Luxury Performance Sedans
Luxurious Power
Back before automobiles were approaching autonomy, before crossovers were careening across the automotive landscape, if you wanted to have a car that was fast and agile you bought a sports car. But for those who wanted to travel in luxury with space for the whole family, they had to go the luxury sedan route. Today there’s no reason to compromise — you can have one car that provides outstanding performance while transporting you in the lap of luxury. Here’s a look at the 20 most luxurious, roomy, and most powerful four-door options available on the market today.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
MSRP: $59,950
Acura’s flagship RLX sedan is the most powerful and technologically advanced vehicle ever offered by Honda’s premium brand. The hybrid powertrain combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a three-motor hybrid system for a total output of 377 horsepower. The RLX Sport Hybrid delivers impressive handling thanks to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system with electrically-powered torque vectoring. The standard equipment list is quite extensive, including Head-Up display, leather-trimmed interior, Jewel Eye LED headlights, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist and a Blind Spot Information system.
© Aston Martin
Aston Martin Rapide S
MSRP: $205,300
With the Aston Martin Rapide S, the name really says it all — this is one fast 4-door luxury machine. One of the most beautiful sedans on the road, the Rapide S received a new more aerodynamic rear decklid and a new single-piece aluminum grille as design updates last year. The 5.9-liter V12 engine now produces 552 horsepower and is combined with the new Touchtronic III ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The Rapide S will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 second and reach a top track speed of 203 mph. And while cruising at extreme speeds, you and your passengers will enjoy full-grain Luxmill leather seats, walnut trim, glass switches, heated front and rear seats and the 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.
© Audi AG
Audi RS7
MSRP: $108,900
The Audi RS 7 is the most potent Audi RS model ever offered in the U.S., featuring a 560-horsepower turbocharged 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine combined with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with a sport differential. For an additional $20,000 you can upgrade to the RS 7 Performance model that gets a boost up to 605 horsepower, as well as Audi Dynamic Ride Control suspension, a sport exhaust, a Carbon Optic design package and a top track speed of 190 mph. All this in a beautiful package with the versatility of a hatchback design.
© Audi of America
Audi S6
MSRP: $70,900
The S6 is Audi’s high-performance midsize sedan, and for 2016 the hot 4-door receives a new front fascia with a new LED headlight design, wider Singleframe grille and a new bumper, new LED taillights, and trapezoidal exhaust outlets get integrated into the bumper. Power comes from a turbocharged 4.0-liter engine producing 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — a 30-horsepower increase over the 2015 model. Power is delivered through a 7-speed S tronic transmission with quattro all-wheel drive. The spacious interior easily handles five passengers, and they’ll enjoy the high-quality materials as well as a plethora of comfort and convenience features.
© Audi AG
Audi S8 Plus
MSRP: $114,900
This is one of the most powerful luxury sedans on the market, and it certainly looks the part. From its bold platinum gray grille and full LED headlights to its quad exhaust pipes and 21-inch Audi Sport wheels, the S8 clearly differentiates itself from the standard (but still impressive) A8. Under the hood lurks a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 605 horsepower and 617 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system. With all that grunt, this big luxury sedan can hit 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 190 mph. Of course, the big question with this car is whether to drive or just enjoy the ride in the luxurious leather-trimmed rear seats with the available rear-seat entertainment system.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Flying Spur W12
MSRP: $222,300
Bentley has been building cars since the 1920s, becoming one of the most widely recognized luxury brands in the world. The latest Flying Spur sedan is an excellent combination of luxury and performance — new owners have the tortuous decision of whether to drive or ride. Problems, problems. For the driver, there’s a massive 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine under the long hood putting out 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which gives the big car a top speed of 200 mph. But if you’re willing to let someone else enjoy all that power, the rear seats are swathed in premium-quality soft leather with 14-way adjustments as well as heat and ventilation. Almost 10 square meters of sustainably sourced natural wood is used per car in mirror-polished veneers for the fascia panels, consoles, waist rails and picnic tables.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Mulsanne Speed
MSRP: $335,600
Bentley’s fastest version of its ultra-luxury sedan, the Mulsanne Speed is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo producing 530 horsepower and a whopping 811 lb-ft of torque. As expected from a Bentley, only the finest materials have been selected for the interior — but the Speed is more for the driver. The Mulsanne Speed will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. The transmission is recalibrated for the higher torque and includes a Sport mode to give the driver more control, keeping engine speed above 2000 rpm so the turbos are ready to deliver instant performance. The air suspension offers Bentley, Comfort and Sport modes to tailor the ride from refined and relaxing to responsive and dynamic. The Mulsanne Speed will certainly get noticed — the large luxury sedan features a stainless steel grille with a dark tint finish, distinctive headlights and 21-inch wheels are the first directional wheels on a Bentley.
© BMW USA
BMW 750i xDrive
MSRP: $97,400
The flagship of the BMW model line, the 7-Series has always offered impressive driving performance with elegant German luxury. None of that has changed with latest version of the top-of-the-line 750i xDrive. With 445 horsepower on tap from its 4.4-liter V8 engine, this big sedan can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Handling is also impressive without sacrificing ride comfort — the 750 can even be equipped with Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview, which uses a camera to view the road ahead and actively adjust damper settings to improve comfort and driving dynamics. For the ultimate in luxury, though, opt for the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package, which features reclining and massaging rear seats with heating and cooling as well as a foot rest and rear-seat entertainment system.
© BMW of North America
BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe
MSRP: $122,500
The BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is the fastest car sold by BMW, possessing the ability to rocket to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 200 mph. This impressive performance is made possible by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system via an ALPINA-tuned 8-Speed Sport automatic transmission. A nice added touch is a full stainless steel exhaust system with ALPINA trademark elliptical twin tailpipes. The B6 Gran Coupe body is manufactured in the BMW 6 Series factory and then hand finished by ALPINA with powertrain components and interior equipment at the ALPINA factory in Buchloe, Germany.
© BMW of North America
BMW M5
MSRP: $94,100
The M5 is BMW’s hot-rod sedan often thought of as the benchmark for high-performance sport sedans. As expected from the Germany car company, the M5 offers plenty of luxury amenities with a stylish interior; however, this car is really all about extreme performance. Looking beyond the variety of potent powerplants the M5 has possessed over the years, the latest version gets power from a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. The available Competition Package adds 15 horsepower, more aggressive suspension tuning, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and a sport exhaust with quad outlets finished in Black Chrome.
© General Motors
Cadillac CTS-V
MSRP: $83,995
If you’re looking for a luxury sedan with outrageous performance, the new Cadillac CTS-V might be the car for you. The V-Series is Cadillac’s high-performance offering (which began with the 400-horsepower CTS-V in 2004), so it’s fitting that the latest version of this sport sedan is the most powerful V-Series ever. Cadillac wants to challenge the leading performance sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and the CTS-V is certainly up to the job. At the heart of CTS-V pumps a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine putting out 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. CTS-V drivers will enjoy the race-inspired Recaro seats and thick-rim steering wheel as they’re accelerating to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. The Magnetic Ride Control adjusts to surface conditions at a rate of 1,000 times per second, and big Brembo brakes along with the grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires help keep all that power under control —much-needed features considering the CTS-V is capable of speeds up to 200 mph.
© Jaguar Land Rover North America
Jaguar XF S
MSRP: $62,700
An all-new version of this midsize sport sedan was introduced last year, but the new Jaguar XF features more than just a prettier face. The big story is a new aluminum-intensive architecture that offers considerable weight savings as well as improved vehicle dynamics. The S is the current top-level version of the XF (we’re certain more powerful versions are coming), sporting a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine putting out 380 horsepower. The interior is both comfortable and roomy with high-end materials and the latest in high-tech safety and convenience features. The new 2016 Jaguar XF provides an excellent mix of attractive style, comfortable interior and fun-to-drive attributes — all the makings of a great sport sedan.
© Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Jaguar XJR
MSRP: $118,000
The XJ is the flagship of the Jaguar lineup, and the XJR is at the top of the performance ladder for the big sedan. Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XJR can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 4.4 seconds and boasts a top track speed of 174 mph. The Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems have been calibrated to match the sporty handling characteristics of the XJR. A new front splitter, rear spoiler and unique 20-inch forged alloy wheels help the XJR stand out from the crowd, while inside are special leather seats embossed with the R logo, as well as a high-performance 380-watt 12-speaker Meridian audio system.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Lexus GS F
MSRP: $84,440
Just as Mercedes has AMG, BMW has M and Cadillac has V to designate their high-performance offerings, Lexus has F to delineate its power line. And the latest model to wear the F badge is the all-new Lexus GS F sports sedan. As with those other lettered models, the GS F takes the luxury you expect from a Lexus and turns the performance up dramatically. Thanks to its 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 467 horsepower – the most ever in a production Lexus – the GS F can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. The custom sport suspension and big Brembo brakes help to make proper use of all that power. With unique high-back sport seats, F-sport steering wheel, perforated leather trim and blue contrast stitching throughout, the GS F is a nice balance of sport and luxury.
© Maserati North America
Maserati Quattroporte GTS
MSRP: $141,500
The flagship of the Maserati line, the Quattroporte is handmade in Modena, Italy, and features an elegant interior with fine Italian leather and real wood trim. Even more special is the GTS. The Quattroporte GTS is the fastest, most powerful 4-door Maserati ever built, boasting a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. The new Quattroporte is larger, lighter and even more luxurious than its predecessor, with spacious interior volume to carry passengers in comfort while providing the driver with sports car performance.
© Maserati
Maserati Ghibli S Q4
MSRP: $78,550
The newest addition to Maserati’s model line, the Ghibli adds a second sedan below the flagship Quattroporte. Smaller, lighter, and more dynamic than the Quattroporte, the Ghibli S Q4 is motivated by a 404-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an on-demand intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The exterior styling clearly ties in with the rest of the Maserati lineup, while inside are leather sport seats, high-gloss trim, a high-end audio system and — of course — the traditional Maserati clock with blue face.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG E63 S
MSRP: $101,700
The top model of the E-Class, the E63 S is powered by a bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, teamed with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission. Power is put to the road via the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, helping this luxury sedan reach 60 mph in a scant 3.5 seconds. Other performance features include AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension, 19-inch staggered alloy wheels, an AMG instrument cluster with Racetimer, an AMG leather interior with stitching on the dash and door panels, AMG front sport seats and an AMG steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG S63/S65
MSRP: $143,250–$224,650
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of high-performance models, including its flagship S-Class sedan that now offers both S63 AMG and S65 AMG versions. The S63 AMG sedan is powered by a bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine that develops 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sport transmission and AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. If it’s all about having the most horsepower, then the S65 AMG sedan would be the proper choice with its bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Both are exceptionally fast; however, the S63 with its all-wheel drive can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds — a few tenths faster than the rear-wheel-drive S65. Both versions carry their passengers in ultimate comfort. Features include 12-way power seats with heat and ventilation, active multi-contour front seats with massage, a cabin fragrance system and a high-end Burmester 3D surround-sound audio system.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Panamera Turbo S
MSRP: $180,300
Luxury and performance never blended so well than in this top-level Porsche Panamera. The most powerful model of the Porsche lineup, the Turbo S is truly a 4-door sports car. With a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 570 horsepower, the Panamera Turbo S will reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 192 mph. Since it’s a Porsche, the Panamera handles better than most sports cars and leaves most sedans in the dust. Unlike most sports cars, Panamera is roomy inside for both passengers and cargo, and comfortable individual rear seats provide lateral support during fast cornering. Panamera’s unique duality allows it to tear up the track during the day, then adorn valet stands of the most exclusive restaurants by night.
© Tesla Motors
Tesla Model S P90D
MSRP: $108,000
The only electric sport sedan available in America happens to be made in America. The Tesla Model S P90D offers up a high-tech interior with amazing performance. The P90D features dual electric motors — one on each axle — for a unique all-wheel-drive system. The two motors combined put out 762 horsepower and 713 lb-ft of torque for a mind-bending sprint to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds in what Tesla calls “Ludicrous” mode. The P90D has a claimed range of 270 miles between charges and is rated at 93 MPGe. Inside there’s room for up to seven occupants with a rear jump seat. The centerpiece of the front seat is a unique 17-inch touchscreen display that controls most of the car’s functions.
© FCA US LLC
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
MSRP: $67,645
The Charger Hellcat may not be considered a luxury car, especially compared to the other cars on this list, but as one of the most powerful and fastest production sedans in the world it seems wrong not to include it. The Hellcat can cover a quarter mile in just 11 seconds, goes zero to 100 mph and back to zero in 13 seconds and boasts a top speed of 204 mph. These kind of stats are normally associated with proper sports cars, but the Charger is a 4-door, 5-passenger full-size sedan. All this posturing is made possible thanks to the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that puts out an astounding 707 horsepower. Add the fact that it’s rated at 22 mpg on the highway and priced well below any other sedan with this kind of performance and it’s no wonder that Dodge has difficulty keeping up with demand for the Charger SRT Hellcat.
