Every enthusiast dreams of owning a fast car. Driving at speed, making noise, and getting onlookers excited is energizing. However, it often attracts the wrong attention — the kind that enforces the law. If only cars had stealth mode for hiding in plain sight. Thankfully, some do.

Sleeper cars look like everyday commuter cars while hiding powerful performance underneath. They're perfect for drivers who enjoy driving at pace but don't want to be pulled over constantly. Plus, they're often much cheaper than buying full-fat performance versions.

The ultimate sleeper car is plain-looking, fast, and powerful. We've picked out 12 depreciated sleepers that offer crazy performance on a budget. Each has at least 300 horsepower and sprints from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds or less, all while costing under $30,000. These sports sedans and SUVs will surprise anyone who dares challenge them.

HotCars compiled this list of sleeper cars using the following selection criteria: at least 300 horsepower, a 0 to 60 mph of under six seconds, and an unassuming appearance. We then ranked them from most to least expensive based on a Kelley Blue Book Fair Market Value of under $30,000.

12 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 400: $27,720

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)

This may look like a no-nonsense executive car, but the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E 400 knows how to have fun. A 3.0-liter V6 engine lies behind its business attire, unleashing 329 HP for a 5.3-second sprint from zero to 60 mph. Even the 4Matic version is rear-wheel biased for a bit more excitement.

The 2024 E-class is the most high-tech Mercedes-Benz ever, and the 2017 model is not far behind. This model year features semi-autonomous driving capabilities and advanced safety systems. It remains an impressive vehicle to date.

11 2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Hybrid: $25,581

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Volvo)

The Volvo XC60 is undeniably one of the best-looking mid-sized SUVs on the market. The simple exterior and minimalist interior are elegant, while intelligent safety features inspire confidence. Aimed at families, Volvo mixes advanced safety features and hybrid technology into the XC60, making it a safe and efficient SUV.

A side effect of the eco-friendly engine is the mass of power. The already potent supercharged 2.0-liter engine is given an extra boost from the electric motor, building a combined power output of 400 horsepower. While that's an unnecessary amount for a family SUV, it will put a smile on the kids' faces, and the adults' too.

10 2017 Audi A8 L 4.0: $23,000

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Audi)

Every manufacturer has one flagship model — a car that is ridiculously good. It's basically an all-in-one of what can be done. For Audi, that car is the Audi A8 L. Its long wheelbase, double-glazed windows, and air suspension make it the perfect chauffeur car, but we think it's best driven.

Beneath the A8's slightly understated exterior, an intense 4.0-liter V8 engine causes drivers to have a lead foot. This heavy barge can shift, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 4.4 seconds. No wonder it was the getaway car of choice for The Transporter movies. Lucky for used car buyers, depreciation hit this hard. To buy this as a new car in 2017 would have cost over $92,000.

9 2018 Volvo S90 T6: $22,061

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Volvo)

Another entry from Volvo is the 2018 Volvo S90 T6, a sophisticated sedan that hides a powerful secret. While its exterior exudes the same Scandinavian elegance and simplicity as the XC60, the S90's subtle looks and serious performance capabilities make it worthy of the sleeper car title. With a supercharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 316 horsepower, it can reach 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

8 2015 Lexus LS 460: $21,179

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Lexus)

The Lexus LS is another flagship model by the Japanese automaker. First introduced in 1989, the LS set the benchmark for impeccable luxury cars. Lexus sets itself apart with hand-crafted interiors.

Adding Japanese flair, models like the Lexus LC look like works of art, while the 2015 Lexus LS 460 V8 combines traditional luxury with a 4.6-liter V8 engine for unexpected performance. Recent versions dropped this engine, only offering two V6 options.

7 2015 Mercedes CLS 550: $20,508

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has unique looks, but still radiates class. Its elongated body has the practicality of a sedan, while the sloping roof design brings the sportiness of a coupe. In fact, it coined the term four-door coupe.

Enhancing the athletic appearance is a 402 bhp 4.6-liter V8. Despite being similar to the Lexus LS in many respects, the CLS has a faster 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

6 2017 Audi A6 3.0T: $19,471

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Audi)

Not quite as luxurious as the A8, the Audi A6 still impresses executives. The 2017 Audi A6 3.0T houses a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 340 hp through its eight-speed gearbox. This will make Mercedes sweat as it keeps pace, completing a 0-60 run in 5.1 seconds, too. This just looks a bit more proportionate, making the A6 a prime example of a sleeper car.

5 2015 BMW 550i sedan: $16,534

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of BMW)

Winning the race between the German cars is BMW. The BMW 5 Series' classic styling hides its exceptional performance. It features a 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 445 horsepower, rocketing it from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Keeping the signature sports DNA, it comes with fun as standard.

4 2017 Kia K900 V8: $16,107

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Kia)

In its early days, Kia was simply an affordable car brand. However, the Korean brand baffled the world by making fast cars to rival luxury brands. As if a leather interior, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof as standard was not enough, Kia threw a powerful V8 engine into the K900, resulting in a cheap car that will make you feel like a million bucks.

Its understated exterior makes the K900 a true sleeper car. The K900 challenges established luxury brands by offering a high-performance vehicle at a more accessible price point, making it a standout choice for under $30,000.

3 2016 Jaguar XE 35t : $12,978

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Jaguar)

Another car with excellent value for money is the Jaguar XE. Jaguar Land Rover is the epitome of British luxury, made famous by the ongoing fleet contract with the royal family. The XE is the entry-level of the range, but it's still high-quality and dynamic.

Despite its reserved exterior, the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t combines elegance with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 340 horsepower, allowing it to reach 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

2 2014 Infiniti Q50 S: $12,057

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of Infiniti)

Infiniti’s Q50 series replaced the popular G series, bringing new technology like Direct Adaptive Steering to improve this performance-oriented vehicle. An overlooked Japanese sleeper that beats German performance for a fraction of the price, the Q50 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 328 horsepower.

1 2015 BMW X3 35i : $11,957

Performance Specifications

(Specs courtesy of BMW)

The cheapest fast yet understated car we found that offers luxury, practicality, and sportiness is the BMW X3 35i, and there's a lot to love about it. Big, bulky styling makes it a cool sleeper, as nobody will expect it to do 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces 300 horsepower and pulls this heavy SUV along like a freight train.

Sources: Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz