Best Coupes

The Polestar 1 is a rarity, literally and figuratively. The high-powered, glass-topped, carbon-fiber-bodied, plug-in hybrid GT coupe is the halo car for the electric car brand co-owned by Volvo and its corporate parent, Chinese automotive giant Geely. It is based on the 2013 Volvo Coupe concept car and built on a modified Volvo S90 platform. Production started in the 2019 model year, ended with the 2021 model year, and was limited to 1,500 cars, with just 450 slated for sale in the U.S. That said, it is beautiful to behold, devilishly delicious to drive, and almost value-priced versus the competition.

It also is impractical. There's no rear legroom and while Polestar provided LATCH fasteners for child safety seats, it would take a contortionist to install them. The deep-welled bottom cushions provide some extra storage space, which is good because the hybrid system's battery takes up most of the trunk space.

Typically, electrified cars and crossovers compete against similar electrified models, but since BMW dropped the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid, the low-slung Polestar 1 coupe really has no direct PHEV competition. The closest might be the four-door Karma GS-6 PHEV. The most likely rivals in the GT coupe segment are the hybrid (no plug) Acura NSX and the fossil-fuel Audi R8 Performance model. Some shoppers might also look at the all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo or Audi e-tron GT, both four-door sport sedans.

The Polestar 1 stacks up well against all of them in driving dynamics and has one of the more comfortable cockpits of the coupes in its price class. It is the slowest of the batch for 0-60 mph acceleration, but when everyone is at or under 4.1 seconds, the differences really come down to bragging rights. Cargo space is also a wash as most GT coupes can only handle a single carry-on. The e-tron GT and Taycan tourers have considerably more cargo capacity.

The Lexus LC offers equal parts performance and luxury. It has a powerful and responsive V8 engine, or you can go with a more fuel-efficient V6 hybrid. For the 2021 model year, a convertible was added to the lineup, making the LC the perfect car for leisurely summer drives. It has a striking design that attracts plenty of attention and an equally gorgeous interior. Rich materials adorn interior surfaces with comfortable, supportive seats. Rear seats are too tight for most adults and are realistically an extra storage area for whatever won't fit in the tiny trunk. Technology and safety features abound with a long list of standard amenities.

The Jaguar F-Type boasts a wider range of trims than the Lexus LC provides, including a high-performance engine ideal for the track. The BMW 8 Series presents two trims with two engines and slightly lower pricing.

The Mustang began its life as a fairly mild-mannered sport coupe and convertible in an era when two-doors were cool. Over the years, it has grown progressively more modern while gaining size and performance. Now, largely on the strength of its lasting fame, it is one of just two cars that Ford offers.

For the 2021 model year, the Mustang turned the clock back to some of its finest hours by reviving the Mach 1 submodel that features unique styling and features. The Mustang also has an extraordinary price band. In base form, it starts at just over $28,000. At the other end of the scale, the 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is priced near $70,000. Options can push the asking price up to $100,000 or so. It takes a special car to pull that off.

Most segments are crowded, but the Mustang has only two obvious competitors, both from domestic manufacturers: the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. The Ford sport coupe is virtually the same size as the Camaro but almost 10 inches shorter than the Challenger. Like its competitors, the Mustang sends its power to the rear wheels and offers an array of engines and transmissions. It is offered in coupe and convertible versions (as is the Camaro), while the Challenger is available only as a coupe.

The BMW 8-Series straddles the line between high-end luxury and sportiness. It has all of the Euro appeal that drivers have come to love about the automaker, with a long, sleek exterior that elegantly hints at the performance lying within, along with a tasteful cabin packed with cutting-edge tech.

Shoppers can equip their 8-Series in one of several sophisticated color combinations, and high-performance cooling and tires are optional. At the same time, it is eminently comfortable on the highway and around town. Some customers will prefer the posher cabins of BMW’s rivals, though they come at a higher starting price. At the end of the day, the 8-Series is a masterful blend of sportiness, style, and luxury, making it a great daily driver and long-distance cruiser.

Car buyers expect luxury coupes to be sexy, plush, and stylish, and the 2021 Lexus RC doesn't disappoint. Its exterior turns heads, thanks to sculpted lines and a bold grille. The cabin offers a sleek design and high-quality craftsmanship. And the RC comes standard with a range of deluxe amenities.

Small luxury cars such as the Genesis G70 provide sportier performance. And rivals like the BMW 2 Series have a more spacious cabin and trunk. Still, the RC is a strong pick for shoppers who value stylish design and comfortable handling.