Best coupé SUVs 2023
The best coupé SUVs are sleek yet practical, plus they offer classy interiors and are comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Here we count down the top 10 – and reveal the model to avoid...
Like conventional coupés, coupé SUVs tend to be bought for their sleek looks. However, the big difference here is that the style shouldn't come at the expense of too much practicality.
A well-equipped, well-finished interior that offers an elevated driving position is also important. As is a driving experience that strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. But which models deliver all this and more?
Well, below we reveal the best and worst coupé SUVs currently on sale. If any take your fancy, simply click on the relevant link to find out more or see how much of a discount you could get by using our New Car Buying service.
Mercedes GLE Coupé
There are coupé SUVs that are more practical and better to drive, but the GLE has a dazzling interior and, on air suspension, is a comfortable cruiser. Go for the 400d and you also get one of the best diesel engines around; it blends effortless performance with good fuel economy, and is both smooth and quiet, even under hard acceleration.
Pros
- Low CO2 emissions on plug-in
- Plenty of standard kit
- Big boot on non-plug-ins
Cons
- Unsettled ride
- Not particularly fun to drive
- Limited rear head room
Mercedes GLC Coupé
Like the pricier GLE Coupé, the GLC isn't as spacious as direct rivals, and is okay rather than great to drive. However, the engines are strong, it's very well equipped and the interior has serious wow factor.
Pros
- Striking interior
- Strong performance
- Generous equipment
Cons
- Compromised practicality
- Average ride and handling
- Expensive compared to rivals
Audi Q3 Sportback
The Q3 Sportback is more than roomy enough for most families, plus it offers composed handling and accurate steering. Just bear in mind that the ride can be a little firm, and some of the bigger-selling engines sound rough.
Pros
- Strong engines
- Tidy, if not exactly fun, handling
- Clever rear seats
Cons
- Tight rear head room
- Firm ride
- Expensive high-spec models
BMW X4
Keen drivers will appreciate the X4's strong engines and top-notch handling, but the news isn't so good for six-footers confined to the rear seats, because the plunging roofline forces them to slouch. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is the best around.
Pros
- Sharp handling
- Smooth diesel engine in 20d
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons
- Pricey to buy
- Limited rear head room
- Some blindspots
Citroën C4
Most coupé SUVs wear premium badges that bring premium price tags. However, the Citroën C4 makes the same blend of swoopy looks and elevated seating much more affordable. Refinement and comfort also impress, but you do pay for the C4's cushiness with roly-poly handling.
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Little wind or road noise
- Well priced
Cons
- Body lean in bends
- Boot is on the small side
- No alarm on entry-level model
Audi Q8
If you want that coupé-SUV look and are shopping with a hefty budget, then the classy, spacious and refined Q8 is seriously worth considering. That said, we wish the infotainment system was more user friendly.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Fantastic build quality
- Strong range of engines
Cons
- Pricey to buy
- Fiddly infotainment system
- Iffy reliability and average warranty
Audi E-tron Sportback
As a fully electric coupé SUV, the E-tron Sportback is about as on-trend as it’s possible to be right now, but it’s far more than just a fashion accessory. Few cars are as quiet at speed, it does a great job of soaking up bumps, and the interior is lavish. Just bear in mind that the range between charges is nothing special by modern standards.
Pros
- Confidence-inspiring handling
- Very smooth and quiet
- Luxurious interior
Cons
- Distracting climate controls
- Some rivals are more fun
- Vorsprung trim is pricey
Porsche Cayenne Coupé
As with the regular Cayenne, the biggest strengths of the Coupé are its handling and performance. In fact, the GTS, which is the sweet-spot in the range, offers about as much fun as you can have with a car that's this tall and heavy. Practicality is also pretty good, so it's only the high price and stingy standard kit that stop the Cayenne Coupé finishing even higher here.
Pros
- Powerful engines
- Fantastic handling for a big SUV
- Classy interior
Cons
- Expensive to run
- Stingy kit list
- Pricey air suspension option is a must
Range Rover Velar
The Velar is a stylish, refined and seriously appealing coupé SUV, plus it's very comfortable if you resist the temptation to upgrade to big wheels. Our favoured S trim keeps the price sensible and still provides plenty of standard kit.
Pros
- Decent economy with diesels and plug-in
- Smooth and punchy D300 engine
- Good off road
Cons
- Average rear leg room
- Wallowy handling
- Some cheap plastics inside
BMW X6
Without the X6, it’s doubtful this class would even exist. However, it isn’t our number one choice for its history, but because the latest version is a brilliant all-rounder. It’s agile and entertaining to drive, yet you don't pay for this composure with a punishing ride. Meanwhile, the interior is as easy to use as it is beautifully built, and you even get generous rear space. Performance is stunning no matter which engine you choose, but we’re particularly keen on the smooth and impressively frugal 30d diesel.
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Pros
- Plush interior that features class-leading infotainment
- Impressive handling
- Well-equipped
Cons
- Some rivals are more spacious
- Firm edge to ride
- Some options are pricey
And the coupé SUV to avoid...
The Eclipse Cross is far from a bad car, mixing refined petrol engines with a spacious interior. However, its poor body control and unsophisticated low-speed ride mean there are better options for the same sort of money. Read our review
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