Best luxury cars with 4 cylinder engines sound like a compromise, right? But trust me, these cars prove otherwise. Some bring smooth comfort, others pack surprising power, and a few even manage both. Modern engineering has made it possible for smaller engines to deliver both efficiency and performance without sacrificing luxury. From sleek sedans tsporty coupes and refined SUVs, these vehicles are redefining expectations.
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Here are some of the best 4 cylinder luxury cars, offering impressive power, cutting-edgetechnology, and premium comfort, all with the efficiency of a four-cylinder engine.
Top 4-Cylinder Premium Sedans
2025 Genesis G80
The 2025 Genesis G80 caught my eye because it looks so sleek and fancy. Opening the door, you're welcomed into a cabin rich with high-end materials and tech. It’s bigger than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class, giving off a budget-Bentley vibe.
The standard engine, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, has 300 horsepower, but the optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 offers a smoother run with 375 horsepower. Those V-6 models are called Sport, but it’s not quite the sports sedan you might expect.
I love how comfy and quiet the ride is; if you want sharp handling, though, look somewhere else. The G80 is all about a peaceful luxury car with cool features, good looks, and a decent price. The EPA says it gets 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. It starts at $58,350.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
I love how the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class mixes refinement, comfort, and new tech. It’s like a midsize version of the posh S-Class, but it’s more agile and easier to maneuver. Compared to the BMW 5 series and Audi A6, the inside feels more luxurious and fancy.
The infotainment system looks great but can be tricky to use, packed with the latest features. It’s not super sporty like the BMW or Audi, but most luxury buyers don’t care about that. This year, they added a new rear-wheel-drive E350 with a four- cylinder engine.
Under its hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 23-hp electric motor, making 255 horsepower total. You can get all-wheel drive as an option; it’s standard on other models. The EPA figures the E350 4Matic gets 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Starts at $63,500.
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
I really like how the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia stands out. Unlike other compact sports sedans that keep it low-key, this one celebrates its agility and Italian style. The rakish roofline and modern trefoil grille make it pop in a crowd. A 280-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic powers it. Some rivals match its performance on paper, but Giulia’s controls feel alive, making every turn fun.
For 2025, it’s down to two trims, both with solid tech and safety stuff. Still, it lacks that leather-and-steel luxury vibe the Germans nail. Fuel-wise, it’s pretty good—the EPA rates rear-wheel drive at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive drops to 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. It’s priced at $45,990.
Top Four Cyl Luxury SUVs
2025 Lexus RX
I’ve always thought the Lexus RX is a solid pick. For five generations, it’s had a smooth ride, great build, and plush seats. The 2025 RX350 base model has a turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.That’s fine if you like calm drives, but for sportier vibes, check out the pricier Porsche Macan or Maserati Grecale.
The RX rocks luxury with tons of comfort, though the Genesis GV70 feels more modern. Lexus fans won’t be let down by this reliable 4 cylinder SUV The EPA rates front-wheel-drive models at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; all-wheel drive gets 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Starting price is $50,325.
2025 Acura ADX
I’m excited about the new Acura ADX joining the affordable end of their lineup with the Integra. It’s built on the same base as Honda’s tiny HR-V SUV. But instead of the HR- V’s weak 158-hp engine, the ADX gets the Integra’s turbocharged four-cylinder, probably around 200 horsepower. Power flows through a continuously variable transmission, and it’s front-wheel drive standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
The HR-V lacks power, but the ADX should accelerate better. Inside, it’s more upscale than a regular Honda. It’s up against tough rivals like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, and Volvo XC40. Starts at $36,350.
2025 Land Rover Discovery
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery mixes things up between a Ford Bronco and a fancy Range Rover. It’s comfier and the best 4 cylinder luxury cars, than the Bronco, yet tougher and cheaper than the Range Rover.Perfect for families who love adventure but want a refined daily ride.
No other European luxury brand offers this versatility—only the Lexus GX and Jeep Grand Cherokee L come close, with the Jeep winning on third-row space. Though those are newer, the Discovery beats them off-road and inside luxury.
All models have full-time all-wheel drive; you can pick a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 355-hp 3.0-liter inline-six with a hybrid system. The EPA says the four-cylinder gets 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. It’s $61,825 to start.
2025 Genesis GV70
I judge cars by how well they do their job, and the 2025 Genesis GV70 nails refinement, style, and value. Beating out the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC class in this tough segment is impressive. It drives nicely but isn’t super sporty, which keeps it from topping the Porsche Macan. Still, its softer ride satisfies most folks.
The base 300- hp turbocharged four-cylinder has zip, but the optional 375-hp twin-turbo V-6 hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The EPA rates the four-cylinder at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, the most efficient. Priced at $47,650.
Premier Four-Cylinder Sports Coupes
BMW 2-Series
The BMW 2-Series is a blast even though it’s small. Only a coupe, it comes as the 230i with a four-cylinder or M240i with a six-cylinder. The 230i has a turbocharged 255-hp inline-four; the M240i’s 382-hp inline-six is way more fun. No manual option, sadly. But it’s quick, brakes well, and loves curvy roads.
The rear seats are tight but okay, and the trunk is decent. I love how it rewards fun driving at a good price, especially the 230i. There’s a four-door Gran Coupe, but its front-drive platform isn’t great. The rear-drive 230i gets 26 mpg city, and 35 mpg highway; all-wheel drive drops to 25 and 33. Starts at $40,375.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman S
If you crave a raw driving experience, the Porsche 718 Cayman delivers with its flat-six, manual transmission, and nimble chassis. It also offers turbocharged four-cylinder options at 300 or 350 horsepower with an optional seven-speed automatic.
The 4 cylinder luxury cars don’t sing like the 394-hp GTS 4.0 or 493-hp GT4RS flat-sixes, and the auto skips manual fun, but all are solid. The steering feels alive, and handling’s spot-on, thanks to the mid-engine design and Porsche magic The cozy cabin puts everything—shifter, wheel, pedals—perfectly. It’s got modern stuff like a touchscreen, heated seats, and Apple CarPlay.
with automatic is 19 mpg city, 25 highway. Starts at $74,795. Before I crown my fave, I got to say the 4-cylinder Mustang and 4-cylinder Camaro almost made the list. The Mustang’s 315 hp and the retired Camaro’s 275 hp are cool, but they’re more about muscle than luxury. Still, the CLA 45 S blows them away with416 hp! Before I crown my fave, I got to say the 4-cylinder Mustang and 4-cylinder Camaro almost made the list. The Mustang’s 315 hp and the retired Camaro’s 275 hp are cool ,but they’re more about muscle than luxury. Still, the CLA 45 S blows them away with 416 hp!
My Favorite
My top pick is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S—it’s all about speed thrills. It’s the king of turbo four-cylinder performance. The handcrafted 2.0-liter M139 engine pumps out 416 horsepower, the strongest four-cylinder you can buy. This little beast uses an AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system to hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.
The exhaust roars, and thenthrottle’s sharp—pure AMG vibe. Inside, it’s plush with awesome materials, AMG displays, and sports seats that hug you tight. The MBUX system is slick, and adaptive suspension keeps it perfect everywhere. Small engine, but it drives like a big sports sedan. On the road, it’s precise with a killer grip. Race and Drift modes let me push it hard—it’s track-ready. Power, tech, and all-wheel drive make it one of the best four- cylinder cars ever.