10 Most Powerful New 4-Cylinder Sedans You Can Buy Today

Gone are the days when four-cylinder engines were synonymous with economy cars and modest power. Today, advances in engineering and technology have allowed manufacturers to produce four-cylinder cars that blend outstanding power with efficiency, proving that you don’t need a gas-guzzling V6 or V8 to enjoy a sporty drive.

While arguments can be made against four-pot sports cars, we can’t deny that there are four-cylinder cars that stand out in terms of performance. From luxury marques to humble mass-market brands, we’ve listed the 10 most powerful sedans you can buy brand-new today. Note that the list only includes sedans, including four-door coupes. Liftbacks and hatchbacks (or essentially those with five doors) are not included, so popular nameplates like the Honda Civic Type R, one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars, and the Volkswagen Golf R are not on this list.

10 Subaru WRX

Despite dropping its high-powered STI version, the Subaru WRX remains an icon among sports sedans. Known for its rally heritage, the WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine produces 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via a standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. With a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, it’s also one of the fastest CVT-equipped cars in North America.

The WRX’s aggressive styling and practical four-door layout make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who need daily practicality without sacrificing performance. It’s a shame that the STI badge doesn’t translate to extra power, but at least the WRX is the most affordable, powerful four-pot sedan you can buy today with a starting price of $32,735.

9 Kia K5 GT

Kia may not be the first automaker you’d expect in a list of performance cars, and that’s true with the K5. However, go for the higher GT trim, and you’ll get the sporty version that’s good for 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four mill. It’s the only K5 in the lineup with this power plant, with power sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With a sporty exterior, high-quality interior, and advanced tech features, the K5 midsize sedan presents excellent value for money. Updated for the 2025 model year, you can already configure and order a K5 GT today with a starting price of $33,090.

8 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo has already marked the end of its V6-powered Giulia Quadrifoglio, but fans of the nameplate won’t be left hanging with a lackluster lineup. The remaining version of the Giulia sedan is powered by a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful in its class.

Partnered with its esteemed sharp handling and beautiful design, the Giulia is an attractive option. The base rear-wheel-drive Sprint trim starts at $41,690. It will be available for a few years until the next-generation model arrives with some form of electrification by 2027.

7 Cadillac CT4-V

The Cadillac V-Series is currently headlined by the Blackwing models, but that doesn’t make the non-Blackwing models any less potent. In fact, the Cadillac CT4-V, powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, makes an impressive 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, among the highest outputs among four-cylinder models in the market right now. These numbers, combined with the sedan’s agile handling and robust chassis, offer a great driving experience worthy of a head-to-head comparison against its European counterpart, the Audi S3.

As a Cadillac, the CT4-V also features a premium interior with advanced technology, making it a compelling option for those seeking both performance and luxury in a sedan. Its starting price is $47,095.

6 Audi S3 Sedan

The Audi S3 Sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Volkswagen EA888 engine, one of the greatest four-cylinder engines of all time, delivering 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are coursed through Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system that ensures excellent traction. The interior is a showcase of premium materials, a digital cockpit, and a host of driver-assistance features.

While the current S3 Sedan is still on sale today for $47,400, the refreshed 2025 model year version has already been introduced, coming with a host of upgrades including a more powerful output at 328 hp and an estimated 310 lb-ft of torque.

5 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is powered by the marque’s 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 engine, which is good for a modest 241 hp. However, opt for the top-spec M235i trim, and this four-pot mill makes up to 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds. Apart from that, the M235i’s chassis and suspension are tuned for performance, while its interior boasts high-quality materials and BMW’s latest technology – all with a price tag that starts at $48,300 for the 2024 model year.

You might want to take this chance to buy the M235i, as the rumor mill states that the next-generation model will gain a significant amount of weight, which could affect performance.

4 Genesis G80

While the Genesis G80 is among our picks of best V6 sedans this year, the lesser-known four-cylinder model of the Korean luxury sedan isn’t a pushover. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine generates 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, among the best in its class. As with any Genesis model, the sporty performance and exquisite exterior styling are partnered with a luxurious cabin featuring high-end materials, advanced technology, and meticulous attention to detail.

The 2024 model is available to order right now for $54,400, but it’s only a matter of time before the 2025 model year arrives, which comes with styling updates without any changes in the power plant options.

3 Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 combines Scandinavian design elegance with advanced technology, but its performance is nothing to scoff at. The base model’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system for added efficiency, produces 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. These motivate all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system, transferred through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid variant offers more power, but that’s, of course, with the help of electrification.

The S90’s white interior is noteworthy for its clean design, which is worth the risk. For the 2024 model year, you can get one for at least $58,300. If you’re worried that Volvo will drop its ICE in the near future, the automaker has already confirmed that it will extend the life of its mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, including the S90.

2 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

We’ve recently proven that the Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan is a monster, particularly the latest version that replaced the twin-turbo V6 in the lineup. Enhanced with a 48V mild-hybrid system and an F1-inspired electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, this high-powered four-door delivers an incredible 402 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque – all coming from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It’s currently on sale with a starting price of $60,700.

That’s a bit of a premium compared to the other cars on this list, but that money means you’re crossing the 400-hp mark. The C43 Sedan is certainly one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars on the planet, but it only falls second to another Merc that’s next on our list.

1 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S

Topping this list is another Mercedes-Benz – the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S. Marketed as a four-door coupe, the CLA 45 S shares the same power plant and powertrain setup as the mighty A45 S hot hatch. This means the AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four mill makes up to 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque – the most potent four-cylinder engine ever built. Power is sent to all four wheels via AMG’s Speedshift 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing a sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat.

A sports car with a luxurious interior, the CLA 45 S, doesn’t come cheap, though. Its price tag is $65,400 before options, making it the most expensive model on this list. A few months ago, an Edition 1 version arrived for $81,195, with cosmetic upgrades and a limited run of just 25 units.