Cheapest Sports Cars You Can Buy in India in 2024

Let’s get this one fact straight, right from the get go – sports cars aren’t cheap by any means. So, while considering the cheapest sports cars in India, the term “cheapest” is of course, relative. The true sports car experience comes in the form of a two-door, two-seater format, preferably as a convertible. Fun is the primary driving factor and that throws requirements like luggage space, fuel economy and most forms of practicality out of the window. A sports car is meant to deliver the sheer thrill of driving. A sports car is a celebration of the simple joys of motoring.

The “sports” in the name also warrants the car’s ability to be taken onto a racetrack, participate in club races and just have a good time on a race track. India though, is a different story. Sports cars have been elusive here yet, there are some options that one can lust after. CARS24 lists out six of the more affordable options. Got a sports car to show off? Share your ownership experience with like-minded enthusiasts on the CARS24 auto community, CLUTCH, where there are more interesting automotive discussions taking place.

1. BMW Z4 M40i Roadster | ₹90.9 lakh

0-100 kmph – 4.5 seconds

The BMW Z4 M40i is a performance, luxury roadster that blends sporty driving dynamics with open-top thrills making for a very attractive sports car. Powered by a 3.0-litre, inline-six turbocharged engine, it generates an impressive 335.3 bhp of power and 502 Nm of torque, helping it to sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive format, the Z4 M40i delivers a responsive and thrilling driving experience.

The “Roadster” in the name is just another way of highlighting its convertible roof which when put down, gets neatly tucked away and emphasises a sleek and modern aesthetic. The Z4 M40i comes with a choice of funky colour options that when paired with a low-slung bodyline, long bonnet, and aggressive front-end, makes for a quintessential sports car look.

The Adaptive M suspension and M Sport differential ensure precise handling as well as comfort across varied road conditions, making it ideal for both spirited driving and relaxed cruising. A neat trick that the latest iteration of the Z4 hides in its electronics package is a variable sport steering. It reacts to the angle of the steering wheel and adjusts the steering ratio to aid dynamic driving as well as reducing steering effort while parking.

The Z4 M40i even boasts of a tech-rich cabin with BMW 7 operating system powering a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Your highway drives will be enhanced with a booming 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system while premium materials throughout the cabin along with the sporty seats will provide excellent in-cabin experience. The BMW Z4 M40i is a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and open-top driving pleasure.

BMW Z4 M40i Roadster key specifications

BMW Z4 M40i Roadster key features

• Fully retractable soft-top roof opens or closes in just 10 seconds.
• Digital 12.3-inch instrumentation and 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay only.
• Optional Driving Assistant package includes camera and radar-based safety features like front-collision warning system with automatic braking along with Lane Departure and Rear Cross Traffic warning systems.
• Adaptive M Suspension is standard and automatically adjusts damping for improved comfort and handling based on driving modes.
• Features variable sport steering.

2. BMW M2 Coupé | ₹99.9 lakh

0-100 kmph – 4.1 seconds

The BMW M2 has always been popular as a compact, high-performance sports car designed for enthusiasts seeking thrilling driving dynamics in a fairly practical package. Sports cars aren’t known for their practicality but the M2 does boast of a four passenger seating capacity and a 390-litre boot volume. The rear passengers albeit being supremely uncomfortable while the two in the front are hugged by sculpted M Sport seats.

The latest iteration of the BMW M2 Coupé is more powerful than ever before, producing 453.7 bhp from its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Then there is the impressive 550 Nm of torque, making it sprint to 100 kmph from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds if you choose the 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW has even gone as far as offering a 6-speed manual for a purer sports car experience with just a 0.2 seconds penalty for a 0-100 kmph run.

The M2 is a very compact car with a wheelbase of 2,746mm that inherently translates to sporty handling characteristics. Add to that, a rear-wheel-drive setup, combined with advanced performance features like Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, and M-specific brakes, the M2 Coupé becomes a formidable weapon. All these performance features ensure excellent handling and precision both on the road and the racetrack. Let’s not forget its gorgeous BMW styling, with the kidney grille kept tame and proportionate while its wider track and aggressive front-end make it look very purposeful as a sports car. Sure the boxy air intake on the front bumper may divide opinions but the flared wheel arches and quad exhausts at the rear, surely set it apart from regular BMW sedans.

BMW M2 Coupé key specifications

BMW M2 Coupé key features

• M-specific curved 14.9-inch infotainment display with BMW Operating System 8.5 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and an optional head-up display on offer.
• ADAS offers Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
• 6-speed manual option and rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout for purists. 
• Adaptive M Suspension enhances comfort and control, adjusts based on road conditions and driving modes.

3. Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet | ₹1.30 crore

0-100 kmph – 4.5 seconds

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is a luxurious performance sports car in a convertible avatar that combines power, style, and the drop-top driving experience. The latest generation gets techy with a mild-hybrid powertrain to go with the contemporary aesthetics of the sports car. The E 53 Cabriolet is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine with an added electric EQ Boost system.

The standard power figures are rated at 429 bhp and 520 Nm of torque and then the mild-hybrid system, when in action, bumps up the power by adding 21.7 bhp and a whole 250 Nm for brief power boosts as well as improved overall efficiency. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the E 53 accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds.

Combining both elegance and sportiness in its design, the E 53 Cabriolet’s pièce de résistance has to be the fully retractable soft top and the two-door format. These are the primary distinctions from the E-Class sedan while AMG-specific styling elements, and aerodynamic enhancements set it further apart as a sports car. The adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension provides a balance between comfort and sharp handling, making it equally adept at spirited driving and long-distance cruising. Then there is the cabin, that’s packed with luxury and technology, including AMG Performance seats, an MBUX-powered infotainment system with dual widescreen displays, Burmester surround sound system, and ambient lighting to complete the luxury experience that Mercedes-Benz is known for.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet key specifications

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet key features

• The E 53 Cabriolet’s open-top experience is enhanced by features like AIRSCARF neck heaters and AIRCAP wind deflectors for comfort during top-down driving.
• The fully retractable soft-top roof can go down or up in under 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 kmph.
• AMG Ride Control+ Suspension adjusting automatically based on road conditions.
• MBUX Infotainment System boasts twin 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen for intuitive control, navigation, and connectivity.
• Hybrid system offers 21.7 bhp and 250 Nm boost for short bursts.

4. BMW M4 Competition  | ₹1.53 crore

0-100 kmph – 3.5 seconds

If you’re looking for supercar rivalling performance in a cost-restrained sports car package then look no further than the BMW M4 Competition. This high-performance sports coupé offers a blend of power, precision, and advanced technology in a two-door format and is arguably the ultimate expression of a modern sports car minus the price tag of one. Sure, a crore and half isn’t cheap by any means but for what the M4 delivers, it more than justifies its price tag.

The M4 Competition is powered by BMW’s widely-used 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine but in a tune that delivers a healthy 522.7bhp and 650Nm of peak power figures. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is an added bonus to reign in all that power, dividing it among the four wheels and ensuring optimal traction and stability. It also allows the M4 Competition to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds, giving some supercars a hard run for their money. The M4 features an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for quick and seamless gear changes as well as manual control for more involvement. As the other BMWs in this list, it too features BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension and Active M Differential to ensure precise handling, be it on the racetrack or the open road.

Aesthetically, the large kidney grille of this generation has always been a topic of discussion but it undoubtedly gives the car an aggressive front-end design. The styling even includes functional elements like the carbon-fibre roof that lower weight and the centre of gravity to better aid handling. There are even more carbon-fibre bits included as options that help you add a front splitter, flicks on the front bumper and an M Performance rear wing to make your M4 Competition even more sporty. Inside, the M4 Competition offers a driver-focused cockpit with BMW’s 8.5 operating system powering the 14.9-inch curved infotainment touchscreen. There’s a fully customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster while the M-specific sport seats, premium upholstery, and customizable ambient lighting provide a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

BMW M4 Competition key specifications

BMW M4 Competition key features

• Features wireless Android and Apple connectivity.
• xDrive all-wheel drive system aids traction in all conditions and better distributes the power among four wheels.
• Track-ready cooling system is a great addition for those looking to regularly take the M4 Competition to the racetrack.
• 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats add a dash of practicality to the sports car experience.
• Optional carbon-fibre trims offer further exterior customisation.

5. Porsche 911 Carrera  | ₹1.99 crore

0-100 kmph – 4.2 seconds

A list of the cheapest sports cars in India wouldn’t be complete without a Porsche. The latest Porsche 911 Carrera may be the base-spec Porsche but is a perfect example of a refined blend of performance, luxury, and daily usability, keeping in theme with the iconic 911 legacy. The 911 Carrera retains the timeless 911 silhouette, with a two-door coupé format of a sports car and includes modern elements like LED headlights, wider wheel arches, and the LED light bar at the rear that’s identifiable with the current 992 generation Porsches. Understated yet elegant and quintessentially sporty is what best describes the 911 Carrera. 

Powered by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo flat-six engine, the 911 Carrera produces 388.6 bhp and 450 Nm of torque, helping it achieve a 0 to 100 kmph time of 4.2 seconds. If you choose the optional Sport Chrono Package, that time goes down further to 4.0 seconds. The engine is paired with an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering quick and smooth shifts. The rear-wheel-drive layout, along with Porsche’s precise engineering, ensures agile handling and a wholesome  sports car driving experience. There are other trick bits like the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that enhances both ride comfort and cornering precision while an active rear spoiler takes care of high speed aerodynamic stability.

The 911 Carrera’s cabin is a blend of luxury and technology, featuring a 12.65-inch all-digital curved instrumentation and a 10.9-inch touchscreen integrated with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). This system offers both Android and Apple connectivity along with navigation and entertainment features. Porsche also offers customizable interior options, with premium materials, supportive sport seats, and advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Porsche 911 Carrera key specifications

Porsche 911 Carrera key features

• Practical for a sports car, the 911 Carrera offers seating for four and a small front boot.
• Headlamps are powerful Matrix LED units.
• 8-Speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is regarded as one of the best transmissions out there.
• Advanced safety features include ADAS systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
• Choice of optional components to customise both exterior and interior trims and features.

6. Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ Roadster  | ₹2.44 crore

0-100 kmph – 3.9 seconds

The least affordable sports car on our list may not boast the max horsepower figure but incorporates the muscle that American car fans would surely appreciate in a sports car. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ Roadster breaks away from the more luxurious outlook of the E Cabriolet on this list and presents itself as a purposeful sports car, one that’s all business but also all pleasure.

The AMG SL 55 convertible blends high-performance engineering in its latest guise and brings in a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that produces nearly 470 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. This fire power is good enough to make the SL 55 accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system ensures superior grip and handling, making the SL 55 agile in various driving conditions.

The design of the SL 55 Roadster emphasises upon a sleek, aerodynamic profile with AMG-specific styling cues that includes the unmistakable and aggressive front AMG grille. BIg air intakes and sharp LED headlamps compliment the equally sporty slim tail lamps and quad exhausts at the rear. A set of 21-inch alloy wheels really ups the overall stance of this sports car. The SL 55’s interior offers a driver-focused cabin that also incorporates AMG Performance seats. The MBUX infotainment system comes with a tilt adjustable 11.9-inch touchscreen that integrates most functions including air-con controls to keep the dashboard free of buttons.

Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ Roadster key specifications

Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ Roadster key features

• The SL 55 Roadster features a fully retractable soft-top roof that opens and closes in just 15 seconds at speeds up to 60 kmph.
• The MBUX infotainment system’ 11.9-inch touchscreen is tilt adjustable to cut sun glare when the roof is down.
• Rear-Axle steering on the SL 55 Roadster enhances cornering ability and manoeuvrability.
• Active aerodynamics are also a standout feature in the SL 55, incorporated in the front air-intakes and rear spoiler to optimise airflow and improve high-speed stability.
• A host of AMG packages are on offer to fully customise the look and performance of the SL 55.

FAQs

Q. What are the things to keep in mind when buying a sports car?

• Budget – Factor in car price, insurance value, and maintenance costs.
• Ground Clearance – Many sports cars have very low ground clearance which can be tricky on Indian roads.
• Fuel Efficiency – Expect lower mileage from high-performance engines.
• Maintenance – Sports car components are expensive thus service costs are higher.
• Resale Value – This can vary widely depending on the popularity and brand value.
• Practicality – It’s worth considering the daily usability of a sports car in India.

Q. What is the cheapest sports car that you can buy in India?

As of 2024, the BMW Z4 M40i Roadster is one of the most affordable sports cars on sale in India, priced at ₹90.9 lakh ex-showroom.

Q. Are sports cars practical in India?

Not entirely. Given varied Indian road conditions, a sports car’s low ground clearance, high fuel consumption, and capacity to mostly fit two people comfortably rather than four, can make its daily use difficult. They are better suited for occasional drives on open stretches to truly enjoy driving them.

Q. What insurance considerations should I keep in mind?

The cheapest sports cars in India cost nearly a crore ex-showroom thus both their premium and IDV are higher in comparison to regular cars. Get the most extensive coverage to benefit in the long term and take care of periodic repairs as underbody damages are most common for sports cars in India. 

Q. How do I maintain a sports car on a budget?

• Stick to manufacturer-recommended scheduled services.
• Always use manufacturer approved genuine and aftermarket parts for maintenance and upgrades.
• Consider getting extended warranty as sports car components can be expensive.
• Avoid aggressive driving in city spaces to reduce unnecessary wear and tear.