- 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
- 2022 Lucid Air
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2022 Audi A7
- 2022 Tesla Model S
- 2022 Porsche Panamera
- 2022 Tesla Model 3
- Which all-wheel drive sports car is best for me?
There are plenty of sports cars in every segment of the market today. Buyers can find sporty SUVs and sedans alike from many manufacturers. However, only some come with all-wheel drive options. Here are the top seven all-wheel drive sports cars of 2022, per U.S. News rankings.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan | MBUSA
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 the EQS 580 4MATIC. That model has dual motors powering all four wheels and produces 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain can also get up to 340 miles on a full charge.
Inside, U.S. News reviewers praise the comfortable cabin. Each EQS model is equipped with a suite 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. The base Pure trim is two-wheel drive and comes with 480 horsepower from a single motor with a 406-mile range. The rest of the lineup are dual-motor AWD cars: the Touring has 620 horsepower, the Grand Touring gets 800 hp, the Dream R produces 933 hp, and the top-of-the-line Dream P gives you 1,111 hp. Range gets up to 520 miles for the Dream R trim.
This sports car may be new, but reviewers say it’s a hit. U.S. News highlights the exterior looks, roomy trunk, infotainment system, and plush interior. The sales figures back that up, as both Dream trims have sold out for 2022.
2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: Starting at $111,100, according to MBUSA
Mercedes-Benz’s top 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 trims for the 2022 S-Class: the base S 500, S 580, and S 680. The S 500 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline six-cylinder mild hybrid system producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S 580 boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged mild hybrid V8 generating 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The S 680 gets a twin-turbo V12 making 621 horsepower.
That’s a lot of power across the trim options, but reviewers note 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 a fragrance atomizer, heated armrests, leather upholstery, wireless charging pads, 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.
2022 Audi A7
MSRP: Starting at $69,200, according to Audi USA
Audi’s midsize Sportback A7 offers a trio of all-wheel drive sports car options. The standard 335-horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine option is available for the base Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The latter two can also come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The Virtual Cockpit system is standard for 2022, but reviewers note the 10.1-inch touchscreen can be difficult to use. Drivers may be distracted when choosing the right setup. However, the styling inside is high-quality, comfortable, and supportive in seating. It’s a great AWD car with a much lower price tag 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 Model S packs dual electric motors with 670 horsepower and 405 miles of range. The Model S Plaid trim takes the performance up to 1,020 horsepower, thanks to an upgraded battery system and extra motor.
Though it’s been on the market for years, U.S. News says the sports car still holds up looks-wise. The Model S all-wheel drive system comes standard with Autopilot, which pairs the 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 plenty of options across 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 setup and more cargo space.
Power starts with a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 producing 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque with the base Panamera. It tops out with the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which produces 690 horsepower and 641 lb-ft of torque out of a 4.0-liter turbocharged hybrid V8. All Panamera 4 trims (the 4, 4S, 4 E-Hybrid, and 4S E-Hybrid) come with all-wheel drive.
These AWD cars can provide plenty of thrills behind the wheel. U.S. News notes the tenacious handling and neck-snapping acceleration. With the driving experience and lots of trim levels, the Panamera can be any type 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. Tesla’s Model 3 compact sedan is a sports car that provides plenty to all kinds of drivers. The Model 3 comes in three trims: the base, Long Range, and Performance. The Long Range and Performance come standard with all-wheel drive.
The Long Range trim provides 358 miles of range on a full charge. The Performance is slightly lower at 315 miles but can go 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Either one gives drivers impressive driving dynamics paired with a comfortable, functional interior. Reviewers do note rear seat room may be lacking compared to other cars in the class.
Which all-wheel drive sports car is best for me?
It depends on what’s most important to you. The best budget AWD car on the list by far is the Tesla Model 3, followed by the Audi A7. If you’re looking strictly at electric sports cars, the Lucid Air is an incredible new model on the market for a fair starting price. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is another excellent option if a higher MSRP is not a problem. If luxury and an internal combustion engine are musts, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class likely leads the pack, followed by the A7 or Porsche Panamera for more room.