Sports cars are designed to deliver exhilarating performance while often remaining practical for everyday use. The addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) enhances their usability, providing better traction and control in various conditions.
As engineering and technology have advanced, AWD systems have significantly improved, becoming a standard option in many high-performance models.
Automakers like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have refined their respective AWD technologies—xDrive, Quattro, and 4MATIC—ensuring that their sports cars offer both excitement and enhanced drivability.
Modern AWD sports cars have evolved to rival even supercars in performance. While rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles may still appeal to driving purists, AWD models now offer superior dynamic capabilities and blistering acceleration.
Many of today’s AWD sports cars can achieve 0-60 mph times that surpass supercars from a decade ago. This list highlights 10 of the best AWD sports cars currently available, showcasing their impressive blend of power, agility, and everyday practicality.
10. 2024 BMW M850i xDrive
The BMW 8 Series masterfully combines performance and luxury, offering a choice of coupe, convertible, and four-door Gran Coupe body styles.
While opinions on its exterior design vary, the interior is undeniably elegant, providing ample passenger space and premium materials. This blend of comfort and sportiness makes the 8 Series a standout in the grand tourer segment.
Under the hood, the 8 Series delivers impressive power, particularly in the M850i xDrive variant, which features a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the M850i achieves a rapid 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds. This combination of high performance and refined luxury solidifies the 8 Series as a formidable contender in its class.i8
9. 2024 Kia K5 GT
With the discontinuation of the beloved Kia Stinger in 2023, the Kia K5 GT has emerged as a worthy successor in the affordable performance sedan category. While it features a smaller 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine compared to the Stinger’s 368-hp powerplant, it still delivers an impressive 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
This power, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensures a thrilling driving experience while maintaining Kia’s reputation for practicality and value.
Despite its budget-friendly $33,090 price tag, the K5 GT is remarkably quick, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds—nearly as fast as the outgoing Stinger.
This makes it one of the quickest cars available for under $40,000, offering a blend of performance, affordability, and all-wheel-drive capability. As an accessible and exciting sports sedan, the K5 GT proves that Kia remains committed to delivering high-value performance vehicles.
8. 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ Coupe is a compact yet powerful sports car that delivers thrilling performance in a smaller package. While it may not offer the same level of luxury and spaciousness as larger AMG models, its impressive 0-60 mph time of just 4.0 seconds ensures it lives up to the AMG badge.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produces a remarkable 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most potent four-cylinder engines on the market.
Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the CLA 45 S offers rapid, seamless shifts that enhance its dynamic driving experience.
The standard 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability, allowing the car to launch aggressively from a standstill and maintain control even in wet conditions. With a base price of $65,400, this compact AMG is a high-performance machine that blends speed, precision, and everyday usability.
7. 2024 Audi RS 5
Audi pioneered all-wheel-drive sports cars, and the current RS5 continues that legacy with remarkable performance. While it no longer features the naturally aspirated V8 of its predecessors, the new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 still delivers an impressive 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
This power, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s signature Quattro AWD system, allows the RS5 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it a formidable contender in its class.
Though the switch to a V6 means the RS5 has lost some of its signature exhaust note, it has evolved into a more refined and mature high-performance coupe.
Its sharp handling, all-weather capability, and luxurious interior make it an excellent choice for those seeking both speed and sophistication. With a base price of $79,600, the Audi RS5 remains a top-tier AWD sports car that every gearhead should experience.
6. 2024 BMW M240i xDrive
The BMW M240i may not be a full-fledged M car like the M2, but it delivers an impressive balance of performance and drivability.
While its styling and limited rear-seat space may take some getting used to, its exceptional driving dynamics make it a standout in its class. BMW’s focus on technical excellence is evident in the M240i, which offers precise handling, strong acceleration, and a refined driving experience.
Powered by the well-regarded B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, the M240i produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling a swift 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
While it may not be as hardcore as the rear-wheel-drive M2, its all-wheel-drive system provides better traction and stability, making it more accessible for a wider range of drivers. At a base price of $51,700, the M240i delivers serious performance without the intensity of a full M model.
5. 2024 Audi RS 3
The Audi RS3 is a high-performance compact sports car that rivals the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S and BMW M2 with its blistering speed and unique character. Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five, it produces 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling a rapid 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds.
What sets the RS3 apart is its distinct five-cylinder growl, giving it a sound unlike anything else in its class. Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional grip and acceleration, making it a true performance bargain.
Over the years, the RS3 has evolved into a more dynamically capable machine, offering sharper handling and improved responsiveness. While its compact size makes it practical for daily driving, its raw power and agility make it a thrilling performance car.
With a base price of $62,300, the RS3 delivers supercar-rivaling acceleration at a fraction of the cost, cementing its status as one of the best bang-for-the-buck AWD sports cars available.
4. 2024 BMW M4 Competition xDrive
The BMW M4 Competition is one of the most exciting sports cars on the market, offering both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The xDrive model stands out with its ability to seamlessly switch between 4WD and 2WD at the push of a button, providing both traction and tail-happy fun when desired.
Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest AWD sports cars available.
BMW’s rear-biased torque split allows the M4 to perform controlled slides and even donuts, even in 4WD mode. For those who want a more traditional BMW driving experience, switching to 2WD mode transforms it into a true tire-shredding beast.
Additionally, BMW offers the M4 Competition xDrive Convertible, which is perfect for those who want open-air thrills without compromising performance. With a base price of $88,300, the M4 Competition xDrive is a versatile and exhilarating sports car that blends power, precision, and driving excitement.
3. 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
The Porsche 911 has long been regarded as one of the best sports cars in the world, and the latest hybrid-assisted model continues to push the boundaries of performance.
Despite some critics, including Jeremy Clarkson, dismissing the 911, Porsche has consistently refined its iconic sports car to meet the needs of a wide range of enthusiasts.
The latest Carrera 4 GTS not only benefits from a larger turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive but also integrates hybrid technology to enhance power and efficiency without compromising its legendary driving dynamics.
This cutting-edge model features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor and an electrically driven turbocharger, delivering an impressive 532 hp and 449 lb-ft of torque.
The result is a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest 911s ever. Remarkably, the hybrid system adds only 103 pounds to the car’s weight, ensuring that Porsche maintains the agility and balance that have defined the 911 for decades.
With a base price of $172,700, this new Carrera 4 GTS is a testament to Porsche’s ability to innovate while staying true to its heritage.
2. 2024 Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R has remained one of the fastest and most beloved sports cars for nearly two decades. First introduced in 2007 as the successor to the Skyline R34, the GT-R delivered significantly more power and performance than its predecessors.
While the 2024 model received an update, the R35 generation remains largely unchanged mechanically, retaining the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Despite its age, the GT-R continues to impress with its blistering acceleration and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS AWD system, the GT-R efficiently distributes 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque to maximize traction and performance.
This allows it to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. For those seeking even more power, Nissan offers the Nismo variant, which boosts output to 600 hp and cuts the 0-60 mph time to an astonishing 2.5 seconds. With a base price of $121,090, the GT-R continues to be a benchmark for high-performance sports cars.
1. 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S
The Porsche 911 has long been regarded as one of the best sports cars ever built, blending exhilarating performance with razor-sharp handling. The latest 911 Turbo S, part of the 992 generation introduced in 2019, continues this legacy with a 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine producing an impressive 640 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
This combination ensures that the Turbo S remains one of the most potent and capable iterations of the iconic 911.
Paired with an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, the Turbo S delivers staggering acceleration.
Porsche officially claims a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds, but independent tests have recorded an even more astonishing 2.1-second sprint, making it one of the quickest sports cars on the market today. With a base price of $230,400, the 911 Turbo S remains a benchmark for high-performance luxury sports cars.
All-wheel-drive sports cars have come a long way, proving that high performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of daily usability.
Whether it’s a high-tech hybrid-assisted Porsche 911, the legendary Nissan GT-R, or a practical yet thrilling BMW or Audi, AWD technology continues to redefine what sports cars can achieve.
The ability to deliver blistering acceleration, superior handling, and year-round drivability makes these vehicles some of the most versatile and exciting on the road today.
As automakers continue to refine and push the limits of AWD performance, these cars will only get faster, more advanced, and more exhilarating to drive.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury grand tourer, a precision-engineered track weapon, or an all-weather performance machine, this list proves that AWD sports cars offer some of the best driving experiences available. No matter your preference, there’s an AWD sports car out there ready to deliver an unforgettable ride.
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