While SUVs and crossovers dominate the automotive landscape in 2024, the allure of the sport sedan remains strong, especially for driving enthusiasts. These vehicles offer a unique blend of exhilarating performance and everyday practicality. For those seeking enhanced handling and traction, particularly in varied weather conditions, all-wheel-drive (AWD) sport sedans present an even more compelling option. The market boasts a diverse selection of these capable machines, proving that performance and all-weather confidence can indeed go hand-in-hand.
This article dives into ten of the most potent Awd Sport Sedans available today. We’ve compiled data from manufacturer websites and reputable sources like Car And Driver to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information. The vehicles are ranked by horsepower, starting with the models offering robust performance and culminating in the segment leaders.
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2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport – Balanced AWD Performance
Lexus, renowned for its luxury and reliability, continues to champion the sport sedan segment with models like the IS 350 F Sport. Building upon the foundation of the standard IS, the F Sport trim, with an entry point of $46,410 for the Design trim in 2024, offers a compelling entry into the world of AWD sport sedans. It perfectly embodies Lexus’ commitment to blending sporty driving dynamics with their signature refinement.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.5-Liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-Speed Paddle-Shift Automatic |
| Horsepower | 311 HP |
| Torque | 280 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 143 MPH |
The 2024 Lexus IS range features an impressive ten trims, with the IS 350 F Sport standing out as the most powerful AWD variant. Its 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces a respectable 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While the top-tier IS 500 F Sport Performance boasts a more potent 472 horsepower V-8, it forgoes the all-weather capability of AWD. The IS 350 F Sport strikes a harmonious balance, offering engaging performance with the added security of all-wheel-drive, making it a smart choice for those who value year-round driving confidence.
Alt text: 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, showcasing its sporty design and front profile.
2024 Cadillac CT4-V – Torque-Rich AWD Sport Sedan
While many American manufacturers prioritize the booming SUV market, Cadillac remains dedicated to crafting compelling sedans that rival the best from Europe. The 2024 Cadillac lineup includes the CT4 and the larger CT5, with the CT4 offering a more compact and agile driving experience. Opting for the V-Series package on the CT4, starting at $48,990 with AWD, unlocks a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive sport sedan that delivers both excitement and control.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 325 HP |
| Torque | 380 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 156 MPH |
Similar to the Lexus IS 350 F Sport, the Cadillac CT4-V occupies a space below its ultimate performance sibling. The CT4-V Blackwing is a rear-wheel-drive powerhouse. However, the AWD CT4-V still packs a significant punch with its turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine. Producing 325 horsepower and a robust 380 pound-feet of torque, the CT4-V prioritizes low-end grunt, resulting in a brisk 0-60 mph sprint of just 4.8 seconds. This torque-focused approach, combined with AWD, makes the CT4-V a responsive and confident performer in various driving scenarios.
Alt text: 2024 Cadillac CT4-V, front three-quarter view emphasizing its aggressive styling.
2024 Acura TLX Type S – Refined AWD Performance from Acura
Acura, Honda’s luxury and performance division, competes at the forefront of the sedan market with the TLX luxury sports sedan. While Acura’s presence is primarily concentrated in North America, their commitment to performance and refinement is globally recognized. The TLX Type S, in particular, showcases Acura’s ability to blend luxurious appointments with engaging driving dynamics and the sure-footedness of all-wheel-drive.
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Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Six-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 355 HP |
| Torque | 354 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | N/A |
The 2024 Acura TLX lineup offers AWD on the A-Spec trim, paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, for those seeking maximum performance with all-wheel-drive, the Type S is the answer. It combines AWD with a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. While carrying a higher MSRP of $57,000, the TLX Type S justifies its price with a significant step up in power and a more sophisticated driving experience compared to models like the Lexus IS 350 F SPORT.
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2024 Cadillac CT5-V – Mid-Size AWD Performance Sedan
Returning to Cadillac, the CT5-V, the larger sedan in their lineup, directly competes with the leading AWD sport sedans in the mid-size segment. While the CT5-V Blackwing garners much of the attention for its track-ready performance, it remains a rear-wheel-drive offering. For all-weather capability in a potent package, the standard AWD Cadillac CT5-V, starting at $54,890, provides a compelling alternative, bridging the gap between luxury and performance.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 360 HP |
| Torque | 405 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 156 MPH |
The mid-size CT5-V boasts a larger engine than its smaller sibling, the CT4-V. Powering the CT5-V is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, producing 360 horsepower and an impressive 405 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, a slight improvement over the CT4-V. The CT5-V offers a more spacious cabin and a step up in performance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of size, power, and all-weather confidence.
Alt text: 2023 Cadillac CT5-V in motion, showcasing its dynamic design and road presence.
2024 Audi RS 3 – Compact Powerhouse with Quattro AWD
Audi’s RS division is synonymous with high-performance and all-wheel-drive. Few performance brands command the same level of respect and heritage as Audi RS, producing exceptional models across various segments. The Audi RS 3 sedan, the most accessible RS model in the US market, starts at $62,400, offering a potent entry point into the world of Audi Sport. While a hatchback version exists in Europe, the sedan delivers the same exhilarating performance with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Five-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-CLutch Automatic |
| Horsepower | 401 HP |
| Torque | 369 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The 2024 Audi RS 3 justifies its price tag with a unique and powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Producing 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, coupled with Audi’s signature Quattro AWD, the RS 3 delivers exceptional grip and acceleration. While positioned near the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing in price, the RS 3 prioritizes all-weather performance and agility over outright horsepower, offering a different flavor of high-performance driving.
Alt text: 2024 Audi RS 3 Sedan, parked showcasing its sporty stance and front quarter view.
2024 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC – AMG’s Entry-Level AWD Sport Sedan
Mercedes-AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, stands as another pillar of German automotive excellence. AMG vehicles are renowned for blending high performance with the luxury and refinement synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand. The C-Class, the entry point to the AMG sedan lineup, offers the C 43 AMG variant, a direct competitor to the Audi RS 3. Starting slightly below the Audi at $60,700, the 2024 C 43 4MATIC provides a taste of AMG performance with the added security of all-wheel-drive.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 402 HP |
| Torque | 369 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The AMG C 43 4MATIC produces 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque from its handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Sharing a near-identical power output with the RS 3, the C 43 prioritizes a different driving experience. While slightly slower to 60 mph at 4.6 seconds, the AMG C 43 emphasizes German luxury and a more refined driving character. For those seeking a blend of performance and opulent comfort with AWD, the 2024 AMG C 43 4MATIC is a highly appealing choice.
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2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback – Elevated AWD Performance and Practicality
Audi’s commitment to Quattro all-wheel-drive is evident in the number of their models dominating the AWD sport sedan segment. Stepping up from the RS 3, the RS 5 Sportback offers increased performance and practicality, starting at $79,900. While significantly pricier than the RS 3, the RS 5 Sportback justifies the premium with enhanced performance and a more spacious Sportback body style, blending coupe-like aesthetics with sedan functionality.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.9-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 444 HP |
| Torque | 442 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
The 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback utilizes a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, shared with the RS 4 Avant (not available in the US). Producing 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, the RS 5 Sportback offers a noticeable performance upgrade over the RS 3. While the 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds is slightly slower than the RS 3 due to its larger size and weight, the RS 5 Sportback delivers a more refined and powerful driving experience, especially for those prioritizing both performance and everyday usability.
Alt text: 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback, parked showcasing its green color and sporty silhouette.
2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive – Track-Ready AWD Sport Sedan
No list of top-performing sport sedans would be complete without the inclusion of BMW’s M division. Germany’s dominance in the sport sedan segment is further solidified by BMW M, renowned for producing some of the most engaging and track-capable performance sedans in the world. The M3, the entry point to the M sedan lineup, offers three trims. To unlock the benefits of xDrive all-wheel-drive, the M3 Competition xDrive, starting at $84,300, is the model of choice for those seeking ultimate performance in all conditions.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Six |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 503 HP |
| Torque | 479 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH (155 MPH limited) |
The 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive commands a higher price point than its rivals, but justifies it with a significant power advantage over models like the Audi RS 5. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, it unleashes 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This translates to blistering acceleration, launching the M3 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The M3 Competition xDrive delivers a track-focused driving experience with the added confidence of AWD, making it a top contender for performance enthusiasts.
Alt text: BMW M3 Competition xDrive in Isle of Man Green, showcasing its sporty profile and aggressive styling.
2024 Audi RS 7 Performance – Flagship AWD Performance Sedan
Audi once again makes its presence known with the RS 7 Performance, the flagship sedan in their lineup and the pinnacle of Audi Sport performance in a four-door configuration. The performance gap between the RS 7 and RS 5 is substantial, reflecting the RS 7’s starting price of $127,800. This positions the RS 7 Performance as the most expensive gasoline-powered Audi, surpassed only by the all-electric e-tron GT in the overall Audi lineup.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 621 HP |
| Torque | 627 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
Powering the RS 7 Performance is a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, producing a staggering 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This same engine and output are shared with the RS 6 Avant, offering buyers a choice between sedan and wagon body styles at the pinnacle of Audi performance. Both models achieve a remarkable 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, showcasing the raw power and all-weather traction of Audi’s flagship performance models.
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2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE – The Most Powerful AWD Sport Sedan
Crowning the list as the most powerful AWD sport sedan in 2024 is the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE. This model stands out not only for its exceptional power but also for its innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain, setting it apart from the rest of the list. This advanced technology elevates the starting price to $83,900 in 2024, reflecting the cutting-edge engineering and performance on offer.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four with 150 kW Electric Motor |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 671 HP |
| Torque | 752 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 Seconds |
| Top Speed | N/A |
The 2024 AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE utilizes the same handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four found in the gas-only C 43, but adds a potent 150-kilowatt electric motor to the rear axle. This hybrid powertrain elevates the total output to an astonishing 671 horsepower and a massive 752 pound-feet of torque. Matching the Audi RS 7’s 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, the C 63 S E PERFORMANCE offers supercar-level acceleration with the added benefit of electric-only driving mode, enhancing both efficiency and practicality in this ultimate AWD sport sedan.
Alt text: 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE, studio shot highlighting its sophisticated design and hybrid technology.
