25 FASTEST SEDANS IN THE WORLD, RANKED
'What is the fastest car in the world?' is a question every gearhead has asked themselves at some point in their lives. The usual suspects in these lists are supercars and sports cars, usually in the shape of coupes. However, one important segment of the market that often gets overlooked in the top speed debate is that of sedans, but there are many sedans out there that can hold their own against some of the fastest cars in the world.
Sedans may have been overtaken by SUVs in terms of popularity thanks to the flexibility and extra space SUVs provide, but they still form a big part of the market and have reached higher levels of performance than ever before. Electrification is the inevitable future, but that hasn't stopped manufacturers from innovating in engine tech and making them more efficient, resulting in some amazingly quick passenger vehicles.
If you are looking for a car that has four doors, can fit your family, and is wickedly fast, you have come to the right place. These are the 25 fastest sedans you can buy right now, whether new or used, they combine exceptional comfort with mind-blowing speed as they redefine the boundaries of performance and luxury.
UPDATE: 2024/07/27 11:59 EST
30 Fastest Sedans In The World, Ranked
Fast sedans have been an enthusiast's favorite for decades. And their popularity is evident in the number of sedan choices automakers continue to offer to buyers. Therefore, we have decided to add even more impressively fast sedans to this list.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, and CarBuzz. The entries are arranged by top speed, going from slowest to fastest and include detailed specifications from the sources named above.
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Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
Top Speed: 149 MPH
Lexus is a well-known proprietor of clean, classy vehicles that often have a little something extra under the hood. With the latest IS line, that something comes in the form of a naturally aspirated V-8 powering the IS F Sport Performance. The 472-horsepower V-8 is surrounded by upgraded, sport-oriented components, including F-SPORT adaptive variable suspension, Torsen LSD, Yamaha performance dampers, and selectable drive modes that bring out the best of the powertrain.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 472 horsepower |
| Torque | 395 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.4 seconds |
Interior-wise, the 500 F Sport Performance is a satisfying blend of racy vibes and sophisticated manners. This translates to a well-appointed cabin with advanced tech and race-inspired features, like the G-force display, carbon fiber accents, and paddle shifters.
Audi S8
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The Audi S8 is a potent sedan that offers a high level of luxury, driving dynamics, and, most importantly, FUN. The sole power plant is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that grinds out a hefty 563 horses. The acceleration is among its most noteworthy performance feats, reaching 60 mph from a standing still at a scurrying time of 3.2 seconds. Its handling and refined road manners are also of note, as they allow the S8 to carve corners like an artist - which only adds to the excitement the S8 already provides.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 563 horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
The cabin appointments and materials are nothing short of gorgeous. The premium leather and advanced tech is laid out with taste and contemporary design in mind. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is pulled straight from Star Trek, while multiple screens centered in the dash work in concert to control the vehicle's comfort and entertainment functions. All that's to say you won't feel burned after you shell out over $120,000 for one of these luxe speedsters.
2023 Chrysler 300C
Top Speed: 160 MPH
Next up is the big American beauty, which is the Chrysler 300C. The bossy 300 dates back to the early days of performance luxury, and has transcended time and space to provide the modern age with that same level of noteworthy performance and class that helped elevate the brand on the map more than 65 years ago. While its time in the spotlight has come to an end for now, the 300 and its subsequent performance models are living legends, and will be a part of American automotive history for some time to come.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.4-Liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 488 horsepower |
| Torque | 475 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.3 seconds |
The 2023 model year boasts arguably the most impressive stats, as well as the most rewarding offering. Its 6.4-liter V-8 Hemi is the very same found in both the Charger and Challenger, and it's rated at a healthy 485 horses. This is enough power to launch the full-size luxury sedan to 60 MPH from a standstill in only 4.3 seconds. If that wasn't enough, the 2023 300C also borrows its adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes from its muscle car cousins, which only makes it more deadly in the trenches.
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2020 Lexus GS-F
Top Speed: 168 MPH
Since its inception in 1989, Toyota has meant for Lexus to be a Mercedes-Benz competitor. While both car companies are associated with luxury and comfort, there's still room for performance. In fact, no one expected Lexus of all carmakers to still be offering a high-strung, naturally-aspirated, V-8 engine in 2023. The GS F was, sadly, retired in 2020, but its 2UR-GSE engine is still motivating various performance models of the brand.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 467 horsepower |
| Torque | 389 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.4 seconds |
While certainly not a BMW M5 competitor in terms of performance, the Lexus GS F is one of the most driver-centric, luxury sedans we've seen in modern times. The styling may be a bit too much for some, but in true Lexus fashion, the GS F scores high in terms of reliability.
1990 Lotus Carlton/Omega
Top Speed: 176 MPH
The Lotus Carlton or Omega, was a factory-tuned beast of a sedan in its time. The result of a collaboration between then-GM-owned Opel, Vauxhall, and Lotus to boost the image of the three automakers, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter, inline-six allows the sedan to reach 176 MPH. Its underwhelming style made the Omega a wolf in sheep's clothing and was quite expensive at the time it was released.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 372 horsepower |
| Torque | 410 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.1 seconds |
Despite its horsepower being similar to regular cars today, in 1990, the 372-horsepower sedan was faster than even Ferraris and was nearly banned by the British government for its speedy notoriety. As bare as the Lotus Omega looks compared to newer cars, it was considered upscale, covered in leather and wood trim, which made the Lotus appeal to the gentleman driver.
2024 Audi RS3
Top Speed: 178 MPH
The Audi RS3 is the definition of a "pocket rocket". Audi's smallest sedan shares an engine with the now-discontinued Audi TTRS, and will likely be the last time we see a turbocharged inline-five from Audi. The brand has long traditions with this engine configuration, with which it dominated the WRC series, but it seems the downsizing trend will take another victim as Audi adopts more electrification for its performance lineup.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 401 horsepower |
| Torque | 369 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
Nevertheless, the turbo-five works with the QUATTRO all-wheel-drive system to provide superior traction. Normally, the RS3 is limited to 155 MPH, like most performance cars. However, there's an optional package you can select that raises the limit to 178-MPH, which still isn't all the RS3 can give you.
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Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo
Top Speed: 179 MPH
Maserati's aforementioned affinity to V-8s is something that has made its way onto this list, as well as many other 'top-ranked cars' lists, time and time again. This is due to the refinement and dedication behind not only the engineering, but the application and overall statement made by each model. The 2022 Quattroporte is available in three trims, each offering a different blend of performance and luxury to drool over. However, the Trofeo name is one that often relates to a higher level of performance - a tradition that holds true with the Quattroporte.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 572 horsepower |
| Torque | 524 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.2 seconds |
The 2022 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo packs a 580-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, a mill that it, and it alone, boasts among the 2022 line-up. This Ferrari-derived engine, plus the dynamic suspension and superb chassis tuning, allow the four-door Quattroporte to feel as agile as its German rivals, yet as buttery smooth as its domestic (Italian) competition.
Interior-wise, Maserati cashes in on nostalgia, with a clean, simplistic approach that is both easy to operate and aesthetically pleasing. The cabin is draped in premium leather, as one would expect, while the tech and creature comforts remind occupants that they are in a modern, upscale machine - perfectly blending straightforward styling, sporty utility, and comfort.
1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer
Top Speed: 186 MPH
Part of the legendary and over-engineered W124 generation, the AMG Hammer is one of the coolest cars produced in Affalterbach. When the project began, AMG engineers envisioned a high-performance sedan that could hit 186 MPH. They settled on a V-8 power unit for the Hammer, but initially struggled to fit the engine under the W124's hood.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 385 horsepower |
| Torque | 417 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.0 seconds |
Undettered, the engineers forced a 5.6-liter V-8 into the space between the W124's wheel arches. Motivated by the 355-horsepower mill, the Hammer hit a top speed of 180 MPH, 6 MPH short of the initial target. Determined to eliminate the deficit, the engineers kept working, eventually fitting the Hammer with a 6.0-liter V-8 that churned out 385 horsepower. The extra grunt propelled the iconic Merc-AMG to 186 MPH.
2019 Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition
Top Speed: 186 MPH
To bid goodbye to their iconic V-12 engine, since the dawn of the EV had already arrived, Mercedes-AMG released the S65 Final Edition. As if the standard S-class isn't luxurious enough, the Final Edition carries a black and bronze theme throughout their top-tier sedan. Covered in Nappa leather with contrast stitching and even copper ambient lighting, this S65 is just as luxurious as it is fast.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 621 horsepower |
| Torque | 738 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Seven-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 seconds |
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As a fitting send-off for the V-12 engine, the S65 Final Edition is motivated by a 621-horsepower 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 which allows the S65 to run 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds, which is impressive for a big sedan. So if you want a discretely luxurious fast sedan, the S65 Final Edition is one of the fastest ones ever made.
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2018 Jaguar XJR575
Top Speed: 186 MPH
In mid-2017, Jaguar introduced a high-performance variant of the XJ dubbed the XJR575. As its name suggests, the XJR575's mill produced 575 horsepower, giving the mean cat a top speed of 186 MPH, 12 MPH higher than the XJR. Jaguar claimed that the XJR575 could hit its top speed in under 45 seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 575 horsepower |
| Torque | 517 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.2 seconds |
Unlike other models in the XJ range, the XJR575 featured unique gloss black 20-inch wheels, twin hood louvers, unique badging, and a special rear spoiler. Other distinguishing parts included distinctive side sills, front bumper, and lower air intakes. Buyers could choose between two colors made by Jag's Special Vehicle Operations department: Satin Corris Grey and Velocity Blue.
2024 BMW M3 CS
Top Speed: 188 MPH
The M3 has long been considered one of the most driver-focused, luxury-performance cars. For 2024, the G80-generation M3 got a track-focused CS variant, which is lighter and more powerful than the M3 Competition. The already-potent S58 engine gets 40 extra horsepower compared to the M3 Competition. For 2024, the M3 CS went on a diet, losing pounds and gaining speed.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 543 horsepower |
| Torque | 479 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.7 seconds |
Despite the extra Alcantara bits and bucket seats, the M3 CS still retains a full interior, meaning it's as usable as the lesser M3 variants. The BMW M3 CS comes, as standard, with the BMW M Driver's package and xDrive all-wheel drive. But it's only available with the eight-speed ZF automatic.
2018 Cadillac ATS-V
Top Speed: 189 MPH
Cadillac demonstrated through the ATS-V that American manufacturers could make fast sedans that could smoke their German counterparts in a straight line and on twisty back roads. A superbly engineered machine featuring a twin-turbocharged V-6 that delivered truck loads of low-end twist, the ATS-V maxed out at 189 MPH.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 464 horsepower |
| Torque | 445 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual/Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.8 seconds |
One of the fastest cars produced by Cadillac, the ATS-V featured magnetic dampers that altered the stiffness of the suspension according to driving modes. Cadillac programed the ATS-V's traction control system to allow a bit of slip before intervening. Two places where the Caddy paled in comparison to equivalent offerings from the likes of Merc and BMW were build quality and luxury.
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2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Top Speed: 189 MPH
Cadillac's entry-level sedan, the CT4 got the Blackwing treatment in 2021, which combined with GM's Alpha platform makes for a strong competitor to the BMW M3. It may come as a surprise, but the CT4-V Blackwing doesn't come with a V-8 engine like its bigger brother, the CT5-V Blackwing. Nevertheless, the LF4, twin-turbo V-6 is a stout unit that packs a punch.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 472 horsepower |
| Torque | 445 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual/Ten-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 seconds |
The 10-speed automatic is co-developed with Ford-Getrag and featured in many GM products. The faster CT4-V is still as luxurious as a Cadillac should be, but it's also an enthusiast model. For this reason, the CT4-V Blackwing is one of the very few luxury cars available with a six-speed manual.
2024 Audi RS7
Top Speed: 190 MPH
When you talk about combining luxury and performance, the debate is incomplete without Audi. The German manufacturer is known for making some of the most well-rounded vehicles that seamlessly blend luxurious features with mind-bending speed, and the Audi RS7 is one of them. The RS7 is powered by a mighty twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 591 horsepower with 590-pound feet of torque for the base version and 621 horsepower with 627-pound feet of torque for the RS7 Performance.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 621 horsepower |
| Torque | 627 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 seconds |
These impressive numbers allow it to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and deliver a top speed of 190 mph, making it one of the fastest sedans in the world. Performance isn't the only place it shines, though, since the RS7 also comes with creature comforts such as heated and ventilated power-adjustable front sport seats, leather upholstery, a wireless smartphone charger, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, making the RS7 as great showcase of German engineering and efficiency.
2023 BMW M5 Competition
Top Speed: 190 MPH
Up next is the Audi's RS7 German counterpart the BMW M5 Competition, another sedan that effortlessly blends performance and comfort. The M5 Competition is more of a track-focused upgrade over the base M5 than a separate model, but the upgrade makes a big difference in terms of performance. Power comes from a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine putting out 617 horses, 17 more than the base version. The more recently unveiled M5 CS packs an additional 18 horsepower for a total of 626.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 617 horsepower |
| Torque | 553 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
This power results in a 0 to 60-mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 MPH, the same as the M5 Competition, making the M5 Competition and M5 CS formidable competitors to any sports sedan in the segment. The M5 Competition is the perfect blend between track-focused and comfort, since it can seamlessly transition from being a thrilling sports sedan to a luxurious and refined cruiser.
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2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe
Top Speed: 190 MPH
The BMW M8 Competition is yet another blisteringly quick German-made sedan that combines comfort with performance. It seems that BMW takes its sedans seriously, and nowhere is this more apparent than the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe. This version of the M8 is powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 found in the M5 Competition, but the M8 Competition Gran Coupe delivers even faster acceleration, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.0-seconds and completing the quarter mile in just 10.8-seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 617 horsepower |
| Torque | 553 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 seconds |
Top speed is still limited at 190 mph, but the M8 Competition Gran Coupe takes the luxury quotient up a notch over the standard M8 Gran Coupe thanks to features such as Merino leather-covered M Sport seats and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, adding to its claim as one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world.
2020 Bentley Mulsanne Speed
Top Speed: 190 MPH
Beauty, extravagance, luxury, and speed sum up the 2020 Bentley Mulsanne. Powered by Bentley's iconic 6.75-liter V-8, this enormous Brit barreled to 60 MPH from zero in under 5.0 seconds, impressive for a car that weighs north of 6,000 pounds. Built for multi-millionaires capable of paying its astronomical sticker price, the Mulsanne epitomized automotive luxury.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 530 horsepower |
| Torque | 811 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 seconds |
Though not immediately apparent, the Mulsanne Speed has features like adjustable dampers and air springs that stiffen the ride, improving sportiness without impacting ride quality. The Mulsanne's specs and features sheet suggests that the Mulsanne was built for both passenger and driver enjoyment, a rare feature in ultra-luxury sedans. Therefore, if you can afford one of these, give your chauffeur an afternoon off and explore the limits of your Bentley on twisty back roads.
2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Top Speed: 191 MPH
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is the fastest and most powerful sports sedan ever made by the Italian automaker, Alfa Romeo. It is powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivering 505 horsepower and 443-pound feet of torque to the rear wheels, resulting in an astonishing top speed of 191 MPH.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 505 horsepower |
| Torque | 443 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.8 seconds |
Since it is rear-wheel drive only, it isn't as quick to 60 mph as some of the other sedans on this list, but 3.8 seconds is still an impressive time in its own right. Typical of Alfa Romeo, the Giulia Quadrifolgio's exterior is styled immaculately, and it comes with all the luxury features you'd expect with such a car. Features like heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system round up the Giulia Quadrifolgio.
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2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E-Performance
Top Speed: 196 MPH
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is the first-ever plug-in hybrid by AMG, and it combines the latest technological innovations with AMG's pedigree to deliver some hair-raising performance numbers. Thanks to the 630-horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine coupled with a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, the GT 63 S E Performance delivers a staggering 831 horsepower and 1,082-pound feet of torque.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 + electric motor |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 831 horsepower |
| Torque | 1.082 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.9 seconds |
This allows it to go from 0-60 mph in less than 3.0-seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph, establishing it as one of the fastest and most powerful sedans you can buy right now. If that wasn't enough, Mercedes has also equipped it with enough luxury and luxury features that will leave a lasting impression on you.
2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
Top Speed: 196 MPH
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S has cemented its place as one of the fastest sedans in the world, and it isn't going away anytime soon. Under the hood of the Panamera Turbo S is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 620 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. This configuration is enough to propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, complete the quarter mile in just 10.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 196 mph.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 620 horsepower |
| Torque | 604 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.6 seconds |
The Panamera Turbo S is still, of course, a luxury sedan, so it comes loaded with features. If the 620-horses delivered by the Turbo S isn't enough for you, Porsche now also offers an E-Hybrid version of the Turbo S that cranks up the horsepower all the way up to 689 and provides more than 20 miles of electric range if you want a quiet ride instead of unleashing the V-8 monster under the hood.
2023-06-10T20:10:49Z
