Ranking the Best Luxury Sports Sedans of 2022
The year 2022 saw a compelling lineup of sports sedans hitting the market, each vying for a spot at the intersection of performance and luxury. The enduring appeal of this segment stems from a few key factors. In an era where many consumers are reconsidering multi-car ownership, a single vehicle capable of offering both exhilarating driving dynamics and refined daily usability is highly attractive. Having a sports sedan that also proves surprisingly affordable to own and maintain adds significant value in a challenging economic climate. Furthermore, with shifts potentially impacting car dealerships and household budgets becoming tighter, splurging on multiple automobiles is less feasible for many, cementing the sports sedan’s place as a versatile, high-value option.
These vehicles aren’t just about practicality or even affordability; they are defined by speed, excitement, style, and above all, the sheer joy of driving. While reliability is important, it’s the blend of luxury, performance, and driver engagement that truly sets the top contenders apart.
10 Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid secures its position on this list primarily due to one standout characteristic: its extraordinary acceleration. Equipped with over 1,000 horsepower from its electric powertrain, the Model S Plaid can rocket from a standstill to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds. This puts it in a league of its own in terms of straight-line speed among sedans. It stands out among the best luxury sports sedan 2022 options for its unique electric performance.
Front view of the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid electric luxury sedan
Beyond the Plaid’s mind-bending acceleration, its contribution to the “fun factor” can be debated. While undeniably quick, discussions around other aspects, including potential issues not always highlighted, temper the overall driving experience compared to more traditional sports sedans.
Rear angle view of a Tesla Model S Plaid accelerating
9 BMW M3
When the latest generation of the BMW M3 and M4 was first unveiled, it sparked considerable debate, largely centered around the controversial front-end design, specifically the sizable kidney grille.
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However, as time passed, the automotive community began to look beyond the polarizing aesthetics and appreciate the substance beneath. The potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine proved to be exactly what enthusiasts desired. The availability of a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a manual transmission further sweetened the deal for purists. The standard BMW M3 offers a robust 473 horsepower, while the M3 Competition boosts that figure to 503 horsepower. This power increase in the Competition model comes with mandatory all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. While focus often falls on sedans like the M3, luxury manufacturers are also developing vehicles such as the upcoming luxury suv in india to meet diverse market demands. BMW consistently ranks among the top luxury auto brands.
BMW M3 Competition Sedan in motion, showing the rear three-quarter view
8 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
With the departure of the much-loved V8 engine from the C 63 lineup, some disappointment was inevitable regarding the new C 63’s hybrid-assisted turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. Despite this shift, the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance (with its notably lengthy name) still possesses several compelling qualities.
2024 Mercedes AMG C63 S E Performance side profile while driving
For example, combining its 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with a single electric motor, the new C 63 generates a significant total output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid powertrain positions it alongside other contenders for the title of best luxury hybrid cars 2022. Mercedes-AMG claims that this enables the C 63 S E Performance to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, thanks in part to its 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.
Rear view of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance
7 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S holds a remarkable distinction as one of the fastest production sedans to have ever completed a lap of the iconic Nurburgring circuit, clocking a time of 7:29.81. This impressive feat is not solely attributable to its powerful 620-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine but is largely a testament to Porsche’s exceptional engineering prowess and dedication to performance tuning. When asked to name a luxury car, models like the Porsche Panamera often come to mind.
2022 Porsche Panamera Turbo S in a studio setting
The Porsche Panamera is a vehicle that excels in virtually every category. It offers a luxurious interior environment while simultaneously delivering incredible speed, boasting a top speed of 196 mph. Its capabilities allow it to compete head-to-head with other high-performance four-door vehicles in the luxury sports sedan segment.
Red 2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S parked outdoors
6 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
On paper, the specifications of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio might not appear as overwhelming as some of the other contenders on this list. However, Alfa Romeo vehicles have never been solely about raw numbers. Their true essence lies in the emotional connection and driving pleasure they evoke when you get behind the steering wheel.
2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio drifting on a racetrack, side view
The Giulia QV is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, which is widely regarded as one of the best V6 engines ever produced. This powerplant delivers a robust 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. Due to its rear-wheel-drive-only configuration, the Giulia’s 0-60 mph acceleration time is limited to approximately 4 seconds. However, this drivetrain layout also means it is significantly more prone to playful oversteer and tail-happiness compared to its all-wheel-drive rivals, contributing to its characterful driving experience.
Rear view of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
5 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Earlier, we mentioned that the Tesla Model S Plaid’s primary highlight was its blistering 0-60 time. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S, while also electric, is nearly as quick as the Tesla in a straight line but distinguishes itself by excelling in virtually every other aspect of performance and luxury.
Front view of a grey Porsche Taycan
Despite being fully electric, the Taycan Turbo S is engineered by Porsche, a brand renowned for its exceptional sports cars and considered by many to be a leading carmaker. Consequently, it drives with the precision and engagement expected of a proper German sports sedan. It can reach 60 mph from a standstill in less than 2.5 seconds, exhibits impressive agility for cornering, and transports occupants in both style and comfort, embodying the dual nature of a luxury sports sedan.
Side profile of a grey Porsche Taycan Turbo
4 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
If the concept of “overkill” were embodied in a car, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody would be a prime candidate. This machine doesn’t just boast a formidable 797 horsepower channeled exclusively to the rear wheels; its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine also produces a truly symphonic, aggressive exhaust note that defines its character.
2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody front view
In theory, the Widebody Redeye is capable of achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds. However, given the immense power directed to the rear axle, getting a clean launch without the tires engaging in a dramatic smoke show can sometimes be challenging. But arguably, isn’t the exhilarating struggle for traction and the resulting tire smoke part of the fun and appeal of such a potent muscle sedan?
The rear end of the 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
3 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
For what seems like an exceptionally long time, Mercedes-AMG has consistently delivered excellence with their high-performance executive sports sedan, the E 63. The latest iteration of the E 63 carries on this legacy, still featuring a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine under its hood, bucking the trend towards smaller displacement or hybridization seen elsewhere in the segment.
2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 Sedan parked
Not only does the E 63 S retain a purely gasoline-fueled powertrain, but it also stands as one of the most powerful internal combustion engines ever developed by AMG. It produces an impressive 604 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. This substantial power allows the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S to reach a top speed of 188 mph and sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.0 seconds flat, solidifying its position as a top-tier luxury sports sedan.
2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S rear view parked
2 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
For those seeking a luxury sports sedan that strikes a near-perfect balance between raw power, exceptionally precise handling, and consistent driver engagement, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a compelling contender. What truly elevates the CT5-V Blackwing above many of its rivals isn’t just its impressive performance figures but a specific element it offers that has become increasingly rare in modern high-performance vehicles.
Blue Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing driving on a track
In addition to its refined interior and its mighty 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The option of a stick shift is a rarity in today’s automotive landscape, particularly in cars with this level of power and luxury, yet the Blackwing proudly offers it, catering directly to driving enthusiasts.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing side profile
1 BMW M5 CS
Undisputedly, the best luxury sports sedan available in 2022 is the BMW M5 CS. Following the traditional M5 formula, the CS variant maintains a somewhat understated appearance – or at least, it appears sedate compared to the astonishing performance capabilities it possesses in the real world.
2022 BMW M5 CS exterior front angle on a track
Housed beneath the hood of the M5 CS is one of the most potent engines BMW has ever created: a 626-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. As a result, the all-wheel-drive BMW M5 CS can achieve a scorching 0-60 mph time of just 2.6 seconds. This incredible acceleration is merely scratching the surface of what makes this particular sports sedan the most impressive and coolest car in its class for the 2022 model year, representing the pinnacle of the luxury sports sedan segment.
2022 BMW M5 CS exterior rear angle
Conclusion
The 2022 model year presented an exceptional field of contenders in the luxury sports sedan category, each pushing the boundaries of performance, technology, and refinement. From the electric acceleration giants like the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo S to the V8-powered beasts such as the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye Widebody, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the options were diverse and compelling. Vehicles like the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio demonstrated that driving engagement remains paramount, while the Porsche Panamera Turbo S showcased how luxury and track-validated performance can coexist seamlessly. Ultimately, the BMW M5 CS stood out as the top choice, blending formidable power, advanced all-wheel-drive traction, and a refined yet capable chassis to deliver a truly exceptional driving experience that defines the best of the best luxury sports sedan 2022 landscape. These machines represent the exciting evolution of the sedan, proving that exhilarating performance and opulent comfort are not mutually exclusive.
