10 Fun to Drive Sedans

2017 Cadillac ATS sedan rear view ・ Photo by General Motors

A lot of sedans tend to be, well, sedate. Their main task is to transport more than one person. And since it’s only the driver that usually gets to have a thrill or two, sedans cater to the needs of the majority. Which entails comfort, space, serenity and safety. There are, however, some exceptions. And they’re here in this rundown of 10 fun to drive sedans. They still bring excellent levels of comfort, convenience and protection, but their makers decided to add a dynamic edge that a driver can access when conditions allow. It’s like having two cars in one. To reflect this win-win characteristic, we’re stretching the definition of “fun to drive” by occasionally adding a more general “pleasure of ownership” dimension. Enjoy.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

This is Italy’s answer to the BMW M3. A compact sedan given the go-faster Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover — part of Alfa’s motorsport heritage) treatment. A regular Giulia, which is also fun, is coming to the United States, but this is the first version. Alfa Romeo cars have a talent for stealing drivers’ hearts. The looks often have something to do with it, but the drive normally marks the point of no return. Naturally, 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque move things along quite nicely, especially when that output is blended with a superb rear-drive chassis. This machine will have the most vociferous proponent for self-driving cars thinking twice. How could we ever abandon such a wonderful way to spend our traveling time?

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2017 Audi S6

The regular A6 is fantastic. It seems to be perfect in virtually every way, from the gorgeous cabin to the capable all-wheel drive system. This car is a genuine pleasure to own. But for the fun seekers, a little more power never goes amiss. Hence the S6, packed full of 450-horsepower V8 goodness, enhanced by leather-clad sport seats, superb infotainment system, flat-bottomed steering wheel, adaptive suspension and an optional torque vectoring system (a method of modulating speed through corners to keep the line precise). On top of all that, the S6 seems to come from a world that’s cooler and more futuristic than the one we all inhabit.

Photo by Audi

2017 BMW M3

The M3 is the original sport sedan. And, quite possibly, the ultimate sport sedan. Anything from BMW with an M as a prefix or suffix means higher performance and superior dynamics. As car technology becomes ever more sophisticated, the M3 is one of the many that offers a choice of driving modes, including Comfort. But the real fun begins with Sport mode or going up to Sport Plus. That’s when the engine’s 425 horsepower (or 444 horsepower with the Competition package) and the adaptive suspension collude to provide an experience few other cars can match, but always seems to be a BMW specialty. And helping to keep the center of gravity sports-car low is a standard-issue carbon fiber roof.

Photo by BMW

2017 Cadillac ATS

We could have recommended the midsize CTS as a fun sedan and still been correct. But by going one size smaller, it gives a buyer more leeway to purchase various extras and perhaps go for the 335-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 rather than stick with the (still perfectly acceptable) 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four. One option should be the Magnetic Ride Control, where the driver can select settings for comfort or sportiness. This doesn’t compensate for a so-so standard suspension — it enhances an already good one. Or there’s always the 464-horsepower ATS-V, which holds its own against a BMW M3. This version has a Track mode, so order the optional Recaro seats.

Photo by General Motors

2017 Jaguar XF

Although most of the high-end European midsize executive/luxury sedans have their thrilling moments, there’s something special about the XF. It doesn’t attack a corner so much as pour itself around it. Once a driver reaches a certain maturity, something like the XF can be appreciated more fully. The way it retains a comfortable ride while still being precise and poised. It offers the choice of tuning into the chassis or subtly performing marvels in the background if the driver prefers to think about something else. And that’s even before we delve into the supercharged V6 engine (380 horsepower is available), attractive styling and relative rarity. When one’s peers are in a BMW or a Benz, it’s fun to be different.

Photo by Jaguar

2017 Mazda Mazda3 sedan

The Mazda3 also comes as a hatchback, which is equally wonderful. But we’re talking about fun sedans here and the Mazda3 fits the bill perfectly. It doesn’t even need any extra letters to justify its inclusion. This is a gem of a mainstream compact car that embodies a “pleasure of ownership” approach. It’s been refreshed for 2017, yet retains a precise and tactile chassis, along with a classy cabin. One new feature is G-Vectoring Control, a system that subtly attenuates power to make cornering a smoother action. It brings greater comfort and confidence to a car that already supplies plenty of both. This list’s main thrust is driving fun, but G-Vectoring Control can make things more comfortable for passengers, as well.

Photo by Mazda

2017 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4Matic

To compile a list of 10 fun to drive sedans, it would be so easy to just name the highest-performance cars from Germany and then go grab a cappuccino. But variety is more interesting. This is the smallest AMG model available in the United States and therefore the least powerful. AMG, by the way, is the division of Mercedes-Benz responsible for turning out the really quick stuff. To offset that relatively modest 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four, the CLA is quite small. It has all-wheel drive as standard. Such aspects make this version of the company’s entry level sedan the most well-rounded and satisfying of the range.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2017 Porsche Panamera

Okay, if we wanted to be pedantic, the Panamera is technically a hatchback rather than a sedan. But it’s a flagship model with plush accommodation for five and frankly, it’s too good to leave out. If ever there was a passenger car that responded like a sports car, it’s the Panamera. That Porsche badge on the hood isn’t just for show, it stands for something — fabulous handling and speed that ranges from amusing to hilarious to “wow, is this really possible?” The 2017 Panamera represents the debut of the second generation, where the looks, equipment and dynamics have all been improved. The 550-horsepower Turbo version can reach 190 mph. If that isn’t fun, then what is?

Photo by Porsche

2017 Tesla Model S

The fun factor of the Model S isn’t just in its immediate and explosive acceleration (electric motors are able to deliver virtually maximum torque from standstill), the luxury appointments, or the fact that the only time you’d ever go into a gas station again is to buy a bottle of water, there’s also the geeky aspect. This is one of the smartest cars ever made and has a huge iPad-like dash to remind you. As well as lots of software updates coming regularly over the air, the 2017 Model S has also received styling tweaks and increased battery ranges. The high-performance P90D can now cover 270 miles between charges. Not strictly a sedan, but like the Panamera, it’s too good to ignore.

Photo by Tesla

2017 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Some people may not like the brilliant Golf GTI because it’s a hatchback. They want a trunk for their junk. That’s cool. Try the Jetta GLI. It also has 210 horsepower (although it’s down on torque: 207 lb-ft, compared with the GTI’s 258), plus a plethora of passenger and cargo space. The GLI has its own suspension tune that works for everyday driving, while exhibiting control and composure appropriate to its status as an enthusiast’s choice. Front-wheel drive doesn’t normally get a driver’s pulse racing, but the GLI’s electronic differential helps keep the desired line. Factor in a pleasant cabin and extras like adaptive xenon headlights that move with the steering, and here’s a car that’s a pleasure 24/7.

Photo by Volkswagen