Cheapest 6-Cylinder Performance Sedans On Sale In 2024

When it comes to performance sedans, six-cylinder engines are sometimes glossed over in favor of V8s, which are considered superior in for outputs. If you go back a couple of decades, this was largely true, as V6 and inline-six engines were relegated to base-model pickup trucks and sportier cars in the US. Nowadays, that couldn’t be further from the truth, because six-cylinder engines are worthy in their own right, gracing some truly legendary cars like the Nissan GT-R R35 – and, with hybrid assistance, in the McLaren Artura.

However, to attract the attention of buyers and convince them of the six-cylinder’s performance abilities, these engines need to be relatively affordable – at the very least, they should cost you less than V8s and be cheaper to run, too. Here, we have compiled a list of which six-pot performance sedans come chepeast in the market in 2024.

Performance sedans qualified based on the base price e when equipped with six-cylinder engines, excluding destination fees. Our list is organized from highest MSRP to lowest.

10 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

$81,370

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has been around for nine years now and was one of the models first introduced in the United States after Alfa Romeo’s long hiatus in the Americas. Like the BMW M3 it competes with, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a small sedan capable of a huge amount of power. The 2.9-liter Ferrari-derived V6 is capable of producing over 500 horsepower, more than the base and Competition versions of the M3. However, it doesn’t get to 60 mph quite as fast, nor will it tackle a track with as much expertise as the M3. But, it’s a pretty thing, isn’t it? Be sure to get one while you can, as 2024 is the last year the Giulia will be offered in the US.

9 Audi RS5 Sportback

$79,900

Next, we have Audi’s RS5 Sportback. The ‘Sportback’ calls attention to its sloped rear end which resembles more of a hatchback, rather than a traditional sedan, much like BMW does with its ‘Gran Coupe’ designation. It’s a good thing for cargo space, not so much for aesthetic pleasure, although some do prefer the coupe styling. Divisive as its looks may be, it’s capable of some impressive specs from its 2.9-liter V6. While it doesn’t make as much power as the Giulia above, it can still run a 0-60 mph time that’s identical, along with being a bit cheaper. It’s also got a Quattro AWD system, whereas the Giulia has to make do with rear-wheel drive.

8 BMW M3 Sedan

$76,00

The next six-cylinder performance sedan on our list is the iconic BMW M3. Since 1986, the M3 has been one of the most sought-after cars for gearheads around the world, and for good reason. BMW has always knocked it out of the park regarding the M3’s chassis, handling, and power. It’s no wonder the Bavarian automaker’s long-standing mantra is “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. These days, the M3 comes with three variations, but we’re focusing on the least-expensive, 473-hp version, which comes in at a price well under $80,000. For that amount, you’ll be getting the base version of arguably the best performance sedan in the world.

7 Audi S6

$75,500

Good things sometimes come in pairs, and that’s exactly what’s happened on our list regarding the Audi S6. It comes right on the heels of the RS5 Sportback, and uses the same V6 engine. The S6 is a mid-range performance variation of the Audi A6, the brand’s midsize sedan. Because it’s a bit larger and heavier, it’s a bit slower than the RS5 Sportback. However, it comes with a slightly lower price, mainly thanks to its much more understated styling. However, you’ll still be able to outmatch most other cars between the lights with its impressive 0-60 mph time.

6 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

$61,495

The first American-made sedan to grace our list is the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. The Blackwing line of performance sedans was named after the ill-fated Blackwing V8 engine and designates the most potent models in the lineup. Despite its doomed namesake origins, the Blackwing line has been successful for the luxury marque. The CT4-V Blackwing sits at the entry-point of the lineup, and is also the cheapest. It uses a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which develops 472 hp, resulting in a sub-four-second 0-60 mph time. Its price of just over $60,000 makes it a tempting choice should you find yourself with a hankering for six-cylinder performance.

5 Acura TLX Type-S

$57,000

From Japan, our next model is the Acura TLX Type-S, the performance version of the midsize sedan. Acura is the luxury arm of Honda, meaning any Acura you could buy carries Honda’s near-peerless reputation for longevity and build quality. It’s good this is a fact, because the TLX Type-S is made to be driven hard. Its 3.0-liter DOHC V6 generates over 350 horsepower and torque, while pushing out a 0-60 mph time of just five seconds flat. It’s also got all-wheel drive at its disposal, meaning it’ll grip as hard as you can drive it.

4 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

$56,900

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 kind of flies under the radar. Infiniti, like Acura is to Honda, is Nissan’s luxury arm. Nissan is no stranger to performance cars, so it stands to reason that Infiniti should have one in its stable. The Q50 Red Sport 400 is a special edition, using Nissan’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s also found within the Nissan Z. It can make 400 horsepower easily, and manage a 0-60 mph time in the mid-fours. The Q50 Red Sport 400 is one of the more obscure models on our list, making it a great choice for those who want to think outside the box when it comes to satiating their appetite for sedan-based, six-cylinder speed in an affordable package.

3 Audi S4

$54,500

Our third Audi hits the list. The Audi S4, like the S6 we discussed earlier, is the mid-range performance variant of the Audi A4, the automaker’s compact executive sedan. It doesn’t use the same engine, but it does have a 3.0-liter single-turbo V6. However, because of its small stature, its 349 horses are able to propel the little rocket from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, making for a seriously quick car when you consider its sub-$55,000 starting price. Interestingly, the Euro-spec S4 is powered solely by a performance-oriented 3.0-liter diesel engine, which boasts power numbers similar to the US-spec gasoline engine.

2 Cadillac CT5-V

$51,495

The second-cheapest performance-oriented six-cylinder sedan on our list is the Cadillac CT5-V. The CT5 originally sat right in the middle of Cadillac’s recently-revamped lineup of sedans, between the compact CT4 and the flagship CT6 until the CT6 was discontinued in 2020. Unlike its more muscular brother, the CT5-V Blackwing, the CT5-V carries a twin-turbo V6 under its hood. However, its penchant for speed is certainly shared with its big sibling, as it can manage to hit 60 mph from a dead stop in just over four and a half seconds. It’s cheap price certainly makes that power well worth it, as well, considering the Blackwing version costs $42k more.

1 Toyota Camry TRD

$33,485

We’ve arrived at the cheapest V6 performance sedan on our list: the Toyota Camry TRD – but it comes with a few caveats. Firstly, we’ll acknowledge that a Camry is hardly performace-oriented, but the TRD trim is the sportiest of the V6 Camrys for 2024 – and rather beloved. Secondly, the V6 Camry has been discontinued, and the few still left for sale at dealers will soon be scooped up; it’s still on sale for 2024, which warrants its inclusion on this list. If you’re able to get one in time, you’ll be treated to a naturally-aspirated V6 which can push over 300 horses easily. It’s also got a great 0-60 mph time for the price. So, it seems that you can get into a six-cylinder performance sedan for a decently-affordable price, after all.

Sources: Manufacturer’s official press site