When people see a sports car, they immediately jump to conclusions about the driver. They must be showing off or compensating for something, or maybe they’re just don’t have any real responsibilities. But not every speedster is an impractical Corvette. There are plenty are cars that are fun to drive but also smart, sophisticated, perfectly liveable on a daily basis, like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 2 Series, or Audi A3. Each of these compact sedans oozes style, but they also know how to let their hair down and have a good time. They’re also a great way to add a little spice to your life without screaming midlife crisis like a convertible Porsche.
Considering everyone is driving an SUV or a crossover these days, it’s all too easy to see a sedan or coupe as a frivolous purchase. However, there is truth to the saying “work hard, play hard.” That’s why these small speedsters are such a great option. They won’t break the bank like a supercar would, and they also don’t have that laissez-faire image that a traditional muscle car does. If you feel that they’re still a little too impractical, then you can always upgrade a size grade to an Audi A4, Merc C-Class, or BMW 3.
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Look good, feel good
There is no denying that it feels good to be noticed, especially for the right reasons. A well-dressed sedan still has that traditional reputation of success and sophistication. Heck, if you see someone in a Bentley or Rolls, you immediately know that they’ve made it. However, a premium car from one of the more reputable brands out there has a similar effect. The four rings of an Audi, the tri-star of a Merc, or the blue and white crest of a BMW – each speaks of prestige and class, without seeming unattainable.
Of course, you can also feel good behind the wheel of one of these beauties for other reasons. Even in their most basic configurations, they are spritely and engaging. BMW and Audi, in particular, are known for their engaging driving dynamics, while Mercedes leans more in luxury and comfort. Regardless, they all know how to design a great car for daily life. Passengers, both up front and in the back seat, are pampered and given access to some of the best modern tech and features, such as automatic climate control, comprehensive infotainments suites, and all the best safety systems to put their minds at ease.
It’s fun to let loose
At the end of the day, you still need to remember that these are sporty automobiles. As Hellen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” So, enjoy everything your car has to offer. On your way home for work, or after you’ve run all your errands, these small execs are ideal for some playful antics. Just look at their specs, and you’ll see that they were never meant to be cooped up in your garage and only brought out to show off.
The Audi A4, for example, gives buyers the choice of a 201-horsepower turbo-four or an even more potent variant with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. True, it’s not the quickest car in the world, but it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, which may not be for everyone. However, for the average driver, this means you can simply enjoy the experience without stressing about doing it well. But what really makes the car so fun is its handling. Cornering is graceful and controlled, while steering is precise and responsive. All the while, you have a long list of driver assists and safety features to ensure you never get too lost in the fun.
Stylish but sensible
Since most of these smaller executive sedans are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, you actually get some great fuel economy. Not everyone wants the roar of V6 or V8 on a daily basis, and the heavy bills from poor mileage figures are never welcome. But, not all practical considerations are catered to, sadly.
While these sedans have spacious enough rear seats for families, their trunks are often subpar for the segment. Still, for a daily commuter, you don’t need all the cargo capacity of a wagon or crossover. You can still fit your groceries, yoga mat, and kids’ school bags in the trunk of most such models. Regardless of what the soccer moms at school say about nothing beating a high-riding SUV, sedans aren’t dead yet.
Some great options in this segment, from those with an affordable MSRP all the way through to the flagship nameplates, include the:
- Volvo S60
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Genesis G80
- Audi S5
- Tesla Model 3
- Lexus ES
- BMW 3 Series
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