Porsche 911 carrera
Luxury coupes can be divided into two categories: performance and touring models. Performance models include the Porsche 911, Cheverolet -- two very different models. But these models do have one thing in common: sports car status. That means they’re intended for the highway, not city driving. They’re too powerful and small and have low fuel-economy ratings, making them impractical for daily commutes. Save these vehicles for weekend getaways with your significant other.
Touring coupes, such as the BMW 128i coupe and the Mercedes Benz E350 coupe, will do better as your primary mode of transportation. Neither has stellar fuel-economy ratings -- the 128i gets 18/28 mpg, city/highway and the E350 gets 17/26 -- but their size, performance levels and the 128i’s price are much more practical. The E350’s V6 engine pumps 268 horsepower, while the 128i’s V6 pumps 230 horses.
Fuel Economy
If saving money at the pump is a priority, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website to check ratings for the vehicles you’re interested in. The EPA lists data for two- and four-wheel drive vehicles and even tells you how much you will spend on fuel each year.
Most luxury coupes don’t have exceptional fuel-economy ratings. The Audi A5 Coupe gets 21/31 mpg, city/highway, which is more than most other luxury coupes can boast. Fuel-economy ratings aren’t high for the Corvette and Carrera because these engines are designed for performance: the Corvette gets 16/26 mpg, city/highway while the Carrera gets 19/27 mpg, city/highway.
Comfort
Coupes can seat two, four or five people, but in most models, only the driver and front passenger will be comfortable. Coupes lack rear doors and their sloping rooflines make rear seats cramped. You should always test all the rear seats thoroughly to see if they’re comfortable enough for short trips. If not, don’t be afraid to pass up a model in favor of something roomier.
Most coupes fit two comfortably in the front, but watch out for models with super small dimensions. Drivers and passengers who are six feet tall or more may be cramped out of the smallest models.
Features
If you want a luxurious cabin, don’t buy a coupe built for sports enthusiasts, even if the cabin has plenty of front seat space. Instead, look at coupes that offer a lot of tech features that make the cabin livable. The Infiniti G37 is a great example. This entry-level luxury car has standard leather seats, XM Radio, push-button start and MP3 playback capabilities, and you can equip it with a lot more. A sunroof, dual-zone temperature control, heated seats, a Bose sound system and navigation system are optional.
Utility
Like convertibles, coupes are not utilitarian vehicles, but their trunks can usually handle luggage for a weekend getaway for two or a week’s worth of groceries. At 7.4 cubic feet, the G37 coupe has one of the smallest trunks in the class. For more space check out the BMW 328i coupe’s 11 cubic feet. This isn’t much space considering sedans can offer up to 16 cubic feet, so it’s important to buy a model with a decent amount of interior storage. Look for spacious glove compartments and deep center consoles. Even if the rear seats aren’t fit for passengers, going for a coupe with back seats can increase your cargo space, especially if the rear seats fold down.
