Top 10 Best Luxury Sports Sedans: Combining Performance and Practicality

Performance cars often demand sacrifices in practicality. It’s almost a given that the most thrilling performance vehicles tend to be the least accommodating for rear passengers. However, the sports sedan segment has exploded in popularity, echoing the rise of hot hatchbacks that redefined the compact coupe market. Luxury performance sedans frequently share their foundations and powertrains with sports cars, which is the very essence of what defines a sports sedan. This blend of sedan practicality with sports car, even supercar, performance offers the best of both worlds, presenting a wealth of compelling choices for discerning drivers.

Two decades ago, identifying the best sports sedan was a simpler task due to limited options. Today, virtually every established automaker, along with emerging brands like Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, offers at least one contender. While German premium brands have traditionally been the go-to for fast four-door cars, the sports sedan landscape is now incredibly diverse. Some sports sedans, however, stand out from the crowd, delivering an exceptional combination of performance and practicality. Here are 10 of the Best Luxury Sports Sedans that perfectly balance these crucial attributes.

Drawing on data from reputable sources like Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Top Gear, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the top-performing four-door sedans that offer both exhilarating speed and everyday usability.

10. Lexus IS 500: The Naturally Aspirated V8 Roar

Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance 2022 in white, showcasing its sporty profile and quad exhaust pipes.

Lexus distinguishes itself as the sole luxury automaker currently offering a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine. Their latest performance marvel, the IS 500, is the successor to the IS-F, a formidable M3 rival discontinued in 2014. The 2UR-GSE engine, meticulously refined, now unleashes even more power than its predecessor. Yamaha’s expertise once again contributes to the Japanese luxury sedan’s captivating soundtrack. While some of the distinct features of previous IS-F models are absent, the IS 500 delivers a unique driving experience.

Lexus IS 500 Performance Specs

The Lexus IS 500 operates as a stealthy IS-F, with subtle visual cues like the hood bulge, quad-exhaust tips, and larger brake rotors (14-inches front, 12.7-inch rear). The F-Sport Performance Premium package adds further enhancements, although it forgoes the wide body kit seen on earlier IS-F iterations. It represents a compelling option for those who appreciate traditional V8 power in a refined luxury sports sedan.

9. Genesis G70: Korean Luxury with Enthusiast Appeal

Genesis G70 Siberian Ice in a dynamic profile shot, highlighting its sleek lines and sporty stance as a luxury sports sedan.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, embodies the Korean company’s ambition to transform from a budget-car manufacturer to a respected upscale brand. This young premium marque from South Korea emphasizes classic luxury values. The G70 stands out as the Genesis model most geared towards driving enthusiasts. This entry-level luxury sports sedan shares a shortened Kia Stinger chassis and engine options, but carves its own niche in the segment.

Genesis G70 Performance Specs

The G70 distinguishes itself through chassis and suspension tuning, resulting in sharper handling and enhanced agility on winding roads. Its interior execution rivals even BMW and Lexus in terms of quality and design. While cargo space is a slightly smaller 11.65 cubic feet (second-lowest after the AMG C63), the folding rear seats add versatility. The Genesis G70 delivers a compelling blend of luxury and sporty driving dynamics at an attractive price point.

8. BMW M3: The Benchmark Bavarian Sports Sedan

BMW M3 Saloon Competition Isle of Man Green, angled side view showcasing its aggressive styling and performance-oriented design.

The BMW M3, a legendary Bavarian sports sedan, is an enduring icon. Now in its sixth generation, the M3 designation is exclusively for the four-door variant. Since 2014, the two-door M3 became the M4, solidifying the M3’s position as the performance sedan. The M3 embodies the closest a sedan can get to a true sports car. Its agile chassis provides exceptional handling, while the S58 inline-six engine delivers serious performance, with significant tuning potential.

BMW M3 G80 Performance Specs

Even the standard BMW M3 models offer near-supercar performance, and the M3 Competition elevates this further, outperforming most of its segment rivals. For purists who prefer traditional powertrains, the M3 remains the only German performance sedan in its class without hybrid technology, sticking to a classic twin-turbo, inline-six engine. The BMW M3 continues to be a defining benchmark in the luxury sports sedan category.

7. BMW M5 (F90): The Quintessential Luxury Performance Sedan

BMW M5 CS 2022 in green, a powerful and luxurious sedan with a focus on high performance and track capabilities.

The BMW M5 has long been considered the ultimate luxury sports sedan, seamlessly blending practicality, opulence, and raw performance. The M5 is also one of the most consistently impressive fast four-door cars, with its iconic lineage dating back to 1985. As the seventh generation approaches, the M5 stands as the longest-running performance sedan nameplate and one of the most capable. In CS guise, the M5 rivals many dedicated sports cars. Its twin-turbo V-8 engine is easily tunable for even greater power, making it a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts and tuners alike.

BMW M5 (F90) Performance Specs

Foldable rear seats are optional, except in the M5 CS, which features four bucket seats. However, the 18.72 cubic feet of luggage space is ample for most needs. While the familiar S63B44B engine is expected to continue, this generation marks the final non-hybrid M5, signifying a shift towards electrification for future models. The BMW M5 remains a top choice for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and performance in a sedan.

6. Audi RS 3: Compact Powerhouse with a Unique Engine

Audi RS3 Sedan Performance 2023 in gray, showcasing its sporty front fascia and dynamic design as a compact luxury sports sedan.

Audi’s brand-new sports sedan offerings in the RS range are somewhat limited. Stepping down to the S lineup expands choices, but for the ultimate RS performance, the RS 3 stands as the primary option. Historically, Audi’s entry-level performance model was primarily a hatchback, but the last two generations have introduced a compact sedan variant.

Audi RS 3 (8Y) Performance Specs

Despite its smaller size, the RS 3 delivers performance comparable to the larger Audi S8. It also represents the last Audi model to feature the distinctive five-cylinder engine, with future models anticipated to utilize VAG’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, potentially with hybrid assistance. The 11.34 cubic-feet cargo capacity is less than most hatchbacks, but the 40/20/40 folding rear seats offer some flexibility. The Audi RS 3 provides a potent and unique driving experience in a compact luxury sports sedan package.

5. Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance (W206): Electrified Power and Controversy

Mercedes-AMG C63 2023 in red, a luxury sports sedan showcasing its aggressive styling and hybrid powertrain technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance is a particularly polarizing performance sedan. Historically, potent V-8 and V-12 engines were AMG’s signature for high-performance Mercedes-Benz models, especially fast sedans. However, those days are now behind us. Regardless of trim, the new W206 C-Class exclusively employs turbo-four engines, including the AMG version, which has departed from the M177 twin-turbo V-8. It now shares the AMG A 45’s M139 turbo-four unit.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 E Performance (W206) Performance Specs

In the C 63, the engine is coupled with an electric motor and a clutch-operated all-wheel-drive system. This technology aims to enhance the C 63’s environmental credentials, and this powertrain, with potentially more power, is slated for the upcoming AMG E 63. However, this advanced technology comes at the expense of lightness and practicality, as trunk space is comparable to a subcompact car like a Suzuki Swift. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance represents a bold step into the future of electrified luxury sports sedans, even if it departs from AMG’s V8 heritage.

4. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: Italian Passion and Driving Dynamics

Alfa Romeo Giulia QV 2017 in green, an Italian luxury sports sedan known for its engaging driving experience and distinctive design.

In 2016, Alfa Romeo reintroduced itself to the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan market after a 30-year absence. The Giulia serves as a spiritual successor to the Alfa Romeo 75, and its top-tier version, the Quadrifoglio (QV), is powered by a potent V-6 engine. Performance figures significantly increased, positioning the Italian sports sedan as a direct rival to the BMW M3. Crucially, the Giulia debuted with one of the best chassis in the segment, remaining lighter and more playful than its competitors even today.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance Specs

Even after the 2022 refresh, the QV’s performance numbers remain unchanged. A year after its launch, the manual transmission option was discontinued, leaving the ZF automatic as the sole choice. The Alfa Romeo Giulia QV offers comparable practicality to the BMW M3 in terms of interior and cargo space, while injecting a unique Italian flair into the luxury sports sedan segment. It’s a compelling option for those seeking driving engagement and distinctive style.

3. Porsche Panamera: 911 DNA in a Four-Door Liftback

Porsche Panamera Turbo S 2022 in papaya metallic, a luxurious and high-performance liftback sedan with a sporty silhouette.

When it comes to high-performance vehicles, few manufacturers rival Porsche’s expertise. While the 911 remains iconic, some of its defining characteristics permeate the entire Porsche lineup. The Panamera is an intriguing example, representing Porsche’s long-held ambition to create a four-door 911. After years of platform experimentation and concept cars, the production Panamera finally materialized.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Performance Specs

Marketed as a sedan, the Panamera is technically a liftback, featuring a hatchback-style tailgate that reveals a surprisingly generous 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.12 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Among four-door coupes and performance sedans, the Panamera frequently emerges as a top contender. The optional electric motor and battery pack enhance power but also add weight. Notably, the non-hybrid version can be slightly quicker off the line despite having less horsepower. The Porsche Panamera delivers a unique blend of Porsche performance and sedan practicality.

2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: American Muscle and Manual Gearbox

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in blue, a powerful American luxury sports sedan with a focus on performance and driver engagement.

Cadillac’s brand identity has evolved significantly over the years, from a symbol of luxury to a driver-focused performance brand. The CT5-V Blackwing embodies this shift more than any other model. In its top trim, this mid-size Cadillac sedan is unique in featuring a supercharged, pushrod V-8 engine. Specifically, it utilizes the LT4 engine, originally introduced in the C7 Corvette Z06 and serving as the basis for the C7 ZR-1’s LT5.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Performance Specs

The CT5-V Blackwing is one of the fastest sedans available, and its unique selling point is the optional manual transmission – a rarity in the current performance sedan segment. Coupled with a starting price under $100,000, this Cadillac sedan presents exceptional value compared to its German rivals. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing delivers raw American muscle and driver-focused engagement in a luxury sports sedan package.

1. Maserati Ghibli: Italian Elegance and V8 Power at the Top

Maserati Ghibli Trofeo 2021 in red, an Italian luxury sports sedan known for its elegant design, powerful V8 engine, and sporty character.

Maserati boasts a rich history of fast four-door cars, and the Ghibli represents the sportiest iteration of a Maserati sports sedan. However, Italian automakers, including Maserati, have faced challenges with reliability. This was particularly pronounced when Maserati shared significant components with Chrysler. While Maserati’s popularity and reliability have improved, it still lags behind some competitors, and depreciation remains a concern.

Maserati Ghibli Performance Specs

Maintaining strict maintenance schedules is crucial for Maserati ownership, as neglecting upkeep can lead to significant expenses. The Ferrari-derived V-8 engines are potent and paired with the reliable ZF automatic transmission found in numerous high-performance models. The Ghibli’s primary appeals are its powerful V-8 engines and distinctive Italian design, allowing it to stand out from its German rivals. The Maserati Ghibli tops our list, representing the pinnacle of luxury sports sedan performance with Italian flair.