Few people look at sports sedans for a great ride, yet some of these four-door vehicles can offer as much fun as a sports car for a fraction of the price. Others, on the other hand, are incredibly expensive thanks to combining sports-car-beating performance with segment-leading luxury. However, with prices higher than most people can realistically afford, these sporty sedans fall to the wayside.
That's why it's important to remember there are options for those wanting a sporty and practical sedan without breaking the bank. Thanks to the used car market adjusting, some older sports sedans can offer great deals that won't break the bank and, while not the true equal of the more expensive sedans are still worth a purchase. These are nine expensive sports sedans with far more affordable counterparts that prove you don't need the bigger name to get the same experience.
9 Audi RS5 (Toyota Camry TRD)
The Audi RS5 is more of a sportback than a sedan, and a good one, too. The 444-hp twin-turbo V6 can be rough but still good, even if the handling and mileage could be better. In case the $77,000 price is too much, there's the always-dependable Toyota Camry TRD.
The 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque is a vast improvement over a typical Camry and responds wonderfully to steering input. The fact that Camrys are known for their longevity means this can last longer and thus popping $32,360 for the TRD V6 is a better buy than the expensive RS5.
8 Lexus LS (Kia K900)
Like many Lexus offerings, the LS can be a bit costly, with a new model running about $70,000. That makes sense with its 3.5-liter V6 capable of 415 hp and good gas mileage. Yet, for far less, one can get the equally capable Kia K900.
Like many Kia cars, this packs a lot of power into a seemingly low-level powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 getting 365 hp alongside poised handling. The fuel mileage is a bit rougher than others and not as luxurious but in terms of performance, a K900 can be a good buy for those who can't pop for the Lexus package.
7 Audi A7 (BMW 550i GT)
The Audi A7 is often praised for how it's far more affordable than a sedan with such style and power should be. The gorgeous frame houses a 335-hp turbocharged V6 that handles well, although at $70,000 it can still be a lot.
Surprisingly, a great alternative is the often maligned BMW 550i GT. Now, this is never going to win any beauty prizes, but look past the ugly exterior, and there's a 4.4-liter V8 capable of nearly 450 hp and handling better than its reputation says. Moreover, thanks to used prices dropping, a 550i GT can offer as much use as a new A7 despite its unappealing looks.
6 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC (Chrysler 300S)
With its nice luxurious interiors and robust 3.6l in-line 6 engine, the Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC is a great sporty sedan. Yet its $62,000 starting price can seem a bit too high for some customers.
Thus, a Chrysler 300S is a good option. The 363-hp V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission offer as much power as an E450 and better fuel economy. The 300S can be a far better choice for half the price than the flashier E-Class sedans.
5 Bentley Flying Spur (Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG)
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Say "Bentley," and one instantly thinks of class which also means "expensive." In this case, a new Flying Spur can cost about $200,000, which is well out of the range of most customers. It's a powerful car capable of up to 626 hp, but that eye-popping cost can keep many away.
In which case, a Mercedes E63 AMG is a better bet. Granted "half-off" is still over a hundred grand, but the E63 has a stronger twin-turbo 603-hp V8 engine and better gas mileage to boot. It's not the bargain of other cars on this list, but the E63 won't break the bank as badly as a Flying Spur.
4 Audi RS7 (Kia Stinger GT)
The Kia Stinger is a marvel as it can equal a lot of top-level sports sedans and, in some cases, outdo them. That includes the Audi RS7, which can top six figures with its 4.0-liter V8 and nearly 600 hp.
Yet the Stinger GT has its own strengths with a 3.3-liter V6 that feels much stronger than it seems with 365 hp and a top speed of 167 mph. It's also an easier car to handle on the road with great gas mileage so once more, the Stinger can compete with flashier sports sedans for the same price as an SUV.
3 BMW M3 (Chevy SS)
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One of the best high-performance sedans on the market, the BMW M3 may not be as powerful as the M5, but the 3.0-liter V6 can gain over 500 hp and all the style of a BMW along with a great interior to ride in.
If some balk at the M3's high cost, the Chevy SS offers a stronger 417-hp V8 with good handling, better mileage, and feels smoother on the road. Surprisingly never taking off and getting discontinued in 2017, the SS has become better appreciated today as a more affordable alternative to the modern flashier sports sedans.
2 BMW M5 (2016 Subaru WRX STI)
It's hard to argue against the BMW M5 in terms of top performance. The 4.4-liter V8 is placed in a terrific car boating some luxury along with the stellar driving one expects from BMW. The stumbling block, of course, is that a new model can cost over a hundred grand.
For a fraction of that price, you can get the 2016 Subaru WRX STI which offers its own great performance with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with 305 hp, excellent handling, and a spiffy drivetrain making it pop on the road. Moreover, it directly replaces the BMW M5 as it also features an AWD system and offers similar practicality to its more expensive German counterpart. However, with word that Subaru is discontinuing the STI option next year, this is the last chance to get a new version of a great M5 alternative.
1 Lexus IS 500 (Acura TLX)
A Lexus can be a fun ride in many ways as the IS 500 offers a terrific package with a 5.0-liter V8 with a fantastic 472 hp and a zero-to-60 in just over four seconds. That kind of performance makes the car's $56,500 price tag seems a bit low, but there are still cheaper alternatives that offer a similar experience out there.
The Acura TLX is a great substitute to the IS 500 F. The 2.0-liter V6 may be less powerful, but the 272 hp feels just as good and can be upgraded to a 355-hp 3.0-liter Turbo option. It sprints easily on the road, handles better and better mileage, so the TLX can be a good fit for those wanting a Lexus experience without the price tag.