Best V8 Cars to Rent in Europe: 7 Top Picks from the Rentolux Fleet

There is a reason the V8 engine has been the heart of performance cars for over 60 years. Eight cylinders. Two banks of four. A firing order that produces a sound no other engine configuration can match — deep, authoritative, and instantly recognisable whether it is burbling at idle or screaming at full throttle.

V8 cars sit in a sweet spot that very few engine types can occupy. They are powerful enough to feel genuinely fast. They are smooth enough to be comfortable on long drives. And they sound better than almost anything else on the road. Whether it is the twin-turbo V8 bark of a Mercedes-AMG, the cultured growl of a Bentley V8, or the aggressive exhaust note of a BMW M car, a V8 makes every journey feel like an occasion.

This guide covers the 7 best V8 cars you can rent in Europe right now — all available through Rentolux, one of Europe’s most respected luxury car rental platforms. Whether you are looking for sports car hire, a V8 biturbo SUV for a family road trip, or a full-on exotic car rental experience, there is a car on this list for you.

We will cover:

• What makes a V8 engine special
• The 7 best V8 cars available to hire through Rentolux
• How the V8 compares to V12 and other engine options
• How to rent a V8 luxury car in Europe
• Answers to the most common questions about V8 car hire

What Makes a V8 Engine Special?

Before we get into the cars, it is worth understanding why the V8 is so highly regarded — and why it has remained the engine of choice for performance and luxury cars for decades.

The V8 Sound — Why Nothing Else Comes Close

The AMG V8 sound is one of the most recognisable things in the automotive world. It comes from the way the eight cylinders fire in sequence — producing a deep, rhythmic, overlapping exhaust note that feels almost musical at high revs. Car engineers and enthusiasts often describe it as the most emotionally satisfying engine noise ever produced.

This is not just opinion. It is physics. The V8 firing order creates a specific harmonic frequency that human ears respond to instinctively. It is why AMG puts so much effort into tuning the exhaust systems on their V8 cars — the sound is part of the product.

Here is how the V8 compares to other common engine configurations:

Engine Type	Sound Character	Power Output	Smoothness	Examples
V8	Deep, authoritative growl	500–800hp typical	Excellent	AMG G63, Bentley GTC
V12	High-pitched, operatic	600–1,000hp+	Supreme	Lamborghini Revuelto
V6 Hybrid	Sharp, almost electric	600–850hp	Very good	Ferrari 296 GTS
Flat-Six	Unique, mechanical wail	380–650hp	Good	Porsche 911
Inline-6	Smooth, refined	400–600hp	Very good	BMW M5 (older)

The V8 is not the most powerful or the smoothest — but it is the one that makes you feel something every time you press the accelerator. That is why it keeps coming back.

V8 vs V12 — Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common questions in luxury car hire. Both engines are exceptional, but they deliver very different experiences.

Choose a V8 if:

• You want a more accessible, everyday performance experience
• You are hiring a luxury SUV or grand tourer for a longer trip
• You want the classic, iconic V8 sound without the extreme intensity of a V12
• You prefer a car that is easier to drive at normal road speeds
• Budget is a consideration — V8 cars typically hire at lower daily rates than V12 supercars

Choose a V12 if:

• You want the absolute maximum in terms of power and drama
• You are booking a once-in-a-lifetime supercar experience
• You want a car that will leave everyone around it speechless
• The Lamborghini Revuelto or similar is your target

For most people hiring a performance car in Europe — whether for a weekend road trip, a business trip with style, or a special occasion — a V8 luxury car hits the sweet spot perfectly.

Twin-Turbo V8 — The Modern Standard

Almost every modern high-performance V8 uses twin-turbochargers — one turbo for each bank of four cylinders. This setup produces significantly more power than a naturally aspirated V8 while keeping fuel consumption more manageable.

The twin-turbo V8 setup is used in:

• Mercedes-AMG G63 and G63 Facelift
• Bentley Continental GTC Speed (V8 hybrid)
• Bentley Bentayga S (V8)
• BMW X6 M Competition
• BMW M5 M Performance

Modern twin-turbo V8 engines are also far more responsive than older turbocharged units. Lag — the delay between pressing the throttle and the turbo spooling up — has been largely eliminated through better engineering. The result is an engine that feels immediate, powerful, and always ready.

The 7 Best V8 Cars to Rent in Europe

Here are the top V8 cars available through Rentolux right now. Each one has been selected for a different reason — because different drivers want different things from a V8 luxury car hire experience.

1. Mercedes-AMG G63 Facelift

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is not just a car. It is a cultural statement. For decades it has been the vehicle of choice for royalty, athletes, heads of state, and anyone who wants to make an entrance without saying a word. The 2025 Facelift version takes everything that made the original great and makes it sharper, faster, and more dramatic.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
• Power: 585 horsepower
• Torque: 850 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• Body style: Full-size luxury SUV
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 9-speed automatic

The AMG V8 sound in the G63 is something you have to experience in person. At idle it produces a deep, crackling burble through the performance exhaust. On acceleration it builds into a full, authoritative roar that is completely at odds with what the boxy G-Wagen shape would lead you to expect. It sounds like nothing else on the road.

The Rentolux fleet features the G63 in Full Black, Full Carbon specification — one of the most visually striking configurations available. Carbon fibre panels, blacked-out trim, and AMG-specific wheels combine to make this version of the G63 look genuinely menacing.

What makes it special for rental:

• Presence — the G63 stops traffic wherever it goes. You will be photographed.
• Practicality — unlike a sports car, it has four proper seats, serious boot space, and real-world usability
• Performance — 4.5 seconds to 60 mph in a car this size is genuinely shocking
• Sound — the twin-turbo V8 exhaust note is one of the best in the business

Best for: Drivers who want maximum presence, V8 power, and room for passengers and luggage.

👉 Hire the Mercedes-AMG G63 Facelift at Rentolux

2. Bentley Continental GTC Speed — V8 Luxury at Its Finest

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed is one of the most complete luxury cars ever built. It combines a hand-crafted interior of extraordinary quality with a twin-turbo V8 that produces 782 horsepower — and wraps it all in a drop-top body that looks stunning from every angle.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (mild hybrid)
• Power: 782 horsepower
• Torque: 900 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Top speed: 208 mph
• Body style: Convertible grand tourer
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

The Bentley V8 in the Continental GTC has a character all of its own. It is not as aggressive as the AMG V8 — it is more refined, more cultured, more in keeping with the Bentley philosophy of effortless performance. But push it hard and the performance exhaust opens up into something genuinely thrilling. 782 horsepower is 782 horsepower, regardless of how politely it is delivered.

Inside, the Continental GTC Speed is on another level entirely. Diamond-stitched leather seats, rotating instrument panel, contrast stitching, real metal and wood veneers — every surface you touch has been crafted by hand in Crewe, England. It is the kind of interior that makes you want to sit still and appreciate it before you even start the engine.

What makes it special for rental:

• Open-top V8 experience — drop the roof and the Bentley V8 sounds even better
• Grand touring capability — effortlessly covers 500+ miles in a day without fatigue
• Interior quality — arguably the finest interior of any car on this list
• Versatility — fast enough to excite, refined enough for any occasion

The Rentolux fleet also includes the Bentley Continental GTC Speed Mulliner Edition V8 Hybrid — the highest-specification version of this car, with additional bespoke Mulliner detailing and personalisation.

Best for: Long-distance luxury touring with open-top V8 drama on demand.

👉 Hire the Bentley Continental GTC Speed at Rentolux

3. Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition V8 — The Luxury SUV Benchmark

The Bentley Bentayga S is widely regarded as the benchmark luxury SUV — the car that every other premium SUV is measured against. In Black Edition specification, it adds a darker, more purposeful edge to the Bentayga’s already commanding presence.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
• Power: 542 horsepower
• Torque: 770 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
• Top speed: 180 mph
• Body style: Full-size luxury SUV
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 8-speed automatic

Where the Continental GTC Speed delivers its V8 power in a sporting convertible body, the Bentayga S delivers it in a full-size SUV that can seat five adults in genuine comfort. The cabin is every bit as luxurious as the Continental — hand-stitched leather, real wood trim, and a level of finish that no other SUV can match.

The Black Edition specification adds blacked-out exterior trim, dark tinted windows, and specific wheel designs that give the Bentayga a more aggressive, less traditional appearance. It looks less like an old-money grand tourer and more like something you would see outside a five-star hotel in Monaco or Dubai.

The V8 biturbo SUV setup in the Bentayga is particularly impressive because of how invisible it makes the car’s performance feel. You accelerate at speeds that would embarrass many sports cars, but the Bentayga does it without drama, without noise intrusion into the cabin, and without any loss of composure. It is effortless in a way that only Bentley can manage.

Best for: Those who want a Bentley V8 experience with space for family or colleagues, and a presence that matches any car on this list.

👉 Hire the Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition at Rentolux

4. BMW M5 M Performance (G90) — The Super Saloon Redefined

The BMW M5 has been one of the greatest performance cars in the world for over 35 years. Every generation has set the benchmark for what a fast four-door saloon should be. The new G90 generation takes things further than ever — with a V8 hybrid system that produces a genuinely staggering 727 horsepower.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 + electric motor hybrid
• Total power: 727 horsepower
• Torque: 1,000 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Top speed: 190 mph (limited) / 305 mph (M Driver’s Package)
• Body style: Four-door saloon
• Drive: All-wheel drive (M xDrive)
• Gearbox: 8-speed M Steptronic automatic

1,000 Nm of torque. In a four-door saloon. That figure is almost impossible to process until you actually press the accelerator and feel what it does. The G90 M5 pulls from any speed, at any gear, with a relentlessness that makes it feel more like a hypercar than a family saloon.

The twin-turbo V8 in the M5 is one of BMW’s finest engines. It revs freely, responds immediately, and produces a performance exhaust note that is sharp and aggressive — distinctly different from the more rounded AMG V8 sound, but equally compelling in its own way.

What makes the M5 particularly interesting as a luxury car hire option is its everyday usability. Unlike a pure sports car, it has four proper adult seats, a full boot, all the technology you would expect in a modern BMW, and a comfort mode that genuinely makes it relaxing to drive on a long motorway run. Then you switch it to Sport+ and it becomes a completely different animal.

What makes it special for rental:

• 727hp in a practical saloon — the ultimate sleeper performance car
• 1,000 Nm of torque — acceleration that has to be felt to be believed
• Four proper seats — the only car on this list that comfortably fits four adults
• Everyday usability — comfortable enough for daily driving, savage when pushed

Best for: Drivers who want genuine supercar performance wrapped in a practical, comfortable four-door body.

👉 Hire the BMW M5 M Performance G90 at Rentolux

5. BMW X6 M Competition — V8 Performance in a Sports SUV

The BMW X6 M Competition is a car that should not exist — and yet it is one of the most satisfying vehicles you can hire. It is a sports SUV with the heart of a supercar, styled with the dramatic fastback roofline that makes the X6 one of the most distinctive SUVs on the road.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
• Power: 625 horsepower
• Torque: 750 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 3.8 seconds
• Top speed: 177 mph (limited)
• Body style: Sports Activity Coupe (SAC)
• Drive: All-wheel drive (M xDrive)
• Gearbox: 8-speed M Steptronic automatic

The Rentolux fleet features the X6 M Competition in PTS Oxford Green — a rare, striking colour that makes this already head-turning car even more memorable. On the road it looks like nothing else, which is exactly the point.

The 625hp twin-turbo V8 gives the X6 M Competition acceleration that feels absurd for a large SUV. It reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds — quicker than most sports cars — and keeps pulling hard well beyond that. The M-tuned suspension keeps it surprisingly flat through corners, and the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence-inspiring grip in any condition.

What makes it special for rental:

• Distinctive styling — the fastback roofline makes it instantly recognisable
• 625hp V8 — SUV body, sports car performance
• Oxford Green — a rare colour that makes it stand out even more
• Practical — proper boot space and rear seat room despite the sporting profile

Best for: Those who want V8 SUV performance with a more sporting, coupe-like body style.

👉 Hire the BMW X6 M Competition at Rentolux

6. Lamborghini Urus Performante — The V8 Super SUV

The Lamborghini Urus Performante is in a category of its own. It is the only SUV in the world that can legitimately be called a supercar. It does not just perform like a supercar — it looks, sounds, and feels like one, despite having four seats and a proper boot.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
• Power: 666 horsepower
• Torque: 850 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 3.3 seconds
• Top speed: 190 mph
• Body style: Super SUV
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Gearbox: 8-speed automatic

The Performante variant of the Urus adds more power, sharper suspension tuning, a more aggressive body kit, and a performance exhaust that amplifies the already excellent twin-turbo V8 sound into something properly theatrical. It is louder, faster, and more dramatic than the standard Urus in every way.

At 3.3 seconds to 60 mph, the Urus Performante is faster than the majority of sports cars on the road — in a car that seats four adults comfortably and has enough boot space for a week’s luggage. It is a genuinely remarkable feat of engineering.

Rentolux also offers the Lamborghini Urus SE — the plug-in hybrid version that adds an electric motor to the V8 for even more performance and improved efficiency on shorter journeys.

What makes it special for rental:

• 666hp V8 in a usable SUV body — the performance is almost unbelievable
• Lamborghini drama — it sounds, looks, and feels like a supercar
• Practical — four seats, big boot, comfortable enough for long journeys
• Performante spec — louder, sharper, more aggressive in every dimension

Best for: Those who want full Lamborghini supercar drama with real-world practicality and four seats.

👉 Hire the Lamborghini Urus Performante at Rentolux

7. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance — V8 Hybrid Gran Turismo

Show Image The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance — 843hp V8 hybrid, the most powerful AMG road car ever. Source: Mercedes-Benz Media

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is one of the most extraordinary cars on this list. With 843 horsepower from a combination of a twin-turbo V8 and a rear-axle electric motor, it is the most powerful AMG road car ever built — and one of the most capable four-door sports cars on the planet.

The numbers:

• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 + rear electric motor
• Total power: 843 horsepower
• Torque: 1,470 Nm
• 0–60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• Top speed: 196 mph
• Body style: Four-door Gran Turismo
• Drive: All-wheel drive (4MATIC+)
• Gearbox: 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic

1,470 Nm of torque. That is a figure that belongs to tractors and freight lorries — not road cars. But the AMG GT 63 S E Performance delivers it with the kind of precision and composure that only the best engineering can achieve. 0–60 in 2.9 seconds in a four-door car that weighs over 2,300 kg is, by any measure, a remarkable achievement.

The AMG V8 sound in the GT 63 S is arguably the best on this list. The performance exhaust is tuned to produce the full, crackling, overlapping V8 note that AMG is famous for — and in Sport+ mode, it is genuinely addictive. Every gear change is accompanied by a crack from the exhaust that makes nearby pedestrians turn their heads.

Rentolux also offers the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro Motorsport Petronas F1 Collector’s Edition — a limited run of just 200 units worldwide, finished in the iconic Petronas teal of the Formula 1 Mercedes team. If you want something truly rare, this is it.

What makes it special for rental:

• 843hp V8 hybrid — the most powerful AMG ever made
• 2.9 second 0–60 — hypercar acceleration in a four-door body
• AMG V8 sound — the best exhaust note in this class, bar none
• GT body style — looks as dramatic as it performs

Best for: Those who want the most extreme V8 hybrid performance available in a grand tourer body — with AMG drama built in.

👉 Hire the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance at Rentolux

Full V8 Car Comparison Table

Car	Engine	Power	Torque	0–60	Body Style	Best For
Mercedes-AMG G63 Facelift	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	585hp	850 Nm	4.5s	Luxury SUV	Presence + practicality
Bentley Continental GTC Speed	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	782hp	900 Nm	3.5s	Convertible GT	Open-top luxury touring
Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	542hp	770 Nm	4.4s	Luxury SUV	Refined V8 SUV comfort
BMW M5 M Performance G90	4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid	727hp	1,000 Nm	3.5s	Four-door Saloon	Sleeper performance
BMW X6 M Competition	4.4L Twin-Turbo V8	625hp	750 Nm	3.8s	Sports SUV	V8 SUV with coupe style
Lamborghini Urus Performante	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	666hp	850 Nm	3.3s	Super SUV	Lamborghini drama + 4 seats
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid	843hp	1,470 Nm	2.9s	Four-door GT	Maximum AMG power

How to Rent a V8 Luxury Car in Europe

Renting a V8 luxury car through Rentolux is straightforward. Here is everything you need to know before you book.

What You Need to Hire a V8 Car

• Age: Minimum 25 years for most cars. Some high-performance models may require 28+
• Driving licence: Full, clean licence held for at least 2–3 years
• Credit card: Required for the security deposit — varies by car value
• ID: Passport or national identity card
• Insurance: Standard cover is included; excess protection upgrades are available

How Much Does V8 Car Hire Cost in Europe?

Here is a general guide to daily rates for V8 luxury car rental in Europe through Rentolux:

Car	Approximate Daily Rate
BMW M5 M Performance G90	From €800–€1,400/day
BMW X6 M Competition	From €700–€1,200/day
Mercedes-AMG G63 Facelift	From €1,000–€1,800/day
Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition	From €1,200–€2,000/day
Bentley Continental GTC Speed	From €1,500–€2,500/day
Lamborghini Urus Performante	From €1,500–€2,500/day
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance	From €1,500–€2,500/day

Weekend rentals from Friday to Monday are often the best value option. Rentolux also offers delivery directly to your hotel, villa, or airport — so the experience starts the moment the car arrives.

Best European Routes for a V8 Car Hire

A V8 luxury car deserves a proper road. Here are the best places in Europe to make the most of one:

• Monaco and the French Riviera — the Corniche roads above Monaco are perfect for the Bentley Continental GTC with the roof down
• The Swiss Alps — the Furka Pass and Gotthard road offer some of the greatest driving in the world, ideal for the AMG G63 or Urus Performante
• Bavaria, Germany — the Autobahn sections with no speed limit are where the BMW M5’s 727hp finally has room to breathe
• Tuscany, Italy — rolling hills and empty roads make every V8 sound even better
• Andalusia, Spain — warm weather, mountain passes, and beautiful coastal roads for the Bentley GTC

Frequently Asked Questions About V8 Car Hire

What is the best V8 car to rent in Europe?

It depends entirely on what you want from the experience. The Mercedes-AMG G63 offers the most presence and iconic styling. The Bentley Continental GTC Speed delivers the most refined open-top V8 experience. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance has the most raw power of any V8 on this list. All are available through Rentolux.

What does a V8 car sound like compared to a V12?

A V8 produces a deep, growling, authoritative exhaust note — particularly distinctive in AMG-tuned cars where the performance exhaust amplifies this sound further. A V12, like the one in the Lamborghini Revuelto, sounds higher-pitched and more operatic — almost like a racing engine. Both are sensational. The V8 tends to feel more muscular and raw; the V12 feels more exotic and extreme.

Is a V8 SUV faster than a V8 saloon?

In most cases, no. The added weight of an SUV body means a V8 saloon like the BMW M5 will typically be quicker than a similarly powered V8 SUV. However, the Lamborghini Urus Performante is an exception — at 3.3 seconds to 60mph, it is faster than the majority of sports cars on the road regardless of body style.

Can I rent a V8 luxury car for a weekend?

Yes — and this is actually the most popular rental option at Rentolux. A sports car weekend rental from Friday to Monday gives you two full days of driving time and typically works out better value than booking individual days.

What is the most powerful V8 car available to rent at Rentolux?

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance produces 843 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 hybrid system — making it the most powerful V8 car in the Rentolux fleet. It also produces 1,470 Nm of torque, which is a figure more commonly associated with high-power electric vehicles than road cars.