The Best Entry-Level Supercars

The best entry-level supercars mix real speed, big horsepower, and everyday comfort, all without a seven-figure price tag. In iLusso’s opinion, the best ones hit the sweet spot between $100,000 and $250,000. Let’s take a look at a few options that fit this bill, along with their reasons why they make great cars to dip your feet into the exotic car pool.

Porsche 911 Carrera 

Timeless shape, calm road manners, and serious speed when you want it. The base 911 brings a luxury car finish with a pure Porsche feel.

• Power and performance: 379 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 4.0 seconds, top speed near 182 mph.

• Standout features: flat-six feel, Porsche build quality, strong resale.
• Best for: daily driving with weekend thrills.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: the base 911 gives a true supercar taste with comfort and confidence.

Porsche 911 Turbo

Everyday speed with huge traction and a calm ride. It is quieter than you expect at full tilt, which makes it sneaky fast.

• Power and performance: 572 hp, 0 to 60 mph around 2.7 seconds, 205 mph top speed.

• Standout features: all-wheel drive grip, near-silent speed, premium cabin.
• Best for: fast commutes, all-weather use, stealth performance.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: supercar pace, easy to live with, strong value safety net.

Lamborghini Huracán EVO

A high-revving V10 that howls, with modern chassis tech. Drama on every street, yet tidy and precise in fast corners.

• Power and performance: 631 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 2.9 seconds, 202 mph top speed.

• Standout features: natural aspiration, razor handling, theater-like presence.
• Best for: weekend blasts and special nights out.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: the most accessible modern Lambo with the full exotic feel.

Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica

Sharper and more focused, yet not harsh. The Tecnica keeps the V10 magic and adds street-friendly track poise.

• Power and performance: 631 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.2 seconds, 202 mph top speed.

• Standout features: rear-wheel steering, lighter weight, focused tuning.
• Best for: drivers who want a purer feel without going full race car.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: it gives track poise without the harshness of more extreme variants.

Lamborghini Gallardo

The classic V10 gateway into the bull. A bit more analog, full of character, and still quick by modern specs.

• Power and performance: about 560 hp, 0 to 60 mph in nearly 3.7 seconds, 196 mph top speed.

• Standout features: iconic shape, raw sound, analog edge.
• Best for: buyers who value character and sound over new tech.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: true Lamborghini presence at a reachable price.

Ferrari Roma

A sleek grand tourer with a playful side. The twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers quiet thrust and great balance.

• Power and performance: 612 hp, 0 to 60 mph around 3.4 seconds, 199 mph top speed.

• Standout features: clean design, refined ride, flexible twin-turbo torque.
• Best for: long drives and elegant nights out.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: modern Ferrari style with comfort and poise.

Ferrari Portofino M

A drop-top Ferrari that you can drive every day. Smooth ride, strong tech, and top-down charm on demand.

• Power and performance: 612 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.4 seconds, 199 mph top speed.

• Standout features: retractable hardtop, calm ride, strong tech.
• Best for: buyers who want open-air fun and Ferrari cachet.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: usable, beautiful, and friendlier to live with.

McLaren 570S

A light, mid-engine rocket with a clean steering feel. Simple cabin, serious focus, and big speed.

• Power and performance: 562 hp, 0 to 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds, 204 mph top speed.

• Standout features: carbon tub, quick steering, airy cabin.
• Best for: drivers who want feedback and speed.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: It delivers true supercar dynamics for less money.

McLaren Artura

A modern hybrid that blends speed with efficiency. The V6 teams with electric motors for instant response.

• Power and performance: 671 hp combined, 0 to 60 mph about 3.0 seconds, 205 mph top speed.

• Standout features: plug-in hybrid tech, light chassis, smooth power delivery.
• Best for: tech-focused buyers who want future-ready performance.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: newest McLaren gateway with cutting-edge tech in reach.

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe

Front-engine muscle with a calm ride and top-shelf finish. It feels like a luxury car until you roll into the throttle.

• Power and performance: 469 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.8 seconds, 193 mph top speed.

• Standout features: twin-turbo V8 rumble, long-hood style, premium cabin.
• Best for: buyers who want muscle with manners.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: broad skills at a friendly price point.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

The wild side of the AMG GT. Track-ready tuning, huge grip, and noise that wakes the block.

• Power and performance: 577 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.5 seconds, 198 mph top speed.

• Standout features: active aero, chassis tricks, serious grip.
• Best for: drivers who want to track pace in a street car.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: fierce performance without the price of halo models.

Aston Martin Vantage

Curves, sound, and that classic badge. Comfortable on long drives, eager on twisty roads.

• Power and performance: 503 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.5 seconds, 195 mph top speed.

• Standout features: twin-turbo V8 punch, classy interior, balanced handling.
• Best for: style lovers who want real speed.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: an attainable path into a storied badge.

Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition

More presence, more grip, still friendly on rough pavement. A special spec without harsh ride quality.

• Power and performance: 528 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.5 seconds, 195 mph top speed.

• Standout features: aero add-ons, tuned chassis, rare look.
• Best for: drivers who want a special spec without harsh ride quality.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: extra theater and grip, still livable.

Audi R8 V10 Performance 

A friendly exotic car with a howling V10. Clean tech inside, easy sightlines, and a playful rear-wheel drive setup.

• Power and performance: 562 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.4 seconds, 199 mph top speed.

• Standout features: mid-engine balance, clean tech, great visibility.
• Best for: first-time supercar drivers who value ease.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: exotic sound and looks with simple manners.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 

Mid-engine value with real pace. Easy to own, big theater for the money.

• Power and performance: 495 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.0 seconds, 194 mph top speed.

• Standout features: mid-engine layout, strong tech, low running costs.
• Best for: budget-minded buyers who still want a supercar feel.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: A Chevy Corvette is generally a cheaper option, but it’s less “supercar level.” Though it still has unmatched performance per dollar, which is a smart first step.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The race-bred Z06 turns the C8 into a track beast. A flat-plane V8 engine screams like a racer.

• Power and performance: 670 hp, 0 to 60 mph in about 2.6 seconds, and a near 195 mph top speed.

• Standout features: flat-plane V8 sound, big brakes, wide-body stance.
• Best for: drivers who want thrills without European costs.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: top-tier pace inside a realistic budget.

BMW M8 Competition Coupe 

A luxury missile with a calm ride and high speed. Comfortable seats, strong tech, and surefooted grip.

• Power and performance: 617 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 3.0 seconds, 190 mph top speed.

• Standout features: comfy seats, strong tech, all-weather grip.
• Best for: long highway drives and daily use.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: blends luxury and speed at a fair entry price.

Nissan GT-R Premium

The giant killer that still pulls hard. Easy speed, rock-solid feel, and awd launches that shock.

• Power and performance: 565 hp, 0 to 60 mph about 2.9 seconds, 196 mph top speed.

• Standout features: all-wheel drive launch, bulletproof feel, easy speed.
• Best for: buyers who want supercar pace without drama.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: proven, fast, and often cheaper to buy.

Nissan GT-R NISMO

A sharpened GT-R with serious track focus. Sticks hard, stops hard, and never feels slow.

• Power and performance: 600 hp, 0 to 60 mph in about 2.7 seconds, 196 mph top speed.

• Standout features: aero bits, chassis tuning, big brakes.
• Best for: buyers who want maximum GT-R edge.
• Why this makes a great entry-level car: halo feel without the cost of European exotics.

What Makes an Entry-Level Supercar?

In the $100,000 to $250,000 range, you get the traits that define a real supercar. The looks are exotic, the performance is high-performance, and the handling is sharp and sure. You also get usable comfort from supportive seats and practical tech to decent cargo room for a weekend bag.

There might be a premium on driver aids, a well-tuned suspension, and a stable drivetrain. All-wheel drive, or AWD, gives grip in all weather, while rear-wheel drive serves up a more playful driving experience.

Some models use twin-turbo or twin-turbocharged engines for big mid-range punch, while others are naturally aspirated. A smooth dual-clutch transmission makes city driving easy, yet snaps off shifts on race tracks. Cabin quality matters, and so does fuel efficiency when hybrids or efficient tuning help.

Ownership is part of the plan, too. Insurance costs are higher than for a regular sports car. Maintenance can be predictable with service plans, extended warranty options, and a trusted shop. A pre-purchase inspection can save thousands.

For even more information, read Car and Driver’s list of best exotic sports cars for 2025.