Luxury Cars with the Most Horsepower for 2024
These are the luxury cars ranked by their maximum horsepower based on iSeeCars' analysis of all new and used models within the last 5 years.
The luxury small and compact car with the most horsepower is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (577 hp), with the Cadillac CT5-V being the luxury midsize car with the most horsepower (668 hp). The Cadillac CTS-V ranks #1 for the luxury large cars with the most horsepower (640 hp).
The luxury hybrid car with the most horsepower is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Plug-in Hybrid) (791 hp), which is also the luxury plug-in hybrid car with the most horsepower (PHEV). Topping the list for the luxury electric cars with the most horsepower is the Lucid Air (1,234 hp), while the Chevrolet Corvette (coupe) ranks first for the luxury sports cars with the most horsepower (670 hp).
The luxury convertible with the most horsepower is the Chevrolet Corvette (convertible) (670 hp), with the Audi RS 6 Avant being the luxury wagon with the most horsepower (621 hp).
Horsepower is among the key vehicle traits luxury car buyers demand. And not just adequate or sufficient horsepower, but enough horsepower to justify the higher price they’ll pay compared to a non-luxury car. The actual horsepower number these buyers require will vary between high-performance supercars and more mainstream sports sedans and four-door luxury sedans, but all of these buyers expect this power delivered in a refined and engaging manner.
Remember that while horsepower gets more attention, torque is what actually turns a vehicle’s wheels and provides forward (or reverse) motion. Electric vehicles provide instant torque immediately, which is why they feel so quick at low speeds compared to internal combustion engines that have to rev up from idle to achieve maximum power and torque. Generally speaking, torque is what moves a car at lower speeds while horsepower is what keeps it moving and accelerating at higher speeds.
The luxury car segment has seen an explosion in electric car variants over the past few years. By using electric motors instead of a V8 engine or twin turbo technology, these electric models provide instant torque and rapid acceleration from a smooth and silent powertrain, though their top speed is not as high as gasoline models. Electric cars also remove any fuel economy concerns, but their re-charging logistics and range anxiety can be as much or more challenging than poor mpg ratings.
Whether powered by gasoline or electricity, performance cars from luxury automakers typically include all-wheel drive (AWD) and the latest new car safety features as standard equipment. They also feature premium interior materials and upscale styling to separate them from mainstream models.
Speaking of which, while plenty of high-performance luxury cars exist, buyers seeking high horsepower can find it in several non-luxury models, often at substantially lower prices. The Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats are two examples that offer Ferrari- and Lamborghini-rivaling horsepower for a fraction of the cost. Of course these muscle cars don’t deliver the brand cachet or upscale ownership experience of genuine luxury vehicles, so their lower cost might not matter to luxury car shoppers.
Below you’ll find luxury cars across nine vehicle categories ranked by their maximum horsepower ratings. These lists also include the maximum torque rating, new and used price ranges, fuel economy ratings, and cargo capacity for each model.
How We Rank These Cars
The Cars with the Most Horsepower lists rank vehicles by their maximum horsepower.
The maximum horsepower is the highest horsepower across all trim levels for a given vehicle model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
