10 Fastest Mainstream AWD Electric Cars In 2024

It’s no secret that EVs pack some serious numbers. After all, look at the Rimac Nevera’s achievement of setting 23 performance records over one day in 2023. Yet cars like the Rimac unsurprisingly come with huge prices and small production numbers.

This is a celebration of the world’s fastest EVs that while not exactly pocket change, remain mass-produced and less than six figures. It also outlines how far EV tech has come in recent years. After all, did you ever imagine that a four-door family sedan would pack 1,234 horsepower and manage the 0-60 run in under two seconds? No, neither did we. And on that note, here are the world’s fastest AWD mainstream cars in 2024.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources including the EPA. The cars here are listed as per their top speeds.

1 Lucid Air Sapphire – Top Speed: 205 MPH

0-60 MPH In 1.89 Seconds

The Lucid Air Sapphire packs a top speed of 205 MPH, a 0-60 time of 1.89 seconds, and 1,234 horsepower courtesy of its tri-motor configuration. These numbers make it the fastest commercial EV in the world. The Sapphire is the flagship model in the Lucid Air range with a none-too-modest MSRP of $250,000.

Performance Specifications

The Lucid Air Sapphire has been praised by various outlets for its handling thanks to a clever torque-vectoring system that transfers power across the rear axle. Its 434-mile range and charging rate of up to 300 kWh have garnered praise, too. The 1,234 electric horses are accessed by a ‘Hot Lap’ driving mode. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle with a paltry 737 horses in a car that weighs 5,336 pounds.

2 Tesla Model S Plaid – Top Speed: 200 MPH

0-60 MPH In 1.9 Seconds

It’s been around for a while now (2012, it launched!) but the Tesla Model S – in Plaid form, at least – can still outperform several of its more modern peers. The Plaid was released as part of the Model S midlife 2021 update and turned out to be the fastest version of the full-sized Tesla family sedan.

Performance Specifications

Like the Tesla brand, the Model S Plaid isn’t without controversy. There is footage of one ripping up the Autobahn at 203 MPH, albeit with Tesla’s optional $15,000 Track pack. Without it, the Model S Plaid was “only” able to hit a top end of 166 MPH. Nonetheless, its tri-motor powertrain will shift the aging Model S from 0-60 in 1.9 seconds. With 1,020 horsepower on tap, it’ll also manage a quarter-mile at 155 mph in just over nine seconds.

3 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT – Top Speed: 180 MPH

0-60 MPH In 2.2 Seconds

You might be wondering why the all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has ‘Turbo’ in its moniker. After all, EVs don’t have forced induction. The ‘Turbo’ name comes from the fact that it’s the fastest model in the Porsche Taycan lineup. Zuffenhausen’s sports sedan is underpinned by a twin-motor, 105-kilowatt battery capable of 777 horsepower, a 2.2 seconds 0-60 time, and a top speed of 180 MPH.

Performance Specifications

Engage launch control, and the extra power puts the Porsche into Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire territory thanks to an additional burst of 1,019 horses or 760 kilowatts of electricity. Despite costing $250,000 without even delving into Porsche’s extensive options list, the Taycan Turbo GT returns an EPA range of just 222 miles.

4 Tesla Model 3 Performance – Top Speed: 163 MPH

0-60 MPH In 2.9 Seconds

Named the ‘Highland’ internally, the Tesla Model 3 received a midlife update in late 2023 including a facelift, a re-styled interior, and the introduction of an all-new flagship Performance trim. Alongside a body re-designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, the fastest Model 3 since its 2017 launch packs two electric motors, which give it a 0-60 MPH of 2.9 seconds and a 163 MPH top speed.

Performance Specifications

To cope with the power, the littlest Tesla has all-wheel drive, a torque vectoring system, and a stiffer chassis for improved handling. Despite the extra speed, the Model 3 Performance has lost none of the range and modest price tag that made the Model 3 such a popular choice amongst U.S. EV buyers in the first place. It has a 303-mile range from its 78.1-kilowatt-hour battery when fully charged, and its MSRP of $54,990 undercuts the equivalent Polestar 2 and BMW i4.

5 Audi RS e-Tron GT – Top Speed: 155 MPH

0-60 MPH In 3.1 Seconds

The Audi e-tron GT is built on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, and the RS version is the hot version of Audi’s first dedicated all-electric performance sedan. With a starting price of $147,100, the Audi RS e-tron GT is far from cheap. Like the Porsche, the Audi can become very expensive, very quickly thanks to options such as a full leather interior costing $4,500, and a $7,100 ceramic brake pack.

Performance Specifications

Nonetheless, its twin-motor setup makes 637 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. Despite having a bigger range than its Porsche cousin, the e-tron GT lags in the speed stakes thanks to a top end of 155 MPH and a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds.

6 Mercedes AMG EQS 4MATIC+ – Top Speed: 155 MPH

0-60 MPH In 3.4 Seconds

The EQ line is a range of dedicated EVs launched by Mercedes in 2016, and its EQS is an electrified version of the Mercedes S-Class. The EQS is a blend of hi-tech and luxury, and the AMG 4MATIC+ is the sporty version. Inside, it gets the EQS’ integrated Hyperscreen, while underneath, it packs four-wheel steering, plus a twin-motor configuration capable of 671 horsepower and a top speed of a limited 155 MPH.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Unrestricted, the EQS will allegedly pull 200 MPH. Given the car tips the scales at 5,911 pounds, its performance remains impressive across the board with a 0-60 blast taking just 3.4 seconds. With a $147,550 MSRP, Mercedes’ all-electric flagship isn’t cheap. However, it’s not the most expensive EQS model. That title goes to the Maybach EQS 680 SUV, which has a $181K price tag. ​​​​​​​

7 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ – Top Speed: 146 MPH

0-60 MPH In 3.2 Seconds

Like the EQS is Mercedes’ all-electric answer to the S-Class, the EQE is the equivalent of an all-electric E-Class. Like its bigger sibling, Mercedes’ executive EV gets the AMG treatment, pitting it against the BMW i5 M60. Described as “smooth, quiet, and comfortable” by TopSpeed’s William Clavey, the EQE AMG has “neck-snapping” acceleration, and will launch from 0-60 MPH in just 3.2 seconds. Flick the boost button, and the twin electric motors invoke the fire-spitting AMGs of old by momentarily increasing the power from 617 to 677 electric horses.

Performance Specifications

Despite being pleasant, well-equipped, and hi-tech, the EQE’s Gordon Wagner-penned body has come under some criticism, and has been described as everything from a “squashed fish” to a “wet egg.” However, its ovum-inspired form has some logic behind it. The Mercedes EQE has a drag coefficient of just 0.219 cD, thus making it one of the most aerodynamic EV sedans on sale today.

8 Genesis G80 Electrified – Top Speed: 140 MPH

0-60 MPH In 4.1 Seconds

The Genesis G80 Electrified isn’t like the other EVs here, as it isn’t aimed at being remotely sporty. It takes the existing pleasantries of the Internal Combustion Engined (ICE) G80, and improves them with the addition of two electric motors and an 87.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its emphasis on comfort, refinement, and luxury, South Korea’s answer to luxury EVs like the Tesla Model S Long Range and Lucid Air Pure has a decent turn of pace thanks to a top speed of 140 MPH and a 0-60 time of just 4.9 seconds.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

However, the Genesis G80 Electrified remains outclassed by its US-made peers with its range of just 280 miles. It’s not all bad news on the battery front, though – the Genesis G80 Electrified can recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent with a 350-kilowatt/800-volt fast-charge DC setup in just 22 minutes. The all-electric G80’s Vehicle-to-Load Charging facility allows the car to charge smaller electronic items.

9 BMW i5 M60 – Top Speed: 130 MPH

0-60 MPH In 3.7 Seconds

BMW’s i5 M60 is a landmark vehicle for the Munich carmaker – it’s the first time since its launch in 1977, that the 5 Series has undergone electrification of any kind. The M60 is the flagship version of BMW’s executive sedan and an all-electric riposte to its iconic M5. A pair of electric motors provide the i5 with a base power output of 593 horsepower. Pull the boost button on the M-branded steering wheel, however, and things quickly increase to 601 horses in neck-snapping, 10-second bursts.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

​​​​​​​

The i5 M60 rides on the BMW lightweight Cluster Architecture (CLAR) and the car has earned praise for its spirited drive and how it manages its 5,081-pound heft. Inside, the i5 M60 is fitted with BMW’s Curved Glass setup, incorporating a 12.3-inch instrument display with a 14.9-inch controlling the infotainment and driving systems.

10 Polestar 2 Dual Motor Performance Pack – Top Speed: 127 MPH

0-60 MPH In 4.0 Seconds

The Polestar 2 isn’t the newest EV here. However, it is one of the most accomplished and remains popular among buyers seeking an alternative to the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes EQE, the BMW i4, and the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Polestar 2 has been updated for 2024, and the changes include a new front panel, driveline options, and an improved range. The entry-level Polestar 2 has an all-new 200-kilowatt rear-wheel-drive, single-motor layout to improve the driving experience; previous-gen, single-motor cars were only available with front-wheel-drive.

Performance Specifications

Paired with the optional $5,000 Performance Pack, the flagship twin-motor Polestar 2 produces 455 horsepower and will launch from 0-60 in four seconds. Up-rated ‘Swedish Gold’ colored Brembo piston brakes are included with the Performance Pack, and provide improved stopping power – after all, the Polestar 2 weighs up to 4,658 pounds. The twin-motor Polestar 2 also has a Tesla Model 3 Performance-besting range of 352 miles to the American car’s 303. Despite launching in 2020, Polestar has no plans to shelve the 2 anytime soon. The Swedish EV maker has given it until 2027 when it aims to replace it with an all-new model, the Polestar 7.