Top 10 New Inline 6 Engine Cars That Are Outperforming the Hype

Are you looking for new cars with inline-6 engines in 2025? You’re not alone. The inline-6 (also known as the straight-six) is making a strong comeback this year, offering a perfect blend of smooth performance, balanced power delivery, and modern efficiency.

But this trend isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about automakers reviving a legendary engine layout and adapting it to meet today’s driving demands. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Which new cars still offer inline-6 engines
• How inline-6 compares to V6 and V8 engines
• Why automakers are bringing them back
• The real-world benefits of driving one

This detailed blog offers real specs, meaningful comparisons, and expert-backed insights. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a new buyer, or just engine-curious, we’ll walk you through 10 modern cars with inline-6 power available in the U.S. right now.

Why Are Automakers Bringing Back The Inline-6 Engines?

The straight-six engines are making a comeback primarily because of their marvelous engineering. These engines deliver smooth power, better balance, and improved efficiency without the complexity of the V-configurations.

With advancements in turbocharging and emissions technology, instead of abandoning gasoline engines, car brands are rediscovering the inline-6 as a modern solution with nostalgic roots.

10 Best New Cars With Inline 6 Engines On Sale In 2025

From foreign brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and Mazda to home car brands like Ram, there are some impressive new cars with inline-6 engines on the market. These vehicles are not only the epitome of class, luxury, and style but also an effortless driving experience, leaving little to no room for imagination.

Below, we have the latest vehicles embodying this classic engine that you can purchase. Please note that we have sourced all engine and vehicle specifications from the respective manufacturers. Some of the models have recently hit the market, while the others have been on sale for quite a few months now.

1. 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53

• MSRP: From $74,300
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 (M256) with 48V mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 443 hp
• Torque: 413 lb-ft
• Transmission: AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: 4MATIC+ (AWD with rear bias)
• Fuel Economy (est.): 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway

The CLF 53 is Mercedes’ newest performance coupe and one of the few in its class powered by an inline-6. The M256 engine blends a twin-scroll turbo with a mild hybrid system and delivers seamless low-end torque, zero turbo lag, and that signature straight-six smoothness. It is also extremely refined at highway speeds, making it a perfect daily driver with a variable personality. It is calm when you want smooth cruising but can just as easily turn explosive when pushed to its limits.

The inline-6 layout allows AMG to retain the elegance and balance that its older V6 engines struggled to deliver. Several early buyers are finding this new engine with hybrid assistance outperforms their expectations and even bests the old V6 setup. Thus, if you are searching for a car that combines luxury, technology, and fluidity that only an inline-6 can offer, the CLE 53 is a standout option.

Pros

• Elegant styling with athletic handling
• AMG performance tuned with a hybrid torque boost
• Smooth, linear power delivery

Cons

• Coupe-only limits practicality
• No V8 upgrade option (some buyers still want it)

2. 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo Inline-6

• MSRP: From $40,445
• Engine: 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 with mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 280 hp
• Torque: 332 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Fuel Economy: 23 MPG city / 28 MPG highway

Mazda took an ambitious step into the premium SUV space this year with its CX-70. This five-seater SUV hides a 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 engine in times when most of its rivals prefer downsized turbo-fours or aging V6s. The CX-70 delivers a true straight-six experience with its smooth power, excellent torque spread, and a refined ride that punches far above its price point.

The base trim features the 280 hp version of the I6, but you get a 340 hp version in the higher trims for drivers wanting more power. Either way, this Japanese SUV impressively shows that inline-6 engines aren’t just for luxury badges anymore. Mazda provides it for mainstream buyers who want something better under the hood without breaking into the expensive territory of BMW or Mercedes.

Pros

• Excellent ride and powertrain refinement
• Unique inline-6 in a non-luxury SUV
• Efficient for its size and class

Cons

• Infotainment feels behind rivals
• Brand perception (as humble) may limit the appeal to luxury buyers

3. 2025 BMW M2 (G87)

• MSRP: From $65,500
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6 (S58)
• Horsepower: 473 hp
• Torque: 406 lb-ft (manual) / 443 lb-ft (automatic)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD
• Fuel Economy: 16 MPG city / 24 MPG highway

The BMW M2 remains the most driver-focused, rawest, and most real-performance cars with inline-6 engines in 2025. The secret lies in the S58 inline-6 under the hood, derived from the M3/M4, delivering a deep, flexible powerband with a thunderous level at the top of the lineup. The inline layout of the engine allows for a better-balanced chassis and much more controlled handling, showing how brilliant this car is on the road.

If you are a performance junkie, the M2 is one of the last rear-wheel drive, inline-6, manual transmission cars on the market. Since its release, it has had positive verdicts from early buyers. One proud owner on Reddit said: “This is a beast of a car. Even though it weighs more than a house, it is nimble and agile. Reviewers who accuse it of being soft clearly never tried it with lower DCS levels.”

Pros

• Rare combination of a manual gearbox and RWD
• True enthusiast chassis and powertrain
• Faster than many larger sports cars

Cons

• Harsh ride in daily use
• Interior can feel basic next to the price

4. 2024 BMW 5 Series 540i

• MSRP: From $64,900
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 + 48V mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 375 hp
• Torque: 398 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD (xDrive standard in U.S.)
• Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

The BMW 540i is one of the few midsize sedans that boast an inline-6 engine under its hood. The 3.0L turbocharged B58 inline-6 engine is known for its silky power delivery, low-end torque, and minimal vibrations, the hallmarks of a well-balanced inline layout. If you combine it with a 48V mild hybrid system, the 540i delivers both performance and efficiency that most turbocharged 4-cylinders simply can’t match.

You get a car that feels smoother and more responsive than those overworked four cylinders and complex or bulky V8. The all-wheel drive further enhances the handling, dividing 375 hp equally to four wheels. The 2024 BMW 5 Series 540i provides a true modern inline-6 experience in a luxury wrapper. The affordable price makes it attractive for buyers who do not wish to switch to full-electric territory yet but want its class and refinement.

Pros

• Effortless acceleration from low RPM
• Quiet, mature ride and cabin
• High fuel economy for its size

Cons

• Lacks the edge of sportier 5 Series models
• No rear-wheel drive version in the U.S.

5. 2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane I6

• MSRP: Est. $42,000 (entry-level trim with Hurricane)
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6 (Standard Output Hurricane)
• Horsepower: 420 hp
• Torque: 469 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
• Fuel Economy (est.): Up to 20 city / 26 highway

For 2025, the Ram 1500 ditches its famous HEMI V8s with a new range of twin-turbo inline-6 engines called Hurricane. The inline-6 engines in this full-size pickup truck deliver balance, packaging, and power efficiency and are said to be better suited to modern trucks, and we can not agree more. The smaller Hurricane delivers V8-level torque, making cornering much better than its predecessors. Also, it is much quieter to drive. Those ear-bursting sounds that used to annoy drivers are finally gone.

What I personally like the best is how inline-6 here is built concerning future emission standards. The higher trims come with a high-output version with 540 hp. But what’s impressive is that even the base variant delivers more torque (with greater refinement) than the outgoing 5.7L V8.

Pros

• More torque and power than HEMI V8
• Quieter and more efficient power delivery
• Positioned for future emissions standards

Cons

• May alienate traditional V8 fans
• Limited availability in lowest trims

6. 2024 BMW 4 Series M440i

• MSRP: From $61,450
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 + 48V mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 382 hp
• Torque: 369 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD (AWD optional)
• Fuel Economy: 22 MPG city / 31 MPG highway

The M440i is one of the best examples of a sporty, street-able inline-6 car. The BMW’s B58 inline-6 engine is not just refined. It is quick, responsive, and a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts alike. With a power output of 382 hp, this ride can attain a top speed of 155 mph and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The most interesting thing about this car is that the inline layout gives the engine a smooth, linear-pull, and it feels far more premium than a turbo-four ever could.

This inline 6 sports coupe under $60k offers genuine grand tourer comfort with real sports car capability. Furthermore, it is more livable than the full-M models like the M4.

Pros

• Smooth, confident inline-6 power
• Feels faster than its 0–60 time suggests
• Offers multiple body styles

Cons

• A large grille may not appeal to everyone
• Lacks the edge of the full M4 (but is more livable)

7. 2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0

• MSRP (Base Trim): $55,400
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 (BMW B58)
• Horsepower: 382 hp
• Torque: 368 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto
• Drivetrain: RWD
• Fuel Economy: 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway

The brilliant Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is powered by a BMW-sourced inline-6 engine, adding more charm to its superior reliability. The B58 under the hood gives this Japanese sports car a refined, torquey, and thrilling character that’s nearly impossible to find at this price point. For a starting price of $55,400, you get a sporty ride that can not only channel 382 hp but also take you from a standstill at stoplights to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. I will personally bet on the maximum speed of 155 mph, giving the true taste of long highway drives with no restrictions.

This GR Supra is also one of the only cars in this price range to offer a manual transmission with an inline 6. You get near-M-level performance, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and timeless proportions with a luxury feel that is not generally associated with Toyota.

Pros

• Incredibly responsive I6 engine
• Manual transmission available
• Sharp handling and balance

Cons

• Cramped cabin
• Limited practicality
• BMW engine & infotainment divide purists

8. 2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i

• MSRP (Base Trim): $73,900
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 + 48V mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 375 hp
• Torque: 398 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Fuel Economy: 23 MPG city / 26 MPG highway

The latest BMW X6 delivers the luxury SUV experience with the soul of a performance coupe. It features a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine along with a 48V mild hybrid system under the hood. This powertrain combination delivers strong, fluid acceleration without the harshness or turbo lag you generally get from a smaller engine working to its limits.

You no longer have to give your might to get the best performance out of your expensive purchase. The X6 engine rewards you with relaxed cruising and spirited handling. Whether it is highway passing, turning a sharp corner, or simply acquiring a parking spot, this engine allows you to do it all with grace. The inline-6 in X6 is more refined than any V6 in its class and stands out with improved responsiveness and efficiency.

Pros

• Luxury coupe looks with SUV practicality
• Balanced, powerful inline-6 experience
• Great MPG for its size and weight

Cons

• Less cargo space than traditional SUV
• High base price compared to X5

9. 2024 Range Rover Sport P550e

• MSRP: From $83,600
• Engine: 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 + plug-in hybrid system
• Horsepower: 542 hp (combined)
• Torque: 590 lb-ft (combined)
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Fuel Economy: ~53 MPGe (Electric + Gas) / ~20 MPG gas-only
• Electric Range: 51 miles (EPA est.)

The 2024 Range Rover Sport P550e is one of the most expensive and powerful inline-6 configurations on sale that you can buy. Under the hood, a plug-in hybrid system works with Jaguar Land Rover’s Ingenium I6. It delivers the instant torque of an EV combined with the refined delivery of a turbocharged straight-six. The outcome is a driving experience that is smoother and cleaner than most V8s.

The output of 542 hp provides race-level thrill in your everyday drives. From those grocery runs to long road trips, this car is quiet, luxurious, and absurdly quick for its size. The most impressive thing for me about this car is that it does not sacrifice performance to achieve efficiency. It uses the inline-6’s balanced design to deliver a more premium feel than many larger-displacement rivals. In my opinion, this premium car is worth spending $83,600.

Pros

• EV-like torque with inline-6 smoothness
• Long electric-only range (51 miles)
• Off-road and on-road luxury blend

Cons

• Expensive even at entry-level trim
• Heavy curb weight slightly dulls dynamics

10. 2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo Inline-6

• MSRP: From $37,845
• Engine: 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 with mild hybrid
• Horsepower: 280 hp
• Torque: 332 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Fuel Economy: 24 MPG city / 28 MPG highway

Mazda CX-90 is the three-row upgrade to the CX-70. However, the usage of the inline-6 engine here is of more importance here. Typically, large SUVs come with either underpowered 4-cylinders or clunky V6s, making them boring to drive. However, the I6 in the CX-90 offers a huge improvement in drivability, especially with passengers or cargo onboard. It delivers strong off-the-line torque, smooth highway cruising, and merging with minimal effort or noise. You will no longer have to rush or get stuck at intersection points.

If you are still asking whether family SUVs with inline-6 engines still exist, this Mazda build is your sign to make a decision. It is one of the only non-luxury seven or eight-seater SUVs to feature a longitudinal inline-6, offering a premium driving experience without the luxury car price. Again, Mazda delivers the best with higher trims, paired with the 340 hp version of the engine, making the CX-90 one of the most powerful 3-row SUVs in its segment.

Pros

• Refined I6 power without the premium badge price
• Spacious, quiet, and smooth-riding
• Great gas mileage for a 3-row SUV

Cons

• The third row is tight for adults
• Handling is composed but not sporty

What Makes Inline 6 Engine Cars Better Than Others?

Inline-6-engine cars have a clear edge over many V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder vehicles in terms of smoothness, balance, and reliability. These cars feature:

• Smooth Operation: The Inline-6 engines are naturally balanced, meaning less vibration behind the wheel, giving you a taste of a quieter, more refined ride. You will feel the visible difference when cruising or accelerating.
• Less Stress For Torque Output: Modern turbocharged I6 engines can deliver excellent torque with less stress or strain, making them stronger and effortless than those high-revving 4-cylinders.
• Great Compatibility with Hybrid Systems: Inline-6 engines have a simpler layout, making them highly compatible with mild hybrid and plug-in systems.
• Better Long-Term Reliability: These engines have fewer moving parts (compared to a V6), leading to lower wear and maintenance requirements.
• Premium Driving Feel: Most cars with inline-6 engines deliver a more composed, luxurious driving experience, even if they are not full-on luxury models. The Mazda CX70 is one such example.

Where Inline 6 Engine Cars Might Fall Short

The straight-six engines are strong, but they are not the best choice for every type of driver on American roads. Here are a few areas where they may feel like a lagger:

• Larger Physical Size: Inline-6 engines are longer than V6s, making it hard to place them in compact vehicles, limiting their availability in entry-level cars or crossovers.
• Higher Base Prices: These engines are typically used in premium platforms like BMW, Mercedes, and Mazda’s large SUV architecture, making the vehicles start at higher prices than V6 or turbo-4 alternatives.
• Heavier than turbo-4s: Compared to the smaller 4-cylinder engines, the I6s can be heavier, creating difficulty in compact designs.
• Limited Availability: Currently, only a handful of automakers offer inline-6 engines. So, your buying options are restricted to the luxury and near-luxury segments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Cars with inline 6 engines offer a smarter and smoother alternative to today’s common, overworked V6s and noisy turbo-4s engines. From family-friendly SUVs to track-ready coupes and even full-size trucks, this classic engine is powering some of the best models in the US automotive market.

And the best part? The trio of performance, refinement, and efficiency coexist under the umbrella of affordability. So, if you want something that makes you stand out in the crowd and is actually worth it, the vehicles on this list are your answer.