Mercedes CLE

New Bentley Continental GT

Maserati GranTurismo

BMW 4 Series

Mercedes CLA

Aston Martin DB12

Audi A5 Sportback

BMW 2 Series

best-coupes-2024-–-the-sleekest-models-reviewed-and-rated

<p dir="ltr">When you picture a coupé, you probably think of something sleek and quick that doesn't have much room for shopping. But while style is an important factor, the best modern coupés offer a lot more besides.</p>

<p dir="ltr">They blend strong performance and sharp handling with good ride comfort, and offer enough practicality to make them easy enough to live with every day. And while some models are expensive (especially if they're from premium car brands), that doesn't necessarily mean they’re not good value.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, we’ve rounded up the ten coupés that ought to be on your shortlist – and named the coupé you should avoid.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best coupés 2024

Coupe

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<p>When it comes to engines, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cls/coupe/review/n146">Mercedes CLS</a> doesn't have the same breadth of choice as its rivals from Audi and BMW. However, if a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is what you’re looking for, it deserves a place on your shortlist. You can choose either a smooth and punchy diesel or a seriously quick (if acoustically underwhelming) petrol. Of the two,&nbsp;we reckon the former is the best fit for most drivers.</p>

<p>Compared with its closest rivals – including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a7/hatchback/review/n151">Audi A7 Sportback</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/8-series-gran-coupe/saloon/review/n20185">BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé</a>&nbsp;– the CLS has the most cocooning, low and sporty driving position.</p>

<p>Its sporty nature does come at the cost of ride comfort, though;&nbsp;the suspension is on the firm side, whether you have the standard set-up or optional air suspension. And although the CLS has four doors, it can't match the best coupés for practicality.</p>

<p><em>“Next to the A7, fit and finish inside the CLS are good rather than outstanding.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


10: Mercedes CLS

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong resale values</li>
	<li>Punchy six-cylinder diesel engine</li>
	<li>Generous equipment list</li>
	<li>Enjoyable handling</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped rear head room</li>
	<li>Firm ride on standard suspension</li>
	<li>Fewer engine options that some rivals</li>
</ul>


Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>The five-door <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a7/hatchback/review/n151">Audi A7</a> coupé is a beautifully made and comfortable cruiser with a surprising amount of space inside for front and rear occupants.</p>

<p>That space continues when it comes to the A7 Sportback's boot. With a 535-litre capacity, it's bigger than that of the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cls/coupe/review/n146">Mercedes CLS</a>; the A7 also has a wide hatchback tailgate, making it easier to load in larger items.</p>

<p>Behind the wheel, the A7 is competent rather than great fun to drive – not helped by the fact that every engine is paired with a frustratingly slow automatic gearbox – and its infotainment system can be distracting to use while driving.</p>

<p><em>“It’s annoying that you have to use a touchscreen to control the air-con in the Audi A7, but at least it gets its own dedicated display.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


9: Audi A7 Sportback

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong engines</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
	<li>Generous standard equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sluggish automatic gearboxes</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li>Dependable handling but hardly exciting</li>
</ul>


Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


8 SERIES GRAN COUPE

<p>If you can't decide whether to buy something sporty or something comfy, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/8-series-gran-coupe/saloon/review/n20185">BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé</a> can end your dilemma because it strikes a good balance between the two.</p>

<p>Inside, it has a beautifully built interior that features BMW's intuitive iDrive infotainment system, which is controlled using a slick rotary controller, rather than through touch alone. Everything you touch feels solid, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/coupe/review/n17232">Bentley Continental GT</a>&nbsp;makes a better choice if you want a coupé that’s truly luxurious.</p>

<p>As for engines, the 8 Series Gran Coupé has a choice of two: a silky-smooth 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine or a throaty 4.4-litre V8. They both offer strong performance, but it's the cheaper 840i option we recommend.</p>

<p><em>“The Gran Coupé’s extra length has been put towards increasing rear space; a welcome decision considering how cramped the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/8-series/coupe/review/n18853">BMW 8 Series</a>&nbsp;is in the back.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></em></p>


8: BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Top-notch infotainment</li>
	<li>Fine balance between ride and handling</li>
	<li>Excellent driving position</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>More expensive than some rivals</li>
	<li>Panamera is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>A7 is more practical</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.</p>


ASTON MARTIN

DB12

<p>Under the skin, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/db12/coupe/review/n25897">Aston Martin DB12</a> is closely related to its predecessor (the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/db11/coupe/review/n17217">Aston Martin DB11</a>), but it’s been updated in several key areas to keep it looking fresh next to the latest high-end, high-performance coupés.</p>

<p>The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine is more powerful than before – meaning a 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.6 seconds – and feels as capable in ordinary driving as it does rewarding when you push it to its limits.</p>

<p>The DB12 has also ditched the Mercedes-sourced infotainment system of its forebear in favour of an in-house system with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>, which looks sharp and has a range of shortcut keys for key functions. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/coupe/review/n17232">Bentley Continental GT</a>&nbsp;does feel more solid inside, though. Plus, there's no ignoring the fact that the DB12 is an expensive choice.</p>

<p><em>“While much of the tech is new, a few Mercedes bits can still be found inside the DB12.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/chris-haining/n18574">Chris Haining, Sub-Editor</a></em></p>


7: Aston Martin DB12

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Massive performance</li>
	<li>Beautifully crafted interior</li>
	<li>More fun to drive than most of its GT rivals</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Limited rear-seat space</li>
	<li>Boot could be bigger</li>
	<li>As a cruiser, there are softer-riding alternatives</li>
</ul>


2 SERIES

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/2-series/saloon/review/n21024">BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé</a> delivers a similarly fantastic blend of driver appeal and ride comfort to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">BMW 1 Series</a>&nbsp;family car, along with a great interior and a brilliant infotainment system.</p>

<p>It's even sharper to drive than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19245">Mercedes CLA</a>, with precise steering and tight body control, although the petrol engine in the entry-level 218i feels sluggish compared with the equivalent unit in the CLA 180.</p>

<p>What's more, the 2 Series Gran Coupé doesn’t cost much more than the 1 Series, so if you love its swoopy coupé looks you won’t be throwing your money away. However, as you might expect, they do come at the cost of rear head room. Plus, the CLA's boot is that bit bigger.</p>

<p><em>“The iDrive rotary controller in the 2 Series Gran Coupé is much less distracting to use on the move than the touchscreen in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/saloon/review/n60">Audi A3 Saloon</a>.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


6: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Entertaining handling</li>
	<li>Brilliant build quality inside</li>
	<li>Class-leading infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Limited rear head room</li>
	<li>Mediocre boot</li>
	<li>Automatic gearbox can be a bit hesitant</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a> is to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi&nbsp;A4</a>&nbsp;what the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/coupe/review/n62">BMW&nbsp;4 Series</a>&nbsp;is to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW&nbsp;3 Series</a>&nbsp;– a coupé that has the same underpinnings as its saloon stablemate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As with the A4, the A5's standout qualities include a plush interior and a strong line-up of engines. It's not as much fun to drive as the 4 Series though, and if rapid performance is your thing, we’d point you towards the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m4/coupe/review/n17199">BMW M4</a>&nbsp;over an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n21814">Audi S5</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/rs5/coupe/review/n17286">Audi RS5</a>. The 201bhp 40 TFSI petrol engine is our recommended chice, because it offers good perfomance while still keeping running costs sensible.</p>

<p>The A5 is at least surprisingly practical for a two-door coupé, with good rear space and a usefully large boot. If you want more space in the rear, then there's the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/hatchback/review/n170">Audi A5 Sportback</a>.</p>

<p><em>“Everything in the A5 looks smart and feels incredibly solid; I particularly like the chunky gear selector.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, Staff Writer</a></em></p>


5: Audi A5 Coupé

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plush interior</li>
	<li>Strong and smooth engines</li>
	<li>Practical by coupe standards</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Steering could be more feelsome</li>
	<li>You’ll want to add a few options</li>
	<li>Very expensive Vorsprung trim</li>
</ul>


<p>One of the most attractive features of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19245">Mercedes CLA</a> is its interior: it looks lavish, with great tech and lots of visual pizzazz.</p>

<p>That style is backed up by real substance, too –&nbsp;the 215bhp&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;setup in the 250e version delivers impressive performance, and the keen pricing and rock-solid resale values ensure it appeals to your head as well as your heart.</p>

<p>It's a four-door coupé so it's fairly practical, but like most of the cars on this list, those sleek looks do come at the cost of rear head room. To counter that, the boot is a good size – the CLA actually offers more luggage space than the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">Mercedes A-Class hatchback</a>.</p>

<p><em>“I found the extra handles in the CLA's boot for releasing the rear seatbacks particularly convenient when loading some flat-pack furniture.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans, Consumer Editor</a></em></p>


4: Mercedes CLA

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Higher resale values than rivals</li>
	<li>Strong on safety</li>
	<li>Lots of kit for your money</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tight rear head room</li>
	<li>Small boot aperture</li>
	<li>Not as fun as the best coupés</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.</p>


BENTLEY

CONTINENTAL GT

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/continental-gt/coupe/review/n17232">Bentley Continental GT</a> conjures up rose-tinted images of what driving used to be like, when the super-rich would blast across Europe to get to their second home on the Riviera. And yet, it's a thoroughly modern car that gets the balance between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-cars/n24412">sports car</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-cars/n17020">luxury car</a>&nbsp;just about spot on.</p>

<p>Our favourite version is the ‘entry-level’ V8, and it’s a joy to drive with its revvy nature and bassy exhaust note. It almost matches the range-topping W12-engined Speed version for performance, and feels slightly more nimble because there’s less weight over the front end.</p>

<p>Inside the GT, you get polished woods, soft leather and some very high quality fixtures and fittings. It's expensive, but feels worth every penny of its list price.</p>

<p><em>“The Continental GT’s interior looks like it should come with a butler, with slabs of polished wood and soft leather.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a></em></p>


3: Bentley Continental GT

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Luxurious interior</li>
	<li>Huge performance</li>
	<li>Enjoyable to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Range-topping W12 sounds flat</li>
	<li>Not as involving as an Aston Martin DB12 or Ferrari Roma</li>
	<li>Missing some safety kit</li>
</ul>


<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cle/coupe/review/n26434">Mercedes CLE</a> replaced both the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">Mercedes C-Class Coupé</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/coupe/review/n17261">Mercedes E-Class Coupé</a>&nbsp;in the brand’s two-door line-up. That’s landed it in a coupé sweet spot which has in turn helped it rise all the way to second place on this list.</p>

<p>Whereas the BMW 4 Series’ main attraction is its sharp handling, it’s best&nbsp;to think of the CLE as a long-distance cruiser; it’s impressively quiet inside, and non-performance variants are a cut above rivals in terms of ride comfort while still feeling stable and precise on a twisty road.</p>

<p>Compared with the 4 Series, the CLE is actually slightly roomier in the rear, although tall passengers still won’t thank you for leaving them back there for long periods.</p>

<p><em>“The double-spoked sports steering wheel in the CLE&nbsp;has touch-sensitive controls, which can be fiddly to use. What happened to proper buttons in modern cars?” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a></em></p>


2: Mercedes CLE

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>A quiet and relaxing cruiser</li>
	<li>CLE 300 is a punchy performer</li>
	<li>More room in the back than you might imagine</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>More expensive than its closest rivals</li>
	<li>Not as sharp to drive as a BMW 4 Series</li>
	<li>Rival coupés have bigger boots</li>
</ul>


4 SERIES

<p>No one buys a coupé solely for its practicality; the way it drives and how plush it feels inside&nbsp;are usually much more important. But with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/coupe/review/n62">BMW 4 Series</a>, you can be assured it will have you covered in all of those areas.</p>

<p>You see, the 4 Series is one of few coupés that can carry rear passengers in reasonable comfort. Two six-footers will be comfy enough in the back seats for short journeys, and there’s&nbsp;even enough room in the boot for their luggage.</p>

<p>Then there’s the way it drives. It’s more agile and capable through the corners than both the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5 Coupé</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cle/coupe/review/n26434">Mercedes CLE</a>. And, if you add the optional adaptive suspension (which allows you to adjust the set-up to suit the road surface you’re on), it's more comfortable than those cars, too.</p>

<p>The entry-level 420i variant gets a 181bhp petrol engine; it's got plenty of low-end shove, making it great for everyday driving, and has an eagerness to rev which suits the car’s sporty character. It's our pick of the engine line-up.</p>

<p>Interior build quality is top-notch, bar a few bits of hard plastic you wouldn't find in an A5, while the 4 Series' iDrive rotary controller means its&nbsp;infotainment system is easier to use on the move than the Audi's touchscreen-only arrangement.</p>

<p>The 4 Series truly is a brilliant all-rounder – and that’s rarely said about a coupé.</p>

<p><em>“The 4 Series’ seats are more heavily bolstered than those of the rival Audi A5, so they hold you in place better through corners.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></em></p>


1: BMW 4 Series Coupé

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>More fun to drive than direct rivals</li>
	<li>Range-topping M440i is seriously rapid</li>
	<li>Back seats are more usable than you might imagine</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Divisive looks</li>
	<li>Rivals have more versatile folding rear seats</li>
	<li>Some wind and tyre noise</li>
</ul>


Best coupés 2024 – the sleekest models reviewed and rated

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.</p>

Tempted by the idea of a stylish coupé? Then check out our comprehensive rundown of the top 10 best models on the market – and find out which one we'd avoid

NEW REVIEWS:

Best coupés 2024 – the sleekest models reviewed and rated

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