Top 10 Luxury Sports Sedans That Redefine Performance and Practicality

For too long, the automotive world operated under the assumption that true performance came at the expense of everyday usability. The unspoken rule was that the more impractical a performance car, especially in terms of rear passenger space, the more desirable it became. However, the rise of the Luxury Sports Sedan segment has completely shattered this notion. Much like hot hatchbacks once revolutionized the compact coupe market, luxury sports sedans have emerged as the ultimate blend of exhilarating performance and everyday practicality.

These aren’t just regular sedans with a sporty trim. Many luxury sports sedans share the same engineering DNA and powertrains with their sports car counterparts, blurring the lines between segments and offering drivers the best of both worlds. Imagine the heart-pounding thrill of a sports car combined with the spaciousness and comfort of a sedan – that’s the essence of the luxury sports sedan. Today, the market is brimming with options, making the selection process both exciting and challenging.

Two decades ago, identifying the top luxury sports sedan was a far simpler task due to limited choices. However, the landscape has dramatically changed. Virtually every established automaker, alongside emerging luxury brands like Genesis from Hyundai, now competes in this dynamic sector. While German premium brands were traditionally the go-to for fast, four-door vehicles, the luxury sports sedan segment has become a global arena. Of course, not all contenders are created equal. This list of 10 exceptional vehicles represents the pinnacle of luxury sports sedan engineering, perfectly balancing exhilarating performance with the practicality you need in a daily driver.

Drawing upon expert data from reputable sources including Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Top Gear, we’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the best high-performance, four-door sedans available today.

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10. Lexus IS500: 149 MPH

Lexus stands out in the current luxury sports sedan landscape as the sole purveyor of naturally-aspirated V-8 engines. Their latest performance marvel, the IS500, is the heir apparent to the acclaimed IS-F, a model that once directly challenged the BMW M3 but was discontinued in 2014. The IS500 boasts a thoroughly refined version of the 2UR-GSE engine, delivering even more power than its predecessor. Yamaha’s expertise remains integral in crafting the signature soundtrack of this Japanese luxury sports sedan. However, some of the distinct visual cues that defined earlier IS-F models are subtly integrated, making this a more understated performance machine.

Lexus IS500 Performance Specs

In many respects, the IS500 operates as an “IS-F in disguise.” Visual indicators are present, including a hood bulge, quad-exhaust outlets, and upgraded brake rotors (14-inches front, 12.7-inch rear). The F-Sport Performance Premium package adds further enhancements, though the overtly aggressive wide-body styling of past IS-F iterations is absent. This makes the IS500 a compelling choice for those seeking luxury sports sedan thrills with a touch of understated elegance.

9. Genesis G70: 155 MPH

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

Genesis G70 Performance Specs

The key differentiators lie in the G70’s unique chassis and suspension tuning, engineered for sharper handling and enhanced agility on winding roads. The interior provides ample passenger space, and the overall fit and finish rival, and in some opinions surpass, established luxury marques like BMW and Lexus. This elevated luxury experience comes with a slight compromise in cargo capacity (11.65 cubic feet, only exceeding the AMG C63), although the rear seats do offer a folding feature for added versatility in this luxury sports sedan.

8. BMW M3: 155 MPH

The BMW M3 is an enduring icon in the realm of luxury sports sedans. Now in its sixth generation, the M3 designation is exclusively reserved for the four-door variant. Since 2014, the two-door iteration became the M4, while the more practical four-door models retained the legendary M3 badge. The M3 is arguably as close to a pure sports car as a luxury sports sedan can be. Its exceptionally nimble chassis delivers remarkable handling prowess, while the S58 inline-six engine provides exhilarating performance with substantial tuning potential.

BMW M3 G80 Performance Specs

Even the standard M3 models deliver near-supercar levels of performance, while the M3 Competition variant elevates this luxury sports sedan to dominate virtually any competitor in its class. For purists wary of electrification, the current M3 stands alone as the only German performance sedan in its segment to eschew hybrid powertrains, opting instead for a traditional twin-turbo, inline-six engine.

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7. BMW M5 (F90): 155 MPH

The BMW M5 has long been considered the benchmark luxury sports sedan, seamlessly blending practicality, opulent features, and breathtaking performance. Dating back to 1985, the M5 is a model of consistent excellence in the fast, four-door car category. As the seventh generation approaches, the M5 holds the distinction of being the longest-running performance sedan and remains among the most capable. In its CS configuration, the M5 rivals many dedicated sports cars in outright performance, and its twin-turbo V-8 engine, renowned for its immense power potential, makes it a favorite among tuners seeking to create the ultimate luxury sports sedan.

BMW M5 (F90) Performance Specs

Foldable rear seats are optional, except in the M5 CS, which features four sculpted bucket seats. Even so, the generous 18.72 cubic feet of luggage space should satisfy most needs in a luxury sports sedan. While the familiar S63B44B engine is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, this generation marks the final non-hybrid M5, signaling the industry’s shift toward electrification even in the high-performance luxury sports sedan segment.

6. Audi RS3: 159 MPH

The selection of brand-new RS-badged luxury sports sedans from Audi is currently limited. Stepping down to the S lineup expands options, but for the ultimate RS models, the RS3 stands as the sole offering. Historically, Audi’s entry-level performance model was primarily available as a hatchback, but the last two generations introduced a compact sedan variant, broadening its appeal within the luxury sports sedan market.

Audi RS3 (8Y) Performance Specs

Despite its smaller footprint, the RS3 delivers performance comparable to the larger Audi S8. It also represents the last Audi to feature the distinctive five-cylinder engine, as future models are anticipated to adopt VAG’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, likely integrated within a hybrid system. Cargo capacity is 11.34 cubic feet, less than many hatchbacks, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats offer practical flexibility in this compact luxury sports sedan.

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

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C63 is a particularly polarizing luxury sports sedan due to a significant powertrain shift. Historically, potent V-8 and V-12 engines were AMG’s defining characteristic, especially in their high-performance sedans. However, the new W206 C-Class generation, regardless of trim, is exclusively powered by turbo-four engines. This includes the AMG version, which controversially abandons the signature M177 twin-turbo V-8 in favor of the AMG A45’s M139 turbo-four unit.

Mercedes-AMG C63 E Performance (W206) Performance Specs

In the C63, this engine is coupled with an electric motor and a clutch-operated all-wheel-drive system. This advanced technology aims to enhance the C63’s environmental profile, and the same powertrain, potentially with increased output, is expected in the upcoming AMG E63. However, this technological complexity comes at the expense of weight and practicality, as trunk space is comparable to a subcompact like the Suzuki Swift, a notable compromise in a luxury sports sedan.

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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. The Giulia serves as a spiritual successor to the Alfa Romeo 75, and like its predecessor, the range-topping Quadrifoglio variant features a potent V-6 engine. Performance figures significantly increased, positioning the Italian luxury sports sedan as a direct rival to the BMW M3. Upon its debut, the Giulia introduced one of the most acclaimed chassis in the segment, remaining lighter and more dynamically engaging than many of its competitors to this day.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance Specs

Even after the 2022 refresh, the QV’s performance metrics remain unchanged. A year after its launch, the option for a manual transmission was removed, 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 and passion into the luxury sports sedan category.

3. Porsche Panamera: 196 MPH

Porsche’s expertise in high-performance vehicles is virtually unparalleled. While the 911 remains iconic, certain Porsche DNA inevitably permeates throughout the model range. The Panamera is an interesting case, representing Porsche’s long-held ambition to create a four-door 911. After various platform experiments and concept cars, the production Panamera finally materialized as a groundbreaking luxury sports sedan.

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 spacious cargo area – 16.5 cubic feet, expanding to 46.12 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Among four-door coupes and luxury sports sedans, the Panamera frequently emerges as a top contender. The optional electric motor and battery pack enhance power but also add weight, making the non-hybrid version slightly quicker off the line despite a lower horsepower rating, showcasing the nuanced performance dynamics within this luxury sports sedan.

2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: 200 MPH

Cadillac’s brand identity has evolved significantly over the years, from a symbol of luxury to a favorite among enthusiasts. In recent times, Cadillac has increasingly catered to performance enthusiasts, and no model exemplifies this shift more than the CT5-V Blackwing. In its top trim, this mid-size Cadillac luxury sports sedan uniquely features a supercharged, pushrod V-8 engine. Specifically, it utilizes the LT4 engine, originally introduced in the C7 Corvette Z06 and serving as the foundation for the C7 ZR-1’s LT5 unit.

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Performance Specs

The CT5-V Blackwing is not only one of the fastest sedans available but also stands out for offering a manual transmission – a rarity in the contemporary luxury sports sedan segment. Coupled with a starting price under $100,000, this formidable Cadillac sedan presents exceptional value compared to its German rivals, solidifying its position as a compelling luxury sports sedan choice.

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1. Maserati Ghibli: 202 MPH

Maserati boasts a rich history of producing fast four-door vehicles, and the Ghibli represents the pinnacle of their luxury sports sedan offerings. Historically, Italian automakers haven’t been renowned for reliability, and Maserati is no exception. The situation seemed particularly challenging during periods of shared components with Chrysler. While Maserati’s popularity has grown and reliability has improved, it remains an area for consideration, and Maserati’s lineup is unfortunately still susceptible to depreciation.

Maserati Ghibli Performance Specs

The key to maintaining a Ghibli, as with many high-performance cars, is diligent adherence to strict maintenance schedules. Neglecting this can transform an otherwise exceptional luxury sports sedan into a costly ownership experience. The Ferrari-derived V-8 engines are potent, paired with the reliable ZF automatic transmission found in numerous high-performance models. The Ghibli’s primary strengths are its powerful V-8 engine options and distinctive Italian design, allowing it to stand apart from its predominantly German competitors in the luxury sports sedan arena.