Top 10 Luxury Sports Sedans That Redefine Performance

Performance vehicles often demand compromises in practicality. It’s almost a given that among high-performance cars, the one with the least accommodating rear seats is often the most coveted. However, the Luxury Sports Sedan segment has surged in popularity, mirroring the rise of hot hatchbacks that overshadowed compact coupes. This is largely because many luxury sports sedans share foundational elements and powertrains with their sports car counterparts, effectively defining the modern luxury sports sedan. The blend of sedan practicality with sports car, or even supercar-level performance, offers the best of both worlds, presenting a wealth of appealing choices for discerning drivers.

Two decades ago, identifying the top luxury sports sedan was considerably simpler due to limited options. Today, nearly every established automaker, along with emerging brands like Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, offers at least one contender. While German premium brands have long been the go-to for fast, four-door vehicles, the luxury sports sedan arena is now a global competition. Despite the crowded field, some luxury sports sedans stand out, delivering an exceptional balance of performance and everyday usability. Here are ten of the best that perfectly blend these desirable qualities.

Drawing upon data from reputable sources like Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Top Gear, we’ve compiled a curated list of the top-tier, high-performance four-door sedans available today.

RELATED: The Best Sleeper Sedans For Under $15,000

10. Lexus IS500: 149 Mph

Uniquely, Lexus currently stands as the sole luxury automaker offering a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine in its lineup. Their latest performance iteration, the IS500, is the successor to the acclaimed IS-F, a formidable rival to the BMW M3 that concluded its production run in 2014. The IS500’s 2UR-GSE engine has undergone significant enhancements to deliver even greater power than its predecessor. Yamaha’s contribution ensures the Japanese luxury sports sedan boasts a captivating soundtrack. While some distinctive features of earlier IS-F models are absent, the IS500 retains the core appeal of a high-performance Lexus sedan.

Lexus IS500 Performance Specs

The Lexus IS500 operates as a subtle performance machine, with visual cues limited to a hood bulge, quad-exhaust outlets, and upgraded brake rotors (14-inch front, 12.7-inch rear). The F-Sport Performance Premium package adds further enhancements, though it forgoes the wide-body kit seen on classic IS-F models. This understated approach makes the IS500 a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury sports sedan with potent performance in a refined package.

9. Genesis G70: 155 Mph

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, represents the Korean automaker’s ambition to redefine its brand image from budget-conscious to premium. This burgeoning luxury marque emphasizes classic luxury values, and the G70 stands out as the Genesis model most attuned to driving enthusiasts. This entry-level luxury sports sedan shares a shortened Kia Stinger platform and engine options, marking its sporty intentions within the Genesis lineup.

Genesis G70 Performance Specs

The G70 distinguishes itself through chassis and suspension tuning that prioritizes sharper handling and dynamic driving experiences. The interior provides ample space and an elevated level of refinement that rivals established luxury brands like BMW and Lexus. This focus on luxury and performance comes with a trade-off in cargo space, which is a modest 11.65 cubic feet, second only to the AMG C63 in this list, although the rear seats do offer folding capability for added versatility. The Genesis G70 presents a compelling entry into the luxury sports sedan market, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and value.

8. BMW M3: 155 Mph

The BMW M3 stands as an enduring icon in the realm of luxury sports sedans. Now in its sixth generation, the M3 badge is exclusively reserved for the four-door variant. Since 2014, the two-door M3 evolved into the M4, solidifying the M3’s identity as the quintessential four-door performance sedan within BMW’s M division. The M3 achieves a remarkable fusion of sports car agility and sedan practicality. Its finely tuned chassis provides exceptional handling, while the S58 inline-six engine delivers formidable performance with significant tuning potential.

BMW M3 G80 Performance Specs

Even the standard BMW M3 models deliver near-supercar levels of performance, while the M3 Competition elevates this further, outperforming many competitors in the luxury sports sedan segment. For purists who prefer traditional powertrains, the current M3 remains the only German performance sedan in its class to forgo hybridization, opting for a conventional twin-turbo, inline-six engine. The BMW M3 continues to define the benchmark for luxury sports sedans, blending exhilarating performance with everyday usability.

RELATED: BMW Isn’t Willing To Abandon Sedans Amid The SUV Craze

7. BMW M5 (F90): 155 Mph

The BMW M5 has long been heralded as the quintessential luxury sports sedan, thanks to its exceptional combination of practicality, opulent features, and raw performance. Dating back to 1985, the M5 represents one of the most consistently high-performing four-door cars. With the seventh generation on the horizon, the M5 stands as the longest-running performance sedan lineage and remains among the most capable. In its CS configuration, the M5 rivals many dedicated sports cars. The twin-turbo V-8 engine offers significant untapped potential for power enhancements, making it a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in luxury sports sedan performance.

BMW M5 (F90) Performance Specs

While foldable rear seats are optional in standard M5 models (excluding the M5 CS, which features four bucket seats), the 18.72 cubic feet of luggage capacity provides ample space for most needs. Although the familiar S63B44B engine is expected to continue, this generation marks the final non-hybrid iteration of the BMW M5, signaling a shift towards electrification in the future of this iconic luxury sports sedan.

6. Audi RS3: 159 Mph

The Audi RS lineup offers limited sedan options in the realm of brand-new luxury sports sedans. While the S models provide a broader selection, the range-topping RS designation presents a more exclusive choice – the RS3. Historically, Audi’s entry-level performance models were primarily hatchbacks, but the last two generations have introduced a compact sedan variant. The RS3 sedan delivers a potent blend of performance and practicality in a smaller footprint.

Audi RS3 (8Y) Performance Specs

Despite its compact size, the RS3 boasts performance figures comparable to the larger Audi S8. Notably, it represents the last Audi model equipped with the distinctive five-cylinder engine, as future models are anticipated to adopt VAG’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, likely integrated within hybrid systems. The 11.34 cubic-foot cargo capacity is smaller than most hatchbacks, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats enhance versatility. The Audi RS3 provides a unique proposition in the luxury sports sedan segment, combining a distinctive engine with agile handling and premium features.

5. Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance (W206): 174 Mph

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C63 represents a significant and somewhat controversial shift in the luxury sports sedan landscape. Historically, potent V-8 and V-12 engines were synonymous with AMG’s high-performance sedans. However, the new W206 C-Class generation exclusively utilizes turbo-four engines across the range, including the AMG variant. The latest C63 departs from the iconic M177 twin-turbo V-8, adopting the M139 turbo-four unit previously found in the AMG A45.

Mercedes-AMG C63 E Performance (W206) Performance Specs

In the C63, this engine is paired with an electric motor and a clutch-operated all-wheel-drive system, aimed at enhancing both performance and efficiency. This powertrain, potentially with increased output, is also slated for the upcoming AMG E63. However, this advanced technology comes at the expense of weight and practicality, as trunk space is reduced to a level comparable to a subcompact car like the Suzuki Swift. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance represents a bold step into the electrified future of luxury sports sedans, prioritizing cutting-edge technology and performance, albeit with some compromises in traditional AMG attributes.

RELATED: The Greatest Luxury Performance Sedans We Never Got

4. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: 191 Mph

In 2016, Alfa Romeo reintroduced itself to the rear-wheel-drive luxury sports sedan segment after a 30-year hiatus with the Giulia. Seen as the spiritual successor to the Alfa Romeo 75, the Giulia, particularly in its top-tier Quadrifoglio (QV) guise, features a potent V-6 engine and aims directly at competitors like the BMW M3. Upon its debut, the Giulia introduced one of the most lauded chassis in its class, remaining lighter and more dynamically engaging than many of its rivals.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance Specs

Even after its 2022 refresh, the QV’s performance specifications remain unchanged. The option for a manual transmission was discontinued a year after its initial release, leaving the ZF automatic as the sole transmission choice. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV matches the BMW M3 in practicality, offering comparable interior and cargo space, while injecting a unique Italian flair into the luxury sports sedan category.

3. Porsche Panamera: 196 Mph

Porsche’s expertise in high-performance vehicles is virtually unmatched. While the 911 remains iconic, aspects of its engineering and performance DNA permeate the entire Porsche lineup. The Panamera represents Porsche’s long-held ambition to create a four-door 911. After numerous concept iterations and platform experiments, the Panamera finally materialized as Porsche’s definitive entry into the luxury sports sedan market.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Performance Specs

Marketed as a sedan, the Panamera technically employs a liftback design, featuring a hatchback-style tailgate that reveals a generous 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.12 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Among four-door coupes and luxury sports sedans, the Panamera frequently ranks at the top. While hybrid versions offer increased power, they also add weight, making the non-hybrid variants slightly quicker off the line despite a marginal horsepower deficit. The Porsche Panamera delivers Porsche performance and luxury in a versatile four-door format.

2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: 200 Mph

Cadillac has undergone numerous brand evolutions throughout its history. In recent years, Cadillac has increasingly focused on appealing to driving enthusiasts, and the CT5-V Blackwing epitomizes this shift. In its top trim, this mid-size Cadillac sedan uniquely features a supercharged, pushrod V-8 engine – the LT4, originally introduced in the C7 Corvette Z06 and serving as the foundation for the C7 ZR-1’s LT5. The CT5-V Blackwing represents a bold statement in the luxury sports sedan segment, blending American muscle with Cadillac refinement.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Performance Specs

The CT5-V Blackwing ranks among the fastest sedans available, distinguished further by offering a manual transmission option – a rarity in the current luxury sports sedan market. With a starting price under $100,000, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing presents a compelling value proposition compared to its German rivals, delivering exceptional performance and luxury at a competitive price point.

RELATED: The Dodge Charger 392, Mercedes-AMG CLS53, And Kia Stinger GT Race In A Battle Of Sport Sedans

1. Maserati Ghibli: 202 Mph

Maserati boasts a selection of fast four-door vehicles, and the Ghibli represents the pinnacle of their luxury sports sedan offerings. While Italian automakers have historically faced reliability concerns, Maserati has made strides in improving build quality and reliability, though it still lags behind some competitors. Despite these historical challenges and concerns about depreciation, the Ghibli’s allure lies in its potent Ferrari-derived V-8 engines, sophisticated Italian styling, and engaging driving dynamics.

Maserati Ghibli Performance Specs

Maintaining strict maintenance schedules is crucial for Maserati ownership, as neglecting upkeep can lead to significant expenses. However, when properly maintained, the Ghibli delivers an exceptional luxury sports sedan experience. Its Ferrari-derived V-8 engines, paired with the reliable ZF automatic transmission found in numerous high-performance models, provide exhilarating performance. The Maserati Ghibli distinguishes itself with its powerful V-8 engines and distinctive Italian design, offering a unique alternative to its more prevalent German rivals in the luxury sports sedan segment.