Andy Reid | Jul 31, 2020
Say you're a sports car fan, but changing circumstances mean you need something with four doors. It happens to the best of us. Now, in the supposed "golden era" of sports cars, you'd have been out of luck. But today, there are a number of four-doors which deliver a true sports car experience.
That said, enthusiasts owe a debt of gratitude to BMW for creating the segment. When the original E28 M5 debuted in 1985, it was a revelation, in that it was a true sports car packaged as a sedan. In many ways, this iconic machine was the standout supercar of its era.
There have been numerous four-door sports cars since then, and which one is best for you hinges on the type of experience you're seeking. Fortunately, there's literally something for everyone. Much like ultra-luxury vehicles, these cars tend to suffer pretty significant depreciation, and values abound.
So read on to learn about my top picks in this exciting segment.
Porsche Panamera: 2010 to 2016
Many people dislike the exterior styling of the Panamera. But as time has gone on, it’s grown on me, and the interior was always outstanding.
The Panamera has a proper sports car feel in a sedan package, and practically anyone can be comfortable in the cabin. Even the rear seats have loads of head and legroom. The first generation ran from 2010 to 2016, and the prices for these cars have dropped significantly since the introduction of the second generation model. Of the models available, my pick would be a Panamera Turbo S, due to unbelievable performance it offers.
This full-sized sedan will shoot from zero to 60 in just 3.2 seconds, blast through the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and hit a top speed of 190 mph. Today, you can nab one of these super sedans for less than $60,000.
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BMW M5: 2011 to 2016
Of course, this list had to include the car that started it all. The F10 series of the M5 is like all M5 models, in that it’s a serious sports car that’s as at home on the track as it is going to the grocery store.
The M5 is a true driver’s car, and while its four-second zero-to-60 time is a bit slower than the Panamera’s, it’ll still hit 190mph. In addition, the M5 seems to shrink around you, in that it doesn’t drive like the big car that it is. The best part is that used models, start at less than 30k, and absolutely mint examples fetch around 60K.
That price makes it a tremendous amount of car for the money, and this is the car I’d pick for myself.
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Cadillac CTS-V: 2014 to 2019
The third generation CTS-V was a further development of the wildly successful V Series performance sedans.
For the third generation, the V8 engine was fortified to produce a whopping 640 horsepower. All that power means the CTS-V will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, and hit a class-leading top speed of 200 mph. To paraphrase some 1980s General Motors marketing, this is not your dad’s old Cadillac.
The CTS-V is the kind of car that every C7 or C8 Corvette owner should buy as their second car, as it’s basically a four-door version of America’s Sports Car. Prices range from 35k to 60k.
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Lexus GS F: 2015 to 2020
Along with the LFA supercar, the GS F announced that Lexus didn’t want to just be known for luxurious, reliable executive transport.
The GS F Sport is an amazing, very analogue feeling car, in that it executes the driver’s directions flawlessly. With a 4.5-second zero-to-60 time and a top speed of 168 mph, performance from the 5.0-liter V8 is nothing to sneeze at. Like the M5 above, the GS F Sport is very much a driver’s car, but with typical Lexus luxury touches, not to mention fantastic reliability. Neither Lexus nor any other manufacturer are not likely to ever build a throwback car like this ever again, and the GS F Sport could end up being a collectible car.
Prices range from 38K to a bit more than 60K, and since you know this car will last for the long haul, it’s a great value.
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