Top 10 Best Luxury Sports Car Sedans: Combining Performance and Practicality

Performance and practicality often seem to be at odds. In the realm of high-performance vehicles, there’s almost an unspoken rule: the sports car with the most cramped back seats is often considered the best. However, the sports sedan segment has emerged as a compelling alternative, mirroring the rise of hot hatchbacks that once overshadowed compact coupes. These luxury performance sedans frequently share core components and powertrains with their sports car counterparts, effectively defining the modern sports sedan. The allure is clear – the everyday usability of a sedan merged with the exhilarating performance of a sports car or even a supercar. Today, the market offers a wealth of choices, making it an exciting time for enthusiasts seeking the best of both worlds.

Two decades ago, pinpointing the best sports sedan was a far simpler task, with fewer contenders vying for the title. Fast forward to today, and nearly every established automaker, alongside emerging brands like Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, has thrown their hat into the ring. While German premium brands have historically been the go-to for fast, four-door vehicles, the sports sedan segment now boasts diverse global representation. Yet, in this crowded field, some sports sedans demonstrably outshine others. The following ten models represent the pinnacle of performance and practicality, perfectly catering to discerning drivers.

Drawing upon expert data and reviews from reputable sources like Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Top Gear, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the top ten high-performance sedans that deliver on both luxury and sporting prowess.

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10. Lexus IS500: 149 MPH

Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance in Atomic Silver showcasing its sleek profile and sporty design

Lexus stands out as a unique luxury automaker, currently offering a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine in its lineup. The latest performance iteration, the IS500, is the successor to the IS-F, a model that directly rivaled the BMW M3 until its discontinuation in 2014. The renowned 2UR-GSE engine has undergone significant revisions to deliver even greater power than its predecessor. Yamaha’s engineering expertise once again contributes to the Lexus’s distinctive and thrilling soundtrack. While some of the more overt visual cues that distinguished previous IS-F models are absent, the IS500 still packs a serious punch.

Lexus IS500 Performance Specs

In essence, the IS500 operates as an “IS-F in disguise.” Subtle visual indicators include a subtly raised hood to accommodate the V8, quad-exhaust outlets, and larger brake rotors – 14-inches at the front and 12.7-inch at the rear. The F-Sport Performance Premium package adds further refinements, although the wide-body kit of the original IS-F models is no longer offered. This blend of understated aggression and potent performance makes the Lexus IS500 a compelling option in the luxury sports sedan category.

9. Genesis G70: 155 MPH

Genesis G70 in Siberian Ice color, highlighting its sophisticated and modern sedan silhouette

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, embodies the Korean company’s ambitious transformation from a budget-car manufacturer to a respected upscale brand. This relatively young premium brand from South Korea emphasizes classic luxury values. The G70 stands out within the Genesis lineup as the model most directly aimed at driving enthusiasts. This entry-level sports sedan shares its foundation with a shortened Kia Stinger chassis and offers similar engine options.

Genesis G70 Performance Specs

The key differentiators lie in the G70’s chassis and suspension tuning, engineered for sharper handling and enhanced agility in cornering. The interior space is well-proportioned, and the overall quality of execution rivals, and in some areas surpasses, established luxury brands like BMW and Lexus. This elevated luxury experience comes with a slight compromise in cargo space, measuring 11.65 cubic feet, which is among the smaller capacities in the segment (only exceeding the AMG C63). However, the rear seats do offer a folding function for added versatility. The Genesis G70 represents a strong value proposition in the competitive luxury sports sedan market, offering a blend of performance, refinement, and modern design.

8. BMW M3: 155 MPH

BMW M3 Saloon Competition in Isle of Man Green showcasing its aggressive stance and iconic kidney grille

The BMW M3 is an undisputed icon in the sports sedan world. Now in its sixth generation, the M3 badge is exclusively reserved for the four-door variant. Since 2014, the two-door iteration has been designated as the M4, solidifying the M3’s identity as the quintessential performance sedan within the BMW lineup. The M3 delivers a driving experience that blurs the lines between a sports car and a sedan. Its finely tuned chassis offers exceptional handling prowess, while the potent S58 inline-six engine delivers formidable performance, with significant untapped potential for further power enhancements.

BMW M3 G80 Performance Specs

Even the standard BMW M3 models offer near-supercar levels of performance, while the M3 Competition elevates the bar further, outclassing most rivals in the segment. For purists wary of electrification, the current M3 generation remains the sole German performance sedan in its class to eschew hybrid powertrains, sticking to a traditional, high-output twin-turbo inline-six engine. This commitment to a classic formula, combined with cutting-edge performance and handling, cements the BMW M3’s position as a benchmark in the luxury sports sedan category.

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7. BMW M5 (F90): 155 MPH

BMW M5 CS in Frozen Deep Green Metallic showcasing its track-focused design and carbon fiber accents

The BMW M5 has long been hailed as the quintessential luxury sports sedan, skillfully blending practicality, opulent comfort, and exhilarating performance. Its legacy as a consistently high-performing four-door car stretches back to 1985, making it the longest-running nameplate in the performance sedan segment and one of the most capable. As the seventh generation approaches, the M5 continues to evolve. In its CS (Competition Sport) guise, the M5 achieves performance levels that rival dedicated sports cars. The twin-turbo V-8 engine is renowned for its readily accessible power and responsiveness, and aftermarket tuners can easily extract even more impressive figures, making it a favorite for customization and pushing performance boundaries.

BMW M5 (F90) Performance Specs

While foldable rear seats are offered as an option on standard M5 models, the M5 CS comes exclusively with four sculpted bucket seats, emphasizing its performance focus. Even with the bucket seats, the M5 boasts a generous 18.72 cubic feet of luggage space, more than adequate for most needs. While the familiar S63B44B engine is expected to carry forward in future iterations, this generation marks the final non-hybrid M5, signaling a shift towards electrification for the model line. The BMW M5 remains a dominant force in the luxury sports sedan arena, setting a high benchmark for its competitors.

6. Audi RS3: 159 MPH

Audi RS3 Sedan in Kemora Gray Metallic showcasing its sporty compact dimensions and aggressive front fascia

The options for brand-new, high-performance sedans within the Audi lineup are currently limited. While the S range offers a broader selection of performance-oriented models, the flagship RS designation boasts just one sedan offering – the RS3. Historically, Audi’s entry-level performance models were primarily hatchbacks. However, the two most recent RS3 generations have introduced a compact sedan variant, expanding its appeal.

Audi RS3 (8Y) Performance Specs

Despite its smaller footprint, the RS3 delivers performance comparable to the larger Audi S8. Notably, it’s also the last Audi model to feature the distinctive five-cylinder engine, as future models are anticipated to adopt VAG’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo-four, likely integrated within a hybrid system. The RS3’s cargo capacity of 11.34 cubic feet is less than many hatchbacks, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats provide some flexibility for carrying larger items. The Audi RS3 offers a unique blend of compact dimensions, potent performance, and distinctive engine character in the luxury sports sedan segment.

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

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance 2023 in red, displaying its powerful and luxurious sedan design

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance represents a significant and somewhat controversial shift in the model’s heritage. Traditionally, potent V-8 and V-12 engines were synonymous with AMG’s high-performance Benz models, particularly in their fast sedans. However, those days are now behind us. Across the entire W206 C-Class range, including the AMG variant, turbo-four engines are the exclusive power source. The new C63 S E-Performance departs from the beloved M177 twin-turbo V-8, instead adopting the M139 turbo-four unit derived from the AMG A45.

Mercedes-AMG C63 E Performance (W206) Performance Specs

In the C63 S E-Performance, the turbo-four engine is augmented by an electric motor and a clutch-operated all-wheel-drive system. This advanced technology is intended to enhance the C63’s environmental credentials, and this powertrain, with even greater output, is slated for the upcoming AMG E63. However, this technological complexity comes at the expense of weight and practicality, with trunk space becoming comparable to that of a subcompact car like the Suzuki Swift. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance marks a bold, albeit divisive, step into a new era of performance sedans, prioritizing electrification and advanced technology over traditional engine displacement.

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4. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: 191 MPH

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio in Verde Montreal showcasing its sporty Italian design and iconic Quadrifoglio badge

In 2016, Alfa Romeo reintroduced itself to the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan segment after a 30-year hiatus. The Giulia serves as a spiritual successor to the Alfa Romeo 75. Like its predecessor, the range-topping Quadrifoglio (QV) variant is equipped with a potent V-6 engine. The performance figures have significantly increased, positioning the Italian sports sedan as a direct competitor to the BMW M3. Upon its arrival, the Giulia introduced one of the most lauded chassis in the segment, and it continues to be praised for its lightweight construction and engaging, playful handling characteristics, often surpassing its rivals in these areas.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance Specs

Even after the 2022 model update, the QV’s performance specifications remain unchanged. A year after its initial launch, the option of a manual transmission was discontinued for the QV, leaving the ZF automatic as the sole transmission choice. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV offers comparable practicality to the BMW M3 in terms of interior space and cargo capacity, while injecting a distinctive Italian flair and passion into the luxury sports sedan category. Its emphasis on driving dynamics and emotional appeal sets it apart in a segment often dominated by German engineering.

3. Porsche Panamera: 196 MPH

Porsche Panamera Turbo S in Papaya Metallic highlighting its sleek liftback design and sporty proportions

When it comes to high-performance automobiles, few manufacturers rival Porsche’s expertise. While the 911 remains iconic and unmatched in many aspects, some of its defining characteristics often permeate the rest of the Porsche lineup. The Panamera represents an interesting case study, embodying Porsche’s long-held ambition to create a four-door 911. After years of platform experimentation and concept car iterations, the production Panamera finally realized this vision.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Performance Specs

Although marketed as a sedan, the Panamera is technically a liftback, featuring a hatchback-style tailgate that opens to reveal a surprisingly generous cargo area of 16.5 cubic feet, expanding to 46.12 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In comparisons of four-door coupes and performance sedans, the Panamera frequently emerges at the top. While an optional electric motor and battery pack enhance power output, they also add weight. Consequently, the non-hybrid Panamera Turbo S variant can be slightly quicker off the line despite having 70 less horsepower than its hybrid counterpart, demonstrating Porsche’s commitment to nuanced performance engineering. The Porsche Panamera exemplifies the brand’s ability to translate sports car DNA into a luxurious and practical four-door format.

2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: 200 MPH

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in Blaze Orange showcasing its aggressive styling and performance-oriented features

Cadillac has undergone numerous transformations in its brand identity, from a favored choice of villains to a more mature demographic. In recent years, Cadillac has strategically shifted its focus towards driving enthusiasts, and no model embodies this renewed direction more emphatically than the CT5-V Blackwing. In its top trim, this mid-size Cadillac sedan stands alone in offering a supercharged, pushrod V-8 engine. Specifically, it employs the formidable LT4 engine, which originally debuted in the C7 Corvette Z06 and served as the foundation for the C7 ZR-1’s even more potent LT5 variant.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Performance Specs

The CT5-V Blackwing is not only one of the fastest sedans available, but it also boasts a unique and increasingly rare feature in the performance sedan segment: the option of a manual transmission. This driver-centric element, combined with a starting price under $100,000, positions the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing as an exceptional value proposition compared to its German competitors, offering a compelling blend of raw power, engaging driving dynamics, and relative affordability in the high-performance luxury sedan market.

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1. Maserati Ghibli: 202 MPH

Maserati Ghibli Trofeo in Rosso Magma showcasing its elegant Italian design and Trident badge

Maserati boasts a rich history of producing fast four-door cars, and the Ghibli represents the pinnacle of sportiness within their sedan lineup. While Maserati sedans offer undeniable performance and Italian flair, the brand has faced challenges with reliability, particularly during periods of shared components with Chrysler. While Maserati’s popularity has rebounded and reliability has improved, it still doesn’t match the stellar reputations of some competitors, and Maserati models are unfortunately known for significant depreciation.

Maserati Ghibli Performance Specs

As with many high-performance vehicles, diligent and consistent maintenance is crucial to ensure the Maserati Ghibli remains a rewarding ownership experience and avoids becoming a costly liability. The Ferrari-derived V-8 engines are undeniably potent and are paired with the widely respected ZF automatic transmission, found in numerous other high-performance models. The Maserati Ghibli’s primary strengths lie in its thrilling V-8 engines and distinctive Italian design, allowing it to stand out from its more numerically dominant German rivals in the luxury sports sedan segment. Its unique blend of performance and exotic appeal makes it a compelling choice for those seeking something beyond the mainstream.