Coupes have a lot of appeal. For one, they are usually fantastic-looking cars, but they are also typically very luxurious – particularly the offerings from Germany, which is where our top three coupes originate from, as it’s fair to say that BMW, Mercedes and Audi dominate when it comes to making elegant, exciting, two-doors.
So what makes these top three coupes so great?
BMW 4 Series
The 4 Series is what BMW now calls its coupe and convertible versions of the 3 Series, and has done for several years now.
It’s one of the sharpest looking cars on the market, particularly with BMW’s renowned kidney grille and LED rear lights.
While practicality isn’t usually at the top of the agenda for coupe buyers, it’s reassuring to know that the 4 Series is one of the most practical on the market. The rear seats are impressively spacious, with good legroom and reasonable kneeroom. A 445-litre boot is also particularly roomy, and would be ideal for carrying shopping bags or European road trips. The 4 Series is also available as a four-door coupe, too. Known as the Gran Coupe, this brings all the benefits of the 4 Series with additional practicality of two extra doors.
Perhaps the greatest asset to the 4 Series, though, concerns the engine, and more to the point the choice. There’s a fantastic mix of both petrol and diesel engines available – ranging from diesels which can return fuel economy figures of nearly 60mpg, all the way through to performance models which can get from 0-60mph in five seconds. It’s one of the best engine choices available, and should mean there is a fuel type and power output to suit most tastes.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, as well as front and rear parking sensors and satellite navigation, while prices start from £33,000.
Audi TT
The Audi TT is another fantastic-looking coupe, but there’s more to it than that, as it’s one of the best coupes on sale to drive.
A key part of the TT is the technology fitted to it. As standard it features equipment such as ‘Virtual Cockpit’ – digital instrument dials which are customisable to the driver – that gives the TT a fantastic modern edge.
Like the BMW 4 Series, there is an excellent range of powertrains on offer, too. Engines range from efficient 2.0-litre TDI ‘ultra’ engines, all the way through to RS models which can accelerate to 60mph in a supercar-beating 3.5 seconds.
It does look a bit expensive next to the 4 Series, with prices starting from £33,005, particularly when you consider the TT’s rear seats are quite cramped for adults, although it’s labelled as a ‘2+2’. The boot is also a touch small at 305 litres, too.
That said, for those who want a fantastic-looking two-seater coupe, it’s hard to go wrong with the TT.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
The E-Class Coupe is another rather svelte looking car, being perhaps one of the best looking coupes there is.
All models come in sporty-looking AMG Line trim, too, which looks fantastic, and surprisingly rides well even when sat on large alloy wheels and fitted with sports suspension.
The interior is also reassuringly premium, with high quality materials used throughout and fantastic attention to detail, including the intricate air con vents which look fantastic. The latest infotainment system is also great, and is unsurprisingly being rolled out across the rest of the Mercedes-Benz range, after it first appeared on the E-Class.
Prices start from £45,865, although admittedly cars are superbly well-specced for that price. And while its driving dynamics can’t quite live up to the E-Class’s sporty looks, this is a car for those that like to be seen and admired.
Which one should you buy?
If looks and image are your top priorities, then the E-Class is impossible to ignore, but unfortunately it is on the expensive side and isn’t as good fun to drive as the other two cars here. If you want your coupe to be more like a sports car, the TT is a great choice, with its compact size and fantastic driving experience (regardless of engine), but unfortunately it will be too impractical for some as it might as well be a two-seater.
So where does that leave the BMW 4 Series? Well, if you want the best of both worlds, it’s the choice to go for. It’s great to drive, comes with a great range of engines, and looks the part, too. It’s our top choice, and just so happens to be the most practical as well.
