When the Corvette C8 was launched in 2020, it was the first time this legendary car came with a mid-engine, snugged behind the driver in European sports car fashion. Before that, Corvette engines were always in front of the driver. The Stingray is the baseline of the C8 range, starting at an accessible $70,000. The engine is a 6.2-liter V8 making 495 horsepower, goes from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and completes the quarter mile in a blistering 11.2 seconds at 122 mph. This is near supercar performance.
And yet there are sedans that can take the Stingray at the quarter mile. Sedans are out of fashion now; most of us prefer an SUV, or a truck, even a muscle coupe if we have the money. But the sedan is still there, and some of them are scarily fast. Here are seven that will beat the ‘Vette. But they are not the normal budget three-box sedans you’d see parked at work.
Models are listed in ascending order based on quarter-mile time, from the “slowest” to the quickest.
Audi RS7
Quarter Mile Time: 11.1 seconds @ 125 MPH
The 2026 Audi RS7 is the last of the line of stylish four-door fastback sedans in the Audi lineup, with the A7 and S7 recently discontinued. This car ticks the boxes and straddles the line between luxurious comfort and brute power and performance, without compromising either. A powerful V8 turbo engine and Audi’s legendary AWD give the RS7 rocket-like acceleration, and it has the handling and brakes to make the most of all its power. The interior is plush and comfortable, properly styled, and has all the tech and infotainment to keep a family happily amused during longer drives.
The 2026 Audi RS7 starts at $130,700. It has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a 48V hybrid system, an eight-speed transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. It makes 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The car rides on adaptive suspension with various drive mode settings, and rear-wheel steering is standard. Audi’s website claims a 0–60 mph time in 3.3 seconds, although independent tests have recorded slightly better times.
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BMW M5
Quarter Mile Time: 10.9 @ 130 MPH
The 2026 BMW M5 Sedan is the foundation of the premium sports sedan class of extremely high-performance, four-door cars. It has been around for 40 years, and the 2026 model is the most powerful, heaviest M5 yet. The extreme power and extra weight come from its plug-in V8 powertrain, which also gives it 25 miles of electric-only range.
So, obviously, the new M5 is still incredibly fast… You just need to grab it by the scruff of the neck, commit, and, wow! This thing grips for days, corners hard, tracks wonderfully, and basically transforms any driver into a daily superhero.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
The M5’s cabin is very similar to the regular 5 Series sedan, with aluminum, wood, or leather trim options available. It comes standard with a panoramic sunroof and the excellent Bowers & Wilkins audio system. There are some M-related tweaks, like the flat-bottom steering wheel and large shift paddles, more sporty front seats, and some flashy branding. Serious speedsters can choose the lighter carbon-fiber roof, although that would lose the sunroof.
The BMW M5 comes in one trim only, starting at $123,300 before options are added. The PHEV powertrain has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and a 194-horsepower motor for a combined output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and there are different drive modes that can adjust which power source is used or how they are combined. There is also a setting that shifts most power to the rear wheels, in case you are in the mood to drift a 5,200-pound luxury sedan. BMW finds a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, but other tests measured a faster time.
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Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance
Quarter Mile Time: 10.8 Seconds @ 129 MPH
The S-Class signifies Mercedes’ top-line luxury models, while AMG is the high-performance division of Merc. So when these two descriptions are combined and underlined by the ‘Performance’ descriptor, you would suspect a car with serious luxury and massive performance, and you would be right. And you may guess it would come at a hefty price tag, and be right again.
With an MSRP of $189,800 and weighing in at around 5,700 pounds, 2026 Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan E Performance is a car designed to be noticed. The powertrain is a PHEV with immense power and incredible torque, while the interior is opulent and spacious. The back of the car can be transformed into an executive luxury space with massaging seats, a power footrest, while features such as optional temperature-controlled cupholders, reclining seat backs, neck and shoulder heating, and even a leg rest that will massage the calves will quickly take the purchase price over $200,000.
The reason such a large, heavy, and luxurious sedan is on this list lies in a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on the Mercedes F1 program. This is made up of a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and a 188-horsepower electric motor on the rear axle, producing a combined 791 horsepower and a staggering 1,055 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is complex, with a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic and a two-speed automatic for the electric motor at the back. Rear-axle steering, adaptable air suspension, and ride control stabilization all combine to give this car a great drive and nimble handling.
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2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
With exclusive Turbo styling, great electric range, and amazing performance, the 2025 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid redefines luxury hybrid sports sedans.
Porsche Panamera Turbo S/E Hybrid
Quarter Mile Time: 10.5 Seconds @ 132 MPH
Starting at an eye-watering $245,200, the 2026 Porsche Panamera Turbo S/E Hybrid is a four/five-seat four-door sedan with massive power, handling to match, and a premium rather than luxury interior. Luxury is available, but at a price. The standard configuration is four seats, which are comfortable for full-size adults over longer journeys, and the car has a big hatchback/trunk combo at the back for luggage. A three-person bench at the back is also an option.
This Porsche is a driver’s car, and the powertrain is a plug-in hybrid made up of a twin-turbo V8 and an electric motor. Electric-only range is 27 miles. Even if you leave this car without all the expensive bells and whistles, you will get, as standard, the Sport Chrono package, with a stopwatch on the dash, different driving modes, and launch control.
The Panamera Turbo models are now only available as plug-in hybrids, with the Turbo S E-Hybrid powertrain making 771 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Also standard are AWD, air suspension, and adaptive dampers, but rear-wheel steering is optional. During normal driving, the Panamera is a nice, normal luxury sedan, but the Sport Plus mode brings its performance personality to the fore. There is also an Active Ride suspension that firms up the damper on one side during cornering to reduce body roll. Zero to 60 mph takes 2.8 seconds, according to Porsche.
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Tesla Model S Plaid
Quarter Mile Time: 9.4 Seconds @ 151 MPH
The Tesla Model S was launched in 2012, but it has been updated and upgraded over the years. The Plaid is the performance model, with bonkers power and acceleration, and an EPA range of 368 miles, compared to the 410 miles of the standard Model S. The cabin is nice, but not luxurious, though it is spacious, and the boot is surprisingly spacious as well. The Model S has four doors and five seats, and the dashboard is dominated by a large screen in the Tesla way.
Starting at $109,990, the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid has three electric motors, giving it permanent AWD. The Model S Plaid makes 1,020 horsepower, but the torque is not given. According to Tesla, it will go from zero to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, with a 200 mph top speed. It gives a quarter-mile time of 9.32 seconds at 155 mph, but other sources have it a touch slower. In either case, the Plaid is very quick.
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
Quarter Mile Time: 9.3 Seconds @ 150 MPH
There is an argument that any EV can be faster than even the most powerful ICE sports car, but that sheer acceleration is no substitute for the magic of driving a dedicated sports car on a twisty road. A Porsche is better than a box with batteries and wheels. And now Porsche has said, “Hold my beer,” and done both. The Porsche Taycan is a four-door electric sedan with blistering straight-line speed and the magical handling that has made Porsche a performance mainstay. The 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has a premium interior, although the back seats and luggage space are less generous than those found in the Panamera. In Porsche fashion, the interior fittings are premium, but not luxurious, and achieving the latter will cost extra.
The Turbo GT model starts at $243,700 and has dual electric motors that produce 777 horsepower in normal driving, bumped up to 1,019 horsepower with launch control. Torque is 914 pound-feet, and remember this is instant electric torque. It also has a two-speed direct-drive transmission that improves both range and acceleration. The suspension is air-spring and has adaptive dampers, and it shares the Active Ride feature that limits body roll around corners. Porsche says the Taycan GT Turbo can go to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds; testing has measured 1.9 seconds.
These 10 Mainstream EVs Can Almost Put The Lucid Air Sapphire In Its Place
The Lucid Air Sapphire may have set the benchmark for EV performance, but it does face some stiff competition.
Lucid Air Sapphire
Quarter Mile Time: 9.3 Seconds @ 153 MPH
Lucid is known for making luxury EVs with really long ranges. The 2026 Lucid Air Sapphire is the most powerful of the range, also way the most expensive, and it ‘only’ has a range of 427 miles. The Sapphire is a comfortable fit for four adults, but can squeeze three in the back at a pinch. The trunk is large, and there is a nice frunk in front as well. The interior is seriously premium, and the car is loaded with technology.
The Lucid Air Sapphire comes in at $249,000, which is way more than the lesser trims of the same car. For that, you get a tri-motor layout, much like the Model S Plaid, which makes 1234 horsepower and 1,430 pound-feet of torque. Lucid’s zero to 60 mph time for the Sapphire is 1.89 seconds, and the top speed is 205 mph.
Sources: Various carmakers, The EPA