Best coupés 2026 – the sleekest models reviewed and rated
If you're the kind of person who counts looking good among your list of priorities, then you're in exactly the right place, because coupés are some of the most stylish cars around. The very best, however, offer more than just jaw-dropping looks.
Indeed, to secure a place on our list of the best coupés, these models must mix their Instagrammable looks with real substance, offering strong performance and agile handling alongside long-distance comfort and reasonable practicality. We'll throw in bonus points for something which won't break the bank to buy, too, along with those models which can be pleasingly frugal to run.
That's a tall order by any measure, and to find the very best coupés, our experienced team of road testers have spent thousands of hours behind the wheel of every new model on the market, assessing them according to the needs of real car buyers. From performance to practicality, and from reliablity to running costs, we've put every coupé through its paces over hundreds of miles, both on public roads and back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track.
In this story, then, we're naming the best coupés on the market. We'e also named the coupé which we think you should avoid, and answered some of your most commonly asked coupé questions at the bottom of this page.
Remember, if you want to learn more about any of the cars mentioned in this story, you can read our full reviews, or if you're ready to buy, you can see our latest new car discounts.
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Strengths
- More fun to drive than a Mercedes CLE
- Range-topping M440i is seriously rapid
- Back seats are more usable than you might expect
Weaknesses
- Some wind and tyre noise
- Mercedes CLE comes with more standard kit
In the world of coupés, the BMW 4 Series is that rarest of things – a car you can buy with your head as well as your heart.
On the one hand, it's wonderfully involving to drive, with even the entry-level 420i petrol engine getting 181bhp – which is good enough to haul you up to motorway speeds in 7.5sec. And while you could spend more on the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine found in the M440i (and we wouldn't blame you for doing so, it's brilliant) the lower-powered choice has plenty of poke for most situations.
Then there's the way the 4 Series tackles corners, because it's more agile and more capable on a country road than the rival Mercedes CLE. Plus, adding the optional adaptive suspension allows you to tailor the car to the road you're on. As a bonus, the 4 Series is more comfortable on long journeys than its rivals.
Inside, you can relax surrounded by mostly high quality materials, with only a few bits of hard plastic letting the side down. At least the 4 Series' rotary controller means its infotainment system is better to get along with than what you'll find elsewhere in this class.
Then there's the fact that, unlike some coupés, a couple of adults will be comfortable in the rear seats, and the boot can hold more luggage than the CLE.
All in, then, the 4 Series truly is a brilliant all-rounder – and that’s rarely said about a coupé.
“The 4 Series’ seats are more heavily bolstered than those of some rivals, so they hold you in place better through corners. For keen drivers like me, that's a big bonus.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth BMW 4 Series review
What is What Car? best price?
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Available now from: £42,930
RRP from: £46,180
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What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 420i M Sport Pro Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £642.43 |
| Initial payment | £7,709.16 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 420i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Strengths
- Great ride
- Hatchback boot makes loading easy
- Better to drive than rivals
Weaknesses
- No adjustable lumbar support as standard
- Head room slightly tight in the rear
- Some wind and tyre noise
Don't worry, you're not seeing double – this is the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the slightly more practical, slightly more expensive four-door version of our class leader, the BMW 4 Series. However, its back doors mean that its pool of direct rivals is somewhat smaller.
Indeed, similar models from Audi, Kia and Volkswagen have all been discontinued, leaving the Mercedes CLA as the only real opponent; an opponent which the BMW defeats across the board. That's not to say the CLA can't hold its own – you'll find it a bit further down this list – but the 4 Series Gran Coupé is that bit more exciting to drive, as well as being a touch more practical, and more polished inside.
If you like the sound of this 4 Series, but you want an electric car, you're in luck – the BMW i4 is very closely related to the 4 Series Gran Coupé, and it too gets our maximum five-star rating.
"While the four-door 4 Series isn't quite as sleek as the two-door, I'd take the former because the extra rear space it offers means it's better suited to occasional family outings." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our in-depth BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé review
What is What Car? best price?
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Available now from: £39,995
RRP from: £47,840
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 420i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £583.79 |
| Initial payment | £7,005.48 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 2.0 CLE300h MHEV AMG Line (Premium) G-Tronic+ 4MATIC Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
Strengths
- A quiet and relaxing cruiser
- CLE 300 is a punchy performer
- More room in the back than you might imagine
Weaknesses
- Interior quality could be better
- Not as sharp to drive as a BMW 4 Series
- PHEV version has a smaller boot
The Mercedes CLE replaced both the Mercedes C-Class Coupé and Mercedes E-Class Coupé 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 third place on this list.
Whereas the 4 Series’ main attraction is its sharp handling, it’s best 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.
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.
“The double-spoked sports steering wheel in the CLE has touch-sensitive controls, which I've found can be fiddly to use. What happened to proper buttons in modern cars?” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Mercedes CLE review
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Available now from: £44,410
RRP from: £48,195
Strengths
- Huge performance
- Luxurious and beautifully built interior
- Wonderfully serene in electric mode
Weaknesses
- Battery takes up boot space
- Brake feel could be better
- Rear seats are best suited to short journeys
The Bentley Continental GT 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 sports car and luxury car just about spot on.
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.
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.
“The Continental GT’s interior looks like it should come with a butler, with slabs of polished wood and soft leather. I love that no matter which surface I'm touching, it feels worthy of the price.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our in-depth Bentley Continental GT review
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Available now from: £266,054
RRP from: £202,570
Strengths
- Brilliant engine in M240i
- Great infotainment system
- Sharp handling
Weaknesses
- Firm ride without optional adaptive suspension
- So-so fuel economy with more powerful versions
- Not as practical as the 4 Series
Rather than being based on the contemporary BMW 1 Series hatchback, as its predecessor was, the current BMW 2 Series actually shares its underpinnings with its bigger brother, the 4 Series. This is clearly a recipe for success, but how does the 2 Series stack up against direct rivals from other brands? Well, as it happens, there aren't any.
Its closest rival is the Mercedes CLA, but this has four doors and front-wheel drive (as opposed to two doors and rear-wheel drive). That makes the CLA by far the more practical of the pair, but the 2 Series counters with a classier interior and sharper handling.
Step up to the 4 Series if you can, but this 2 Series is still a cracking coupé.
"The 2 Series condenses many of its 4 Series sibling's strengths into a smaller, more affordable package. I particularly like its user-friendly infotainment system." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth BMW 2 Series review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £34,982
RRP from: £39,840
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
2.0 220i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 60 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £497.73 |
| Initial payment | £5,972.76 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Our pick: 4.0 V8 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr
Strengths
- Wonderful V8 noise
- Prodigious performance
- Lovely ride and handling balance
Weaknesses
- Feels bigger on the road than a Porsche 911
- Expensive to buy and run (obviously)
- A Bentley Continental GT is more opulent
Underneath, the Aston Martin DB12 is closely related to its predecessor (the Aston Martin DB11), but it’s been updated in several key areas to keep it looking fresh next to the latest high-end, high-performance coupés.
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.
The DB12 has also ditched the Mercedes-sourced infotainment system of its forebear in favour of an in-house system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which looks sharp and has a range of shortcut keys for key functions. The Bentley Continental GT does feel more solid inside, though. Plus, there's no ignoring the fact that the DB12 is an expensive choice.
“While much of the tech is new, a few Mercedes bits can still be found inside the DB12 – I don't mind these per se, but you can imagine Aston Martin purists turning their noses up.” – Chris Haining, Sub-Editor
Read our in-depth Aston Martin DB12 review
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RRP from: £196,745
Strengths
- Balances long-distance comfort with agile handling
- Useful rear-seat and boot space
- Huge performance
Weaknesses
- Disappointing engine noise
- Interior could be more plush for the price
- Heavier Folgore version compromises on ride comfort and handling
The current Maserati GranTurismo may look a lot like its predecessor, but it's based on all-new underpinnings, and is a far more polished and usable package than that car. You can get it with one of two 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engines (or a trio of electric motors in the GranTurismo Folgore), the more powerful of which can help the GranTurismo rocket from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Like the DB12, the GranTurismo is outclassed by the Bentley Continental GT when it comes to interior quality, but the Maserati does at least undercut the Bentley by a significant margin on price.
"Although I preferred the sound of the old GranTurismo's V8 engine, the 3.0-litre V6 in the current car is far from disappointing when it comes to performance." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer
Read our in-depth Maserati GranTurismo review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £128,000
RRP from: £125,515
About our price indicator
What Car? indicative Personal lease example (subject to status)
3.0 V6 Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (490 ps)
| Expected annual mileage | 5000 |
| Term months | 48 |
| Deposit months | 12 |
| Monthly payment | £1,716.09 |
| Initial payment | £20,593.08 |
Step-by-step
Leasing works a bit like a long-term rental. You drive it, but you don’t own it.
- Choose your car, pick your terms and apply for lease credit online
- Pay monthly rental payments for your chosen term length
- Drive it, enjoy it, then give it back at the end
What you get
When you lease with Autotrader you get all of this:
- Full manufacturer’s warranty
- Road tax and roadside assistance included
- No admin fees
- Free returns within 30 days*
- Lower total monthly cost than PCP/HP
- No balloon payments
- Road tax included
Strengths
- Top-notch infotainment
- Fine balance between ride and handling
- Excellent driving position
Weaknesses
- Expensive to buy
- Porsche Panamera is more fun to drive
If you can't decide whether to buy something sporty or something comfy, the 8 Series Gran Coupé can end your dilemma, because it strikes a good balance between the two.
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 Bentley Continental GT makes a better choice if you want a coupé that’s truly luxurious.
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.
“The Gran Coupé’s extra length has been put towards increasing rear space; a welcome decision considering how cramped the regular BMW 8 Series is in the back. Even I wouldn't want to be in the back seats of that car for long trips, and I'm not very tall.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
RRP from: £84,620
Strengths
- Long range between charges
- Comfortable ride
- Competitively priced yet well equipped
Weaknesses
- No 400V charging at launch
- Tight rear space
- The top-spec hybrid costs over £50k
One of the most attractive features of the Mercedes CLA is its interior: it looks lavish, with great tech and lots of visual pizzazz.
That style is backed up by real substance, too – the 215bhp plug-in hybrid 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.
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 Mercedes A-Class hatchback.
“I found the extra handles in the CLA's boot for releasing the rear seatbacks particularly convenient when loading some flat-pack furniture.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our in-depth Mercedes CLA review
What is What Car? best price?
The What Car? best price shows you the cheapest way to buy your new car, whether it's by choosing an in-stock car through our partner Autotrader or placing a factory order.
Available now from: £35,730
RRP from: £38,715
Strengths
- Strong engines
- High-quality interior
- Generous standard equipment
Weaknesses
- Sluggish automatic gearboxes
- Fiddly infotainment system
- Dependable handling but hardly exciting
The five-door Audi A7 coupé is a beautifully made and comfortable cruiser with a surprising amount of space inside for front and rear occupants.
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 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé; the A7 also has a wide hatchback tailgate, making it easier to load in larger items.
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.
“I think 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.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Audi A7 review
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