The 2026 Ford Mustang GT remains a golden standard for many American auto enthusiasts who want a balanced and good value driver’s car. The Blue Oval’s ability to consistently create such a balanced product with each generation is exactly why it’s the last of the V-8 pony cars remaining in the region. If you prefer the dimensions of a sedan instead, there are some compelling alternatives that you can currently opt for.
For context, the 2026 Ford Mustang GT carries an MSRP of $46,885 and features a naturally aspirated 5.0‑liter V-8 and a six-speed manual transmission, generating 480 horsepower and 415 pound‑feet of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. This will get you from zero to 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds, with an estimated top speed of 155 MPH, or up to 180 MPH with performance upgrades. Ford also throws in a mechanical limited‑slip differential for traction and high‑speed stability.
Models are listed in ascending order based on 0-60 MPH time, from the slowest to the quickest.
2026 BMW M340i xDrive
0-60 MPH: 4.1 Seconds
The 2026 BMW M340i xDrive features a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0‑liter six‑cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild‑hybrid system paired to a ZF eight‑speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This system produces 386 horsepower and 398 pound‑feet of torque to all four wheels via the brand’s xDrive system. BMW claims that this model will cover a zero-to-60 MPH sprint in 4.1 seconds, before hitting a limited 155 MPH top speed.
The 2026 BMW M340i xDrive has a starting MSRP of $64,300 in the U.S., serving as the balanced “bridge” between the standard 3 Series and the full-M variants. It comes standard with a 386-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology, an M Sport differential, and Variable Sport Steering for a more communicative driving feel. For those looking to mirror the M3’s agility, optional features include the Adaptive M Suspension, the M Sport Professional Package with upgraded brakes, and a new flat-bottom M leather steering wheel for 2026.
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2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S
0-60 MPH: 4.0 Seconds
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S features a handcrafted 2.0-liter inline-four turbo and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, generating 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque delivered through the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. This will get you from zero to 60 MPH in four seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH.
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S carries a starting MSRP of $67,550. It comes standard with AMG Torque Control, which allows for a dedicated Drift mode by distributing power individually between the rear wheels. You can further sharpen the experience with optional features like the AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus, which adds a fixed rear wing for increased downforce, and the AMG Ride Control suspension with three-stage adjustable damping. You can also increase top speed to 168 MPH with the AMG Driver’s Package.
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2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds
The 2026 Cadillac CT4‑V Blackwing employs a twin-turbocharged 3.6‑liter V-6 producing 472 horsepower and 445 pound‑feet of torque to the rear wheels via your choice of a six‑speed manual or a 10‑speed automatic. The brand claims a 3.9-second zero-to-60 MPH acceleration time with a 189 MPH top speed limit.
The 2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $65,395. It comes standard with Active Rev Matching and “No-Lift Shift” and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 for improved damping response. You can further enhance the CT4-V Blackwing’s engagement with optional upgrades like the Carbon Fiber Packages for increased downforce, the Performance Data Recorder to analyze track laps, and lightweight forged aluminum wheels.
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2026 Dodge Charger SixPack HO
0-60 MPH: 3.8 Seconds
The 2026 Dodge Charger SixPack HO sedan employs the all-new twin-turbo 3.0‑liter straight‑six engine driving all four wheels via an eight‑speed automatic transmission. This system produces 550 horsepower and 531 pound‑feet of torque, which takes the Charger from zero to 60 MPH in 3.8 seconds before hitting the limited 177 MPH top speed. This system lets you deactivate the front axle under specific conditions, if you want a more conventional muscle car feel.
The 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack HO Scat Pack Sedan’s pricing starts at $61,995 MSRP. It comes standard with Launch Control and Line Lock functions, but you can further customize the driving experience with options like the Track Pack, which adds a dual-valve adaptive damping suspension and high-performance Brembo brakes, or the staggered tire setup for enhanced grip and handling.
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2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
0-60 MPH: 3.7 Seconds
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio features a Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9‑liter V-6 mated to an eight‑speed automatic transmission. The unit generates 510 horsepower and 443 pound‑feet of torque to the rear wheels, resulting in a manufacturer‑claimed zero to 60 MPH time of 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 191 MPH.
The 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio‘s pricing is yet to be announced, as its reintroduction will occur in the coming months. Standard features include an advanced active aero front splitter that adjusts at high speeds to optimize downforce. For maximum engagement, optional features for the Giulia include the weight-saving exposed Carbon Fiber Roof, ultra-lightweight Sparco carbon-fiber racing seats, and a Brembo carbon-ceramic brake system.
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2026 Audi RS3 Sedan
0-60 MPH: 3.6 Seconds
The 2026 Audi RS3 Sedan features the brand’s emotive 2.5‑liter inline‑five turbocharged engine, driving the all-wheel drive Quattro system via a seven‑speed dual‑clutch automatic transmission. This system produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound‑feet of torque, which is enough to take the RS3 from zero to 60 MPH in just 3.6 seconds before you reach the limited 155 MPH top speed.
The 2026 Audi RS3 Sedan starts at an MSRP of $66,100. It features the RS Torque Splitter function, which allows for power distribution between the rear wheels to eliminate understeer and enable a dedicated “RS Torque Rear” drift mode. For better performance, you can specify the optional Dynamic Plus Package, which adds ceramic front brakes and an increased top speed of 180 MPH with ultra-high-performance summer tires.
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2026 Porsche Panamera GTS
0-60 MPH: 3.6 Seconds
The 2026 Porsche Panamera GTS features the Volkswagen Group’s twin-turbo 4.0‑liter V-8 powering all four wheels via an eight‑speed dual‑clutch automatic transmission. This produces 493 horsepower and 486 pound‑feet of torque, resulting in a 3.6-second zero to 60 MPH acceleration time and 188 MPH top speed.
The 2026 Porsche Panamera GTS‘s pricing starts at $166,900. It comes standard with the Sport Chrono Package and a GTS-specific adaptive air suspension that allows it to sit slightly lower than the base model for sharper handling. The Panamera GTS’s engagement can be further amplified with optional upgrades like the Porsche Active Ride suspension for near-flat cornering, Rear-Axle Steering to increase agility, and lightweight Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes.
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2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
0-60 MPH: 3.4 Seconds
The 2026 Cadillac CT5‑V Blackwing features a supercharged 6.2‑liter V-8, which you can drive with a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. This generates 668 horsepower and 659 pound‑feet of torque, resulting in a 3.4-second zero to 60 MPH time and 200 MPH top speed, which is only available on racetracks.
The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $100,695. It comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and a high-performance Brembo braking system. For enthusiasts focused on track capability, optional highlights include a Carbon Fiber Package for improved aerodynamics and the Precision Package, which adds carbon-ceramic brakes and specific chassis recalibrations to the already high-powered CT5-V Blackwing.
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2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive
0-60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
The 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive features the Bavarian brand’s beloved twin-turbocharged 3.0‑liter straight‑six and eight‑speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. This produces 523 horsepower and 479 pound‑feet of torque, resulting in a manufacturer‑claimed zero to 60 MPH time of 3.3 seconds with an electronically limited 180 MPH top speed if you specify the optional M Driver’s Pack.
The 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive carries a starting MSRP of $88,600. Standard performance features include the Adaptive M Suspension, but you can further sharpen its edge by opting for the M Carbon Bucket Seats and the M Carbon Ceramic brakes.
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2026 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
0-60 MPH: 3.0 Seconds
The 2026 BMW M8 Gran Coupe features a twin-turbocharged 4.4‑liter V-8 and eight‑speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. This drives 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet to the M xDrive all‑wheel drive system, which is enough to take the M8 from zero to 60 MPH in three seconds before you reach a 189 MPH top speed limit, available via the M Driver’s Package.
The 2026 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe‘s pricing starts at $140,000. It comes standard with an Adaptive M Suspension and an M Sport exhaust system. If you are looking to further sharpen the driving experience, optional features include weight-saving M Carbon Ceramic brakes and the M Driver’s Package, which increases the vehicle’s top speed and includes a high-performance track training session.
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Sources: Edmunds, Manufacturer reports