassuming answer to the BMW 3 Series — fast, fun, and surprisingly tough. Affordable, underrated, and full of old-school turbo charm, it’s one of the era’s great forgotten sports sedans.
Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (1990)
Understated is definitely not a word that’s used when talking about the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II. Technically, the 190E was introduced in the early 1980s, but the 190E Evo II homologation special didn’t arrive until 1990. This was Mercedes at its wildest! They built this car purely to dominate DTM racing and teach BMW and its E30 M3 a lesson.
It had a Cosworth-tuned 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 235 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, adjustable suspension, wide arches, and a massive rear wing that looked like a park bench. Only 502 were built, because that was the minimum requirement for it to go racing, and each was a street-legal touring car masterpiece.
BMW Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo (E34, 1989–1994)
Pretend you’re a hedge fund manager in the 1990s, and you want a fast German car. You could get a Porsche 911, but it had a reputation of being something of a widow maker, sending Wall Street bankers backwards off a cliff faster than you could say “oversteer”! Of course, there was the regular M5, but it was too common and not fast enough. Luckily, Alpina had an answer in the form of the E34 B10 Bi-Turbo!
The Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo was the world’s fastest sedan at its debut. Its twin-turbo 3.5-liter inline-six made 360 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, which was enough to launch it to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 181 mph if you were brave enough to keep the throttle buried in the carpet. Hand-built luxury, Bavarian precision, and outrageous speed, this was Alpina at its peak.
Renault Safrane Biturbo (1993–1996)
What’s that? You’ve never heard of the Renault Safrane Biturbo? Fair enough, I can’t say I blame you, as it’s not exactly a well-known model. Renault intended the Safrane Biturbo to be a high-performance, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan that could compete with German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. Obviously, it never did, but it still deserves a spot on this list.
It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter PRV V6 engine developed in collaboration with German firms Hartge and Irmscher, producing 268 horsepower that went to all four wheels. Plush, over-engineered, and completely unexpected from Renault, it was the ultimate executive oddball. Despite its impressive performance, the Renault Safrane Biturbo was not a commercial success, with only 806 units sold, and is now a rare collector’s item.
