If you’re after a thrilling driving experience but don’t want to completely sacrifice practicality, then you’ll probably end up looking at a fast sedan. No other style of car is quite so suited to cutting through the air and hooning down the road at break-neck speeds. These range from compact speedsters to full-size luxury liners with an impressive kick. To help you find the one that best suits your needs, here is our ranking of the best fast 4-door sedans in 2022.
There are a number of fast sports sedans in production right now, and while they have a lot of differences, there are certain similarities that set these four-door cars apart from their run-of-the-mill brethren. Here are the defining characteristics of the segment:
Performance: Naturally, a good sports car needs to be fast, with reliable acceleration and a great top speed. Potent engines boosted with turbochargers are the norm here, but full-electric powertrains are also among the most lively. Part and parcel of this trait is handling. You can’t very well have fun with all that power if your car can’t control it.
Price: While not all fast sedans will cost you an arm and a leg, you should expect to pay more than you would for a regular old four-door. Power outputs are also usually directly proportionate to fuel consumed, so you should expect a relatively large gas bill, too. However, with electric power becoming more commonplace, it is getting easier to have your cake and eat it when it comes to having cheap fun.
Practicality: Sports sedans are first and foremost driver’s cars. However, if that is all you’re after, then a coupe or roadster would better fit the bill. Sedans, on the other hand, offer a useable back seat and at least some sort of reasonable cargo capacity in the trunk. This well-roundedness is what makes them such fun everyday cars.
What to Consider When Buying a Fast Sedan
Performance often comes at a price, so you should weigh the strengths and weaknesses of these adrenalin pumpers before you buy.
Pros
They are engaging and thrilling drivers
Plenty of style, both inside and out
They draw glances of unadulterated envy
Still more practical than a coupe or cabrio
Cons
They cost an arm and a leg, and sometimes a kidney
Fuel economy is laughable
Passenger and trunk space is often sub-par
FAQs about sporty sedans
What is the fastest sports sedan?
Currently, the fastest sedan on the market is the Tesla Model S Plaid, which boasts a 0-60 mph sprint time of under two seconds, if the automaker’s test results are to be believed.
Are there any affordable fast sedans?
Generally, high performance and luxury go hand-in-hand, so finding a cheap sports vehicle can be tricky. However, even a model from a luxury brand loses a lot of its value after just a year or two of ownership, so used models are a great way to get into the game without losing too much in terms of modern features and comforts.
Are there any fast full-size sedans?
Most full-size luxury sedans are quite quick, but they usually aren’t meant for overly spirited driving. Luckily, most premium automakers are all too happy to give their fans the best of both worlds at an equally premium price. Thus, we get models like Mercedes-Maybach S and Audi RS e-Tron GT - large grand tourers than can keep up with even the most track-ready compact speedsters out there.