[2024] Top 5 Cool Sedan Cars You’ll Want to Drive at Least Once

Here, we’ll introduce our subjective and biased recommendations for the coolest sedans available for purchase as new cars in 2024 (Reiwa 6) . You might see a car on the street that just seems cool for no apparent reason. We hope this article will be helpful for anyone considering buying a car.

What is a sedan?

Sedans are vehicles with a three-box shape that give them a formal image. In recent years, they have been overshadowed by the popularity of SUVs, but they remain popular due to their stylish design and comfortable ride.

1. Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius won the 44th Japan Car of the Year award in 2023-2024, and also won the North American Car of the Year award in 2024, making this the fifth-generation Prius that has been recognized worldwide.

The exterior of the new fifth-generation Prius maintains the same concept. It adopts the now-traditional “monoform silhouette” one-motion style five-door hatchback body shape , and the adoption of the second-generation “TNGA platform” further lowers the center of gravity. The adoption of large 19-inch tires gives it even more stylish proportions. It is classified as a sedan by Toyota.

The front design, based on a hammerhead motif, combines functionality and design at a high level, and the full model change will see the adoption of large, “U-shaped” DRL (Daytime Running Light) “Signature Lamps . ” It is highly likely that the headlights will come standard with “Bi-Beam LED headlights + LED turn lamps + LED clearance lamps” and “LED fog lamps.” The rear will feature straight horizontal taillights. Similar straight horizontal taillights are used by Toyota vehicles such as the Harrier and Crown.

Toyota Prius Bi-Beam LED headlamps adopted in all grades

I thought it was great that all vehicles come standard .

The Toyota Prius’s body size is amazing

The body size is 4,600mm long, 1,780mm wide, 1,420mm high, and 2,750mm wheelbase, taking into consideration the Japanese environment. The length and width are just right. Compared to the Corolla Sport, which is common in Japan, the Impreza is slightly larger in all respects except for width, with the Corolla Sport being 4,375mm long, 1,790mm wide, 1,460mm high, and 2,640mm wheelbase.

Toyota Prius interior has a high quality feel

As you’ll see when you test drive it, visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, and the shape of the side mirrors and pillars has been carefully thought out, making it easier to see and drive than the previous model.

The “center meter” will be abolished and a digital meter will be installed at the front. Following the trend of Toyota cars such as the new “MIRAI”, “Crown” and “Harrier”, the dashboard will likely be redesigned to be more user-friendly by changing the air conditioning vents and moving the navigation display to a higher position. An ” 8-inch or 12.3-inch display audio ” will be adopted. Furthermore, an “electric parking brake & hold” will be adopted. A “digital inner mirror (with front and rear recording function)”  will display images from a camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle on the rearview mirror. It will also have a recording function. Personally, I think this is great as it is equipment that should be included as a basic feature.

Specifications	New Prius 1.8L (X/U)	New Prius 2.0L (G/Z)
full length	4,600mm	4,600mm
Overall width	1,780mm	1,780mm
Overall height	1,430mm	1,420mm
Wheelbase	2,750mm	2,750mm
engine	Inline 4 DOHC 1.8L + motor ( series-parallel hybrid with reduction mechanism )	Inline 4 DOHC 2.0L + motor ( series-parallel hybrid with reduction mechanism )
Maximum power	72kW (98ps) / 5,200rpm	112kW (152ps)
Maximum torque	142Nm (14.5kgm) / 3,600rpm	188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,400-5,200rpm
Front motor maximum output	70kW (95PS)	83kW (113PS)
Front motor maximum torque	185Nm (18.9kgfm)	206Nm (21.0kgfm)
Rear motor maximum output	30kW (41PS)	30kW (41PS)
Rear motor maximum torque	84Nm (8.6kgfm)	84Nm (8.6kgfm)
System Output	103kW (140ps)	144kW (190PS)
0-100km/h acceleration	9.3 seconds	7.5 seconds
WLTC mode fuel economy	32.6km/L	28.6km/L

2nd place: Toyota Crown Sedan

Toyota will officially announce the new Crown Sedan, the third model in the new generation Crown series, on November 2, 2023, with sales starting on November 13. The lineup will include HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) and FCEV models, with prices ranging from 7,300,000 to 8,300,000 yen.

Toyota New Crown Sedan Exterior

The front features unique headlights with daytime running lights . The Crown emblem continues to be used . The rear features LED rear combination lamps, which are thin and sharp, stretching horizontally. The body color is a modern two-tone color. The drive system is based on FR, and all vehicles are equipped with a hybrid system . The platform is a newly developed platform based on TNGA. The chassis has been honed at the Nürburgring, and the technology that has greatly advanced the vehicle’s performance in terms of “running, turning, and stopping” is inherited.

Toyota New Crown Sedan Body Color

A lineup of six monotone colors.

Single color 6 colors

The interior is fully equipped with the latest features

The interior is standardized, so no matter which model you drive, you’ll be sure to think, “That’s a Crown!” The instrument panel design integrates the display audio. The meter uses a ” large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter . ” The navigation system is “Connected Navigation” + “Toyota Premium Sound System  . ” It also features a ” Digital Inner Mirror ” and Toyota’s first “Drive Recorder (Front and Rear) . ” In-car Wi-Fi is available as an option for the display audio .

Comparing the interiors of the crossover and sedan side by side, it’s safe to say that the designs are identical due to the commonality of the two. However, there are differences in the coloring of the parts, and the Crown Sedan’s horizontal coloring gives it a different impression.

The “center console” and “side panels” have a wood-grain finish, which gives off a sense of high quality. The interior color scheme is a calming black and brown hue, giving it a calming impression. The rear seats are a space that is unique to the Crown’s FR, and you can feel the high quality of the interior.

3. Lexus IS

Lexus made a major minor change to the IS, releasing it on November 5, 2020. Lexus also made some improvements to the IS, introducing a special edition model, the F SPORT Mode Black III, which was released on August 25, 2022.

Lexus new “IS” minor change

The excellent handling and ride comfort have been honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, a newly established test course for vehicle development in the Shimoyama district of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. By repeatedly conducting driving tests every day in a harsh environment, both the car and the engineers have been able to create high-level vehicle performance.

The 2.5L hybrid model has changed the engine and motor drive force control in response to accelerator opening. The 2.0L turbo model uses adaptive control that determines the driving environment from the driver’s accelerator opening and other factors, and sets the appropriate gear depending on the situation. By increasing body rigidity through reinforcement of the side radiator supports, addition of spot welding points to the front side members, and structural optimization from the C-pillar to the roof side, dynamic performance such as response to steering has been improved, and noise and vibration have been thoroughly eliminated to improve ride comfort.

Hub bolts are used to fasten the wheels, strengthening the fastening force and reducing mass. The newly adopted 19-inch tires also significantly improve cornering force. A non-seated valve is installed in the shock absorber’s oil flow path, and a “swing valve shock absorber” is used, which generates damping force due to flow path resistance even in response to minute movements.

Lexus new “IS” minor change exterior

The exterior design concept is “Agile & Provocative,” and aims for an aggressive design with a wide and low stance that suggests driving performance and sharp character lines.

The low center of gravity is expressed through the adoption of thin headlamps equipped with newly developed compact and lightweight lamp units, the low grille area and correspondingly lowered side character lines, and the shape of the rear end of the luggage compartment. The car also features protruding front and rear fenders, L-shaped single-letter signature lamps, and a three-dimensional bumper garnish. In addition, the newly designed 19-inch tires and wide tread create proportions that suggest a sporty driving performance. The gently sloping rear quarter pillars wrap around from the sides to create a taut cabin silhouette, and the contrast with the protruding rear fenders creates an aggressive impression.

The sharp character line of the rear fenders is achieved by adopting the “push-up method,” which adds a molding process that pushes up from the inside during the body panel manufacturing process. In addition, a mechanism has been added that allows the mold to slide from the side in accordance with the vertical press movement, resulting in the development of the world’s first “Yoseshibori method,” which enables the precise, three-dimensional shape that is unique to Lexus. This has resulted in a highly precise, sharper shape for the character line at the rear end of the luggage compartment. The newly designed spindle grille has a three-dimensional polyhedral structure starting from the tip of the grille, emphasizing its presence. The block shape based on the spindle motif is combined with a mesh pattern to create a sporty impression. Two new exterior colors have been added: “Sonic Iridium” and “Sonic Chrome.”

Lexus new “IS” minor change interior

The multimedia system now features a new 10.3-inch wide touch display that is compatible with SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Convenience has been greatly improved, with both screen and voice control now possible. The upper part of the instrument panel and door panels feature chromatic colors in a two-tone color scheme. The contrast created by the two-tone color scheme creates a color coordination that creates an uplifting feeling when riding. Part of the door trim features a graphic pattern with multiple intersecting embossed lines, a new decorative expression for Lexus. Ash (open finish/black ink), black geometry film, and F SPORT-exclusive satin chrome are newly adopted for the ornament panel.

Specifications	IS300	IS350	IS300h
full length	4,710mm
Overall width	1,840mm
Overall height	1,435mm
Wheelbase	2,800mm
engine	2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine	3.5L V6 engine	2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine + motor
Maximum power	180kW (245ps) / 5,800kgm	234kW (318hp) / 6,600rpm	131kW (178hp) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	350Nm (35.7kgm) / 1,650~4,400rpm	380 Nm (38.7 kgm) / 4,800 rpm	21Nm (22.5kgm) / 4,200~4,800rpm
Motor maximum output	–	–	105 kW (143 hp)
Motor Max Torque		–	300 Nm (30.6 kgm)
transmission	8-Speed ​​SPDS		Electric continuously variable transmission
Drive system	FR
Passenger capacity	5 people

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz announced the new C-Class, the first full model change in seven years, for the Japanese model on June 29, 2021. Its world premiere was at 2:00 PM (local time) on February 23, 2021. The new C-Class is larger in almost every respect. The wheelbase has been increased by 1 inch (2.54 cm), giving rear seat passengers an additional 0.8 inches (2 cm) of legroom. Rear seat headroom has increased by 0.6 inches (1.5 cm), and front seat passengers see a bump in elbow and shoulder room of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm).

New C-Class full model change exterior

It measures 4,680 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,747 mm high. It’s 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) longer and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wider than the previous model. The only indication the new C-Class registers as less than the old car is the roofline, which is 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) lower. According to VDA certification, luggage capacity remains at 17.9 cu-ft, the same as the previous-generation C-Class.

New C-Class full model change interior

The new C-Class is a new model generation and the manufacturer’s first electrified series. Following on from the new S-Class, the new C-Class also features the second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), making the passenger compartment even more digital and intelligent. It comes standard with two screens: a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented center display.

New C-Class full model change engine

The C300 is powered by Mercedes’ M254 gasoline engine. It’s a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and incorporates a 48V architecture that makes the C300 a mild hybrid. For limited periods, it can boost output by up to 20 hp (20.2 PS) and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque. The mild-hybrid system allows the C300 to glide with the engine completely off, recovering energy from deceleration. The C300 is equipped with a 9G Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The C300’s engine features a new twin-scroll turbocharger arrangement, which supposedly reduces lag. However, there’s another aspect that will appeal to performance-oriented drivers. Turbocharging has helped Mercedes reach the pinnacle of motorsports, and part of these improvements is the ability to overboost in conjunction with the ISG. The total system output is 259ps, the system torque is 200Nm, the top speed is 208km/h, and it accelerates to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

BMW 3 Series

BMW has made minor changes to the new 3 Series sedan/touring, and announced and began selling the Japanese model on September 20, 2022 .

BMW New 3 Series Minor Change Exterior

The exterior design of the new BMW 3 Series has been dramatically updated using the latest BMW design language. It features newly designed headlights and a BMW kidney grille . The latest LED headlights with daytime running light function create a sharper impression, while the traditional BMW kidney grille with double bars and a wider front apron create a more powerful design. The rear design features thinner, horizontal lines for the rear combination lights and tailpipe diameters of 90mm or 100mm, creating a powerful impression.

BMW new 3 Series minor change interior

The interior design of the new BMW 3 Series features the latest curved “BMW Curved Display,” which integrates a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch Control Display , achieving excellent visibility and ease of operation. The transmission shift lever has been eliminated, leaving the area around the BMW-specific iDrive Controller clean and modern. With the elimination of the shift lever, paddle shifters are now standard on all models.

About the new 3 Series body size

size	New 3 Series
full length	4,720mm
Overall width	1,825mm
Overall height	1,440mm
Wheelbase	2,850mm

BMW new 3 Series minor change safety equipment

The car comes standard with a cutting-edge driving assistance system with high analytical capabilities thanks to a high-performance triple camera and radar, a high-performance processor, and the latest generation of safety features. When stuck in traffic on the highway, the driving assistance system “Congestion Driving Assist with Hands-Off Function” reduces the driver’s burden and contributes to safety, allowing the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel under certain conditions. 

Specifications	320i M Sport	320i
engine	2.0L inline 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine	2.0L inline 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine
Maximum power	135kW/5,000rpm	115kW/4,500rpm
Maximum torque	300Nm/ 1,350rpm-4,000rpm	250Nm/ 1,300rpm-4,300rpm
transmission	8-speed AT/8-speed sports AT	8-speed AT/8-speed sports AT
WLTC mode fuel economy	13.0km/L	13.0km/L

Specifications	320d xDrive M Sport
engine	Inline 4-cylinder 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo Diesel Engine
Maximum power	140kW/4,000rpm
Maximum torque	400Nm/1,750rpm-2,500rpm
transmission	8-speed AT/8-speed sports AT
WLTC mode fuel economy	15.5km/L

Specifications	330e M Sport	M340i xDrive
engine	Inline 4-cylinder 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine	Inline 6-cylinder 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine
Maximum power	135kW/5,000rpm	285kW (387PS) / 5,800rpm
Maximum torque	300Nm/1,350rpm-4,000rpm	500Nm/ 1,800-5,000rpm
Motor maximum output	83kW	–
battery	Lithium-ion 10.3kWh	–
transmission	8-speed sports automatic transmission	8-speed sports automatic transmission
0-100km/h acceleration	5.9 seconds	4.4 seconds
WLTC mode fuel economy	13.4km/L	10.6km/L

summary

We’ve introduced some cool sedans that everyone wants to drive at least once, but did you find any good cars? We hope we’ve introduced some models that you’ll often see around town and that catch your eye. We’ll continue to update this list as we find more interesting models.