Car enthusiasts usually have to choose between a focused sports car and a practical family car, but that’s not always the case. Modern technologies have made performance accessible, and many modern cars today offer at least quicker acceleration, if not top speed, than many old supercars. And no, we’re not talking about performance-oriented trims, like those from Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, or Hyundai N Line. You can buy many standard variants that are that quick.
Famous Old Exotics
|
Models |
0-60 MPH Time |
|---|---|
|
1966 Lamborghini Miura |
5.9 seconds |
|
1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 |
5.8 seconds |
|
1997 Aston Martin DB7 |
5.6 seconds |
|
1991 Acura NSX |
5.4 seconds |
|
2008 Audi R8 4.2 |
4 seconds |
|
2001 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 |
4 seconds |
Yes, we know it’s still unfair to compare modern cars to old ones, but these cars only show how accessible performance is today. Heck, you can buy a Hyundai or a Kia that can beat the Lamborghini Miura or the Aston Martin DB7 in a 0 to 60 miles per hour sprint, and some that can even beat the venerable Lamborghini Murcielago and Audi R8. Here are 10 such modern family cars that can beat old supercars in acceleration, if not top speed.
2026 Kia K5 GT
0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds
One look at the 2026 Kia K5, and it’s easy to mistake it for something much more expensive than it actually is. That’s thanks to its sleek design, which is a step-up from its more run-of-the-mill rivals, including its mechanical twin, the Hyundai Sonata. This Kia is also packed with plenty of goodies, especially in the GT trim, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 19-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, sportier body kit, D-shaped steering wheel with paddle shifters, sport-tuned suspension, and a panoramic sunroof.
The GT trim is also the most performance-oriented of the K5 lineup, featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an exclusive eight-speed DCT giving the car a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 5.4 seconds, with some owners claiming the same of 5.2 seconds. That makes this a genuine five-second family sedan that’s faster than many old supercars, like the Lamborghini Miura, Aston Martin DB7, and Acura NSX.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid (6.7 seconds)
- 2026 Toyota Camry (6.8 seconds)
- 2026 Hyundai Sonata N Line (5.4 seconds)
2026 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
0-60 MPH: 5.0 Seconds
A couple of decades ago, a 0 to 60 sprint time was limited to high-end sports cars and muscle cars. That has changed today with plenty of so-called sensible family SUVs, like the 2026 Volvo XC90 PHEV. This large Volvo SUV can seat up to seven, and features many high-end features, including Matrix-design LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, park assist, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and more. Its PHEV powertrain makes a case for itself with a 32-mile all-electric range and a combined fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon.
As sensible as this large SUV is, it still boasts a flat 5-second 0 to 60 miles per hour time. Credit the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a 14.7-kilowatt-hour battery. Paired with standard all-wheel drive, the XC90‘s engine delivers 455 horsepower via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic. It’s one of the quickest family SUVs you can buy today without stepping up to full performance-spec variants with AMG or M badges.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 BMW X5 Hybrid (3.9 seconds)
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Hybrid (5.3 seconds)
- 2026 Audi Q7 (5.9 seconds)
2026 Lexus LS 500
0-60 MPH: 4.6 Seconds
The 2026 Lexus LS 500 is yet another sensible family car with a wild side to it. It has been Lexus’ flagship sedan for 36 years, and while it may be in its last year, it still manages to impress. Its spacious cabin is packed with features you’d expect of a flagship, including heated rear seats, Active Sound Control and Active Noise Cancellation, and Adaptive Variable Suspension. It pairs this with a focus on smooth ride quality and power delivery, more so than its rival luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The LS 500 is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, which sends 416 horsepower to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic. It’s often praised for its smooth and silent running, but give it the beans, and this land yacht can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. That’s quicker than the Audi R8 4.2 and Aston Martin Vanquish S V-12. It’s still not as quick as its German rivals, but it’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained on drives.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 BMW 7 Series 760i xDrive (3.5 seconds)
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580 (3.9 seconds)
- 2026 Audi A8 (5.3 seconds)
10 Affordable Luxury Cars That Nail High Performance
Luxury and performance don’t have to come at an exorbitant price. These ten cars offer a luxury experience without breaking the bank.
2026 Genesis G70 3.3T
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
Genesis is cooking hard these days, and the G70 is proof of that. This is sort of a luxury sports sedan, clad in svelte styling and offering an excellent value proposition. It features plentiful premium accommodations, including a driver-oriented interior layout, natural leather upholstery, High Beam Assist, and more. Add to that its renowned ride quality and a tempting price of under $45k, and it’s easy to see why the G70 is a serious threat to its more established rivals.
If performance is what you’re after, pick the 3.3T trims, which feature a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 model, producing 365 horsepower. It is available in both 2WD and AWD, offering a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 4.5 seconds, which is genuinely quick for the price. Its top speed is capped at 160 miles per hour, and it boasts a 70 to 0 miles per hour braking distance of 178 feet, courtesy of the Brembo braking system.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Toyota Crown (7.2 seconds)
- 2026 Audi A5 (5.2 seconds)
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC AWD (5.3 seconds)
2026 Audi A6
0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds
The Audi A6 has always been the go-to choice for those looking for a sensibly styled yet luxurious executive sedan. The 2026 A6 is no different, wrapped in contemporary design that avoids the flash and delivers a premium experience. It has all the goodies, too, including big digital screens as part of the wraparound virtual cockpit, Bang & Olufsen audio system, and available air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
In terms of performance, the current A6 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, mated to a seven-speed S Tronic DCT and quattro AWD. It delivers 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, giving the car a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 4.5 seconds. If you want a sportier A6, Audi also offers the Sport Plus Package, which includes a sportier suspension and optional adjustable air-spring suspension. The A6 has the potential to be your everyday sleeper.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC (4.4 seconds)
- 2026 BMW 5-Series (4.4 seconds)
- 2026 Genesis G80 (5.1 seconds)
2026 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC
0-60 MPH: 4.4 Seconds
The Audi A6’ rival, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, is a terrific alternative if you’re looking for a mid-size luxury sedan. It features a delicious combination of style, technology, and performance. It’s a complete package, featuring AMG-inspired styling, natural grain black ash trim, a large infotainment system, and an available Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio. If you’re looking for an S-Class in a more manageable package, the E-Class is what you should get.
The E-Class is available in multiple trims, but for those looking for something performance-oriented without splurging on an AMG, the E450 is the best bet. The E450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 375 horsepower, giving the car a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 4.4 seconds and a 129 miles per hour top speed (governed). It’s paired with 4MATIC AWD, a 9G-TRONIC automatic, and a mild hybrid system that is said to reduce turbo lag. You can also opt for an adjustable air suspension and rear-wheel steering with the E450.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Audi A6 (4.5 seconds)
- 2026 BMW 5-Series (4.4 seconds)
- 2026 Genesis G80 (5.1 seconds)
When combining this overachieving powerplant with the exquisite chassis, you end up with a luxury sedan that’s more than the sum of its parts. The E450 has substance. It moves with grace, picks itself up with minimal lag, and will embarrass some high-performance sports cars in the process.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
2026 BMW 5 Series
0-60 MPH: 4.4 Seconds
Among the three German luxury mid-size sedans, the 2026 BMW 5 Series promises to be the most performance-oriented one. BMW’s middle child, this family sedan has been around for nearly 5 decades, and in its current avatar, it offers a jack of all trades packaging, complete with an unmistakable BMW design language and plenty of high-end features. If you had to nitpick, some 5 Series fans may miss the more athletic personality that older 5 Series were famous for.
The 5 Series is offered with three powertrain options: 530i, 540i, and 550e. Among these, the 540i and 550e offer excellent acceleration figures. The 540i’s 375-horsepower turbocharged inline-six sends the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds, while the 550e’s 483-horsepower hybrid powertrain can do the same in 4.0 seconds. The car also boasts a top speed of 152 miles per hour, which is as good as you’d ever need from your luxury family sedan.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Audi A6 (4.5 seconds)
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC (4.4 seconds)
- 2026 Genesis G80 (5.1 seconds)
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
0-60 MPH: 4.4 Seconds
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has made a name for itself as a mature, satisfying EV that does not skimp on features or performance. Its distinctly futuristic style brings the practicality of a crossover SUV, with room for five and plenty of cargo space. Then there’s its class-leading charging speeds and a competitive all-electric range of 259 miles. On the inside, you can expect a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, and heated front seats.
The standard Ioniq 5 is powerful enough, but we’d pick the 5 XRT for its peppier performance. The XRT is a more off-road-oriented trim, featuring a dual motor setup that delivers 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds, while the HTRAC AWD allows it to tow 2,700 pounds when properly equipped. The XRT trim also gets a slight suspension lift and unique tuning that should make it better at handling rougher terrains.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally (3.1 seconds)
- 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium AWD (3.9 seconds)
- 2026 Kia EV9 (4.5 seconds)
2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
0-60 MPH: 3.5 Seconds
The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is an automotive shapeshifter that can quickly change its personality from a luxury family sedan to a powerful performance car. On the surface, it’s a practical, comfortable family sedan that brings a high-end interior, heated and massaging front seats, a 33-inch advanced LED display, and an AKG 16-speaker audio system. It also gets standard magnetorheological dampers that adapt to the road surface on the fly, along with Super Cruise hands-free tech. It’s everything you’d need from your American luxury sedan.
Then comes the CT5-V Blackwing’s beastly performance, powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 mated to a six-speed manual. It offers 668 horsepower, giving the car an explosive 0 to 60 miles per hour time of just 3.6 seconds and 3.5 seconds with automatic transmission. That’s not only faster than older supercars, but it’s only 0.3 seconds behind the modern Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It even has a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, along with Launch Control, limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes with an available ceramic system.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 BMW M5 (3 seconds)
- 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 (3.3 seconds)
- 2026 Porsche Panamera GTS (3.1 seconds)
10 Family SUVs That Are Surprisingly Fun To Drive
Driving a family SUV doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to a dull experience – these models offer excitement and power along with practicality.
2026 Tesla Model S
0-60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds
The Tesla Model S has been around for over 14 hours, which is enough time for its rivals to catch up. And while the 2026 Model S may be aging a bit, it still offers serious performance and range that can rival modern EV sedans. This feature-packed sedan offers 410 miles of estimated range, along with three large displays, a spacious back row, and tri-zone climate control. Although compared to its rivals, some owners may find the Model S lacking in luxury. Even Autopilot is still limited in its self-driving abilities.
Still, the Model S remains a compelling option thanks to its performance. The standard variant features a dual motor with all-wheel drive that delivers 670 horsepower, giving the car a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of just 3.1 seconds. That’s about as quick as a modern family car can get today. It even beats some supercars, like the Aston Martin Vanquish and Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo, and can sprint toe-to-toe with the Porsche 911 Carrera and Lamborghini Urus, at least in a 60 miles per hour sprint.
Top 3 Rivals
- 2026 Lucid Air Touring (3 seconds)
- 2026 Audi E-Tron GT (3.3 seconds)
- 2025 Mercedes EQS Sedan (3 seconds)
Source: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Genesis, and other manufacturers