Today there are many sports cars in every market segment. Buyers can find SUVs and sport sedans from many manufacturers. However, only a few come with all-wheel drive options. Here are the seven best all-wheel drive sports cars of 2022, as ranked by US News.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
MSRP: Starting at $102,310, according to MBUSA
Mercedes-Benz’s electric sedan debuts for the 2022 model year. It’s the all-electric version of the S-Class sports car. The all-wheel drive (AWD) option is EQS 580 4MATIC. This model has dual motors powering all four wheels and produces 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain can also go up to 340 miles on a full charge.
Inside, US News reviewers praise the comfortable cabin. Every EQS model is equipped with a range of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, evasive steering assist, automatic parking and a lane-keeping assist system.
2022 Lucid Air
MSRP: Starting at $87,400, according to Lucid Motors
Like the EQS, the Lucid Air makes its debut in 2022. The small American sports car company is focusing solely on electric vehicles. The Air is one of the most powerful luxury electric cars on the market. basis Clean the model is two-wheel drive and comes with 480 horsepower from a single engine with a range of 406 miles. The rest of the line are AWD cars with two engines: TOURNAMENTS has 620 horsepower, e Grand Touring get 800 horsepower, Dream R produces 933 horsepower, and the highest Dream P gives you 1111 hp. Range goes up to 520 miles for the Dream R trim.
This sports car may be new, but reviewers say it’s a hit. US News highlights the exterior, spacious trunk, infotainment system and plush interior. Sales figures back this up, as both Dream models are sold out for 2022.
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: Starting at $111,100, according to MBUSA
Mercedes-Benz’s ultimate luxury sports car is in the second year of its seventh generation and is one of the best all-wheel drive sports cars on the market. There are three models for the 2022 S-Class: base S 500, S 580, AND S 680. The S 500 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged six-cylinder mild hybrid system that produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S 580 boasts a mild hybrid 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that generates 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The S 680 has a twin-turbo V12 with 621 horsepower.
That’s a lot of power in trim options, but reviewers note that the S-Class handles well with a smooth ride. Thanks to the mild hybrid system, acceleration off the line is impressive. Inside the S-Class cabin, you’ll be greeted by luxury features like an aroma diffuser, heated armrests, leather upholstery, wireless charging and a 15-speaker Burmester audio system. There are more than a dozen driver aids in each model. Edmunds named the S-Class the best large luxury sedan of 2022.
Audi A7 2022
MSRP: Starting at $69,200, according to Audi USA
Audi’s mid-size A7 Sportback offers a trio of all-wheel drive sports car options. A standard 335 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter V6 engine option is available for the base Premium, Premium Plus, AND prestige levels of regulation. The latter two can also come with a plug-in hybrid engine featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The Virtual Cockpit system is standard for the 2022, but reviewers note that the 10.1-inch touchscreen can be difficult to use. Drivers can get distracted when choosing the right configuration. However, the styling inside is quality, comfortable and supportive when sitting. It’s a great AWD car at a much lower price than many competitors.
2022 Tesla Model S
MSRP: Starting at $96,590, according to Tesla
Tesla’s Model S full-size luxury sedan is another great all-wheel drive sports car. The standard S model packs dual electric motors with 670 horsepower and 405 miles of range. Model S Plaid trim takes performance up to 1,020 horsepower, thanks to an improved battery system and additional motor.
Even though it’s been on the market for years, US News says the sports car still holds its own. The Model S all-wheel drive system comes standard with Autopilot, which pairs lane keeping and adaptive cruise control functions.
2022 Porsche Panamera
MSRP: Starting at $92,400, according to Porsche
Porsche’s only midsize car, the Panamera, comes with many options in 24 trims. There are three body styles: the regular sedan with a hatchback-style trunk, the executive model with more rear legroom, and the Sport Turismo with a wagon-like structure and more cargo space.
Power starts with a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque with the base Panamera. It ends with the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which produces 690 horsepower and 641 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 hybrid. Everything Panamera 4 trims (4, 4S, 4 E-Hybrid and 4S E-Hybrid) come with all-wheel drive.
These AWD cars can offer a lot of excitement behind the wheel. US News notes persistent treatment and acceleration of neck snapping. With the driving experience and many trim levels, the Panamera can be any kind of sports car you need.
2022 Tesla Model 3
MSRP: Starting at $40,390, according to Tesla
The most affordable all-wheel drive sports car on the list is no slouch. The Tesla Model 3 compact sedan is a sports car that offers a lot for all types of drivers. The Model 3 comes in three models: basic, long range, AND Performance. Long Range and Performance come standard with all-wheel drive.
The long-range combo offers 358 miles of range on a full charge. Performance is slightly lower at 315 mph, but it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Each of them gives drivers impressive driving dynamics combined with a comfortable and functional interior. Reviewers note that rear-seat room can be lacking compared to other cars in the class.
Which all-wheel drive sports car is best for me?
It depends on what is most important to you. The best budget AWD car on the list so far is the Tesla Model 3, followed by the Audi A7. If you’re strictly looking at electric sports cars, the Lucid Air is an outstanding new model on the market for a fair starting price. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is another great option if a higher MSRP isn’t an issue. If luxury and an internal combustion engine are musts, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is likely to lead the pack, followed by the A7 or Porsche Panamera for more space.
CONNECTED: These new luxury cars are Autocar’s picks for the best Grand Tourers of 2022