The need for speed never goes away. The older one gets, the more expensive the toys are. The thrill that one gets behind the wheel of a powerful beast is unfathomable.
Many people assume that power comes with a hefty price tag. Well, unless you're going for the fanciest sports cars, that is a misconception. You can get a serious performance car for pocket change. Sedans are what some might describe as traditional and mundane. That might be true. However, modern sedans come equipped with power, speed, and balance to rival anything thrown at them.
While sports cars might be a little over the top and impractical, sedans deliver on all fronts. Here are the 10 most powerful sedans that cost under $50,000.
10 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 - $48,855
The Infinity Q50 Red Sport 400 is one of the most underrated sedans. The Q50 Red Sport might not be the best driver’s car, but it does come cheaper than most sedans. The drive-by-wire steering wheel is a letdown you can easily overlook.
The Infinity Q50 Red Sport 400 has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that pushes 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to its rear-wheels. The Q50 Red Sport has other performance features that include a 7-speed automatic transmission, adaptive suspension, and 19-inch wheels.
9 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack - $39,995
The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is exactly what you have in mind - a loud sports sedan. This comfortable five-seater sedan does not hide its muscle - from its bulky wide-body to its intimidating roar.
Powering this beast is a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that pushes 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The Scat Pack comes as a rear-wheel-drive with 8-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack rivals the Chevrolet SS, BMW 340I and other sedans and sports cars while still managing to stay under $50,000.
8 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4MATIC - $49,500
Driving in style has never been this cheap. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 445 4MATIC is a compact luxury sedan with one of the most powerful 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. With the touch of AMG, you are assured of power and speed.
The 4MATIC’s engine pushes 375 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The turbo inline-4 engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to all its four wheels. While it might not be the most luxurious Mercedes sedan, the AMG CLA 445 4MATIC gets the job done.
7 Chevrolet SS - $46,575
The Chevrolet SS, is what many might term as a sleeper sedan. The Chevrolet SS has often been misjudged and underestimated. The few who have had the opportunity to drive this “sleeper” have experienced its power and have never stopped singing its praise.
Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine, this sedan produces 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Chevrolet SS has its major motor connected to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels exclusively.
6 BMW 340i - $45,800
BMW renamed the 335i to the 340i in 2016. The 340i packs enough power to rival its Japanese, American, and German competitors. All the power in this sedan is embodied in luxury and sophistication.
The 340i has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. The engine pushes 320 horsepower and delivers 322 lb-ft of torque to the drivetrain. BMW offers rear-wheel drive and all four wheels drive both available in 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission. You can add an optional track handling package, and performance exhaust if you are looking for more fun.
5 Ford Fusion Sport - $33,475
The Ford Fusion Sport is not your average four-door sedan. This pony midsize sedan is a modest representation of what Ford can do. This sedan gives an outright thrill of driving a Mustang GT350 with the comfort of a sedan.
The Ford Fusion Sport has a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine, which is shared by the F-150. This sedan produces 325 horsepower and an unbelievable 380 lb-ft of torque. This sedan does come with a manual transmission option, the 6-speed automatic gearbox does the job.
4 Jaguar XE 35t - $42,695
Jaguar has always been known for its luxury high-end vehicles. The XE 35t is a game-changer when it comes to affordable sedans. For $42,695, you can now afford a high-end luxury sedan at a bargain. The XE 35t is a compact sedan that packs a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that pushes 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
This affordable sedan rivals most sports cars and its impressive power land it on the top 10 list of affordable sedans. The XE 35t has a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
3 Audi S4 - $49,200
If you want a touch of German awesomeness, then you can now get it for a bargain. The Audi S4 is a sport sedan that comes packed with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This might not seem like the most powerful sedan in this category but looks are deceiving.
This sedan packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pushes 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque to the drivetrain. Audi managed to fit an impressive Quattro all-wheel-drive system to the S4 giving it a tremendous grip to the road.
2 Cadillac ATS Sedan - $42,365
GM is still picking up the pieces from their SUVs' bad performance over the years. The Cadillac ATS might be the break that they have been waiting for. The ATS might look like a standard sedan but this car is far from it.
The Cadillac ATS packs a fine-tuned 3.6-liter V6 engine. GM managed to push 335 horsepower under the hood pairing it with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic. The ATS is fitted with Magnetic Ride Control. The ATS is an affordable competitor for most sedans in its category.
1 Subaru WRX STI - $34,695
For anyone who is the market to get a four-door sports sedan, then the Subaru WRX STI is the car for you. The WRX STI is faster than many sports cars and sedans in its category. Not to mention, this car makes a statement. It is loud and bold.
A 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.5-liter engine powers the WRX STI. The engine on the WRX STI delivers 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The balanced all-wheel-drive system has three mechanical differentials, making this sedan a beast in a straight-line and through the corners.