10 Most Comfortable Coupes

2017 Infiniti Q60 coupe ・ Photo by Infiniti

The trouble with coupes is that many of them are sporty. Well, that doesn't really mean trouble, but it doesn’t exactly help when looking for comfort as a major trait. Also, many sporty coupes are compact. The Subaru BRZ, for example. And when we want comfort, that implies some amount of space in which to stretch out, which leads us more to the luxury end of things. So our 10 most comfortable coupes are predominantly luxurious, decidedly premium and achingly desirable. Sure, there are smaller cars here too, some with just two seats under that sloping metal roof. But they combine coupe style with the kind of comfort that would inspire owners to drive from New York to Los Angeles instead of flying.

2017 Audi R8

There’s a special kind of comfort to the R8. For a sports car, it’s surprisingly civilized. It’s also one of the most user-friendly performance machines. It doesn’t suddenly snap into an irretrievable tail side in fast corners as less modern mid-engined cars tend to do. Instead, it actually flatters the driver. Someone who might usually be half-decent on a track would immediately be three-quarters-decent in an R8. But let’s not get carried away with track talk. The R8 can still be driven every day of the week and not just by the die-hard enthusiast. This model year marks the arrival of the second generation, where a delicious 5.2-liter V10 makes 540 or 610 hp.

Photo by Audi

2017 Bentley Continental GT Sport

Even though this generation of the Continental GT bows out with the fastest version yet (an all-new model is coming up for the 2018 model year), don’t think it’s all hard suspensions and noisy engines. That’s not how Bentley does things. It has 633 hp and can blaze from standstill to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 206 mph, yet the cabin is still replete with hand-stitched leather and its wood trim is selected, smoothed and fitted by artisans. To be this serene while going this fast is a rare and wonderful experience. Even though the Continental doesn’t streak around corners with the same aplomb as, say, a MINI Cooper, the confident chassis brings its own kind of comfort.

Photo by Bentley

2017 BMW 4 Series

This is the coupe version (or convertible — with a folding hard top) of the 3 Series, a compact executive car that has headed countless drivers’ wish lists for decades. Some of the more enthusiast-leaning types have bemoaned the fact that BMW has taken on board a softer side, but those seeking a mature, well-rounded ride will relish a trip in a 4 Series. And those driving thrills haven’t gone away, they’re just less immediate. This model year brings some name (well, number) changes. The erstwhile 428i is now the 430i, boosted by eight ponies to enjoy 248 hp. And what was the once 435i has received an extra 20 hp to become the 320-hp 440i.

Photo by BMW

2017 Cadillac ATS

Cadillac’s rival to the BMW 4 Series is good enough to cause a few sleepless nights in Germany. The ATS impresses with its agility, quiet cabin, excellent equipment and accommodating standard-issue seats. The optional adaptive suspension brings a range of settings to suit a spectrum of moods. This is one of the great things about modern cars, the buyer is no longer forced to choose between sportiness and comfort. Although the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes a lively 272 hp, the 3.6-liter V6 feels more relaxed and elastic in its power delivery of 335 hp. For extra reassurance, all-wheel drive is on the options list.

Photo by General Motors

2017 Infiniti Q60

Don’t worry if you haven’t been following Infiniti’s new alphanumeric car-naming system. Neither has anyone else. But do be aware that the Q60 succeeds those great G35 and G37 coupes. The thing about those (and older Infiniti cars in general) is that while they were fun, they were often noisy, with suspensions that would clang around the cabin whenever a bad bump came along. The Q60, for all its muscular looks and sporty aspirations, is much different. Infiniti has clearly spent plenty of time and money to make this premium compact coupe tranquil at its core. Only when the range-topping twin-turbo/3.0-liter/300-hp V6 engine is exercised does the Q60 show its edgier side.

Photo by Infiniti

2017 Jaguar F-Type

Here’s a sports car that never forsakes its luxurious Jaguar heritage. Instead of a jarring chassis that only makes sense on a smooth race circuit, the F-Type incorporates some refinement and forgiveness. Sure, the optional adaptive suspension can firm up nicely, but there’s a fluidity to the way the car can snake around an S-bend and even its least powerful engine (a 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6) can make short work of long highway stretches. Naturally, the leather-covered seats are well cushioned and a wide range of adjustability increases the chances of an ideal driving position. For those times when corner-carving isn’t everything, the F-Type also comes with automatic climate control and a 770-watt audio system.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2017 Maserati Gran Turismo Sport

“Gran Turismo” is Italian for “grand tourer.” This is a quick car for the kind of people who can wear white and still never get dirty. It’s styled by the famed Pininfarina studio (source of many Ferrari designs) and uses a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 for 454 hp. But this doesn’t have to be a white-knuckle ride. Far from it. The front seats (the only ones that matter in a coupe) are well-shaped and supportive, while clad in beautiful leather. The car has a fine weight balance of 49:51 front to rear. And don’t worry about the “Sport” part of the name, an adjustable suspension as standard means being sporty only when it’s desired.

Photo by Maserati

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan is a luxury flagship. If it had a middle name, it might well be “comfort.” As well as the generous space, sumptuous cushioning, deep pile carpeting and “hot stone” massaging seats, the climate control system emits air that’s fragranced and ionized. The S-Class coupe, then, is the 2-door version. Note how there’s no B-pillar. This has been a feature of S-Class-based coupes (like the older CL) so occupants can enjoy a large open area with all the windows down. It also looks really elegant. Drivers can choose the relaxed 449-hp S550 or the more muscular AMG S63 with 577 ponies. Profound pleasure awaits in any version.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2017 Porsche 911

Including a 911 in this array of 10 most comfortable coupes is not a mistake. This generation of Porsche’s famed sports car (the seventh generation, which debuted in 2012) is the largest and most comfortable. As well as extras like adaptive damping and variable-ratio steering, the basic design allows good visibility. Most of the usual advanced safety features are also available. Owners can even take comfort in the knowledge that they have one of the finest cars in the world as well as one that retains strong resale values. The 2017 model year marks a mid-cycle revamp with a revolution in the engine bay. The entry level Carrera models now have turbochargers with smaller engines (but still in that iconic flat-6 configuration).

Photo by Porsche

2017 Rolls-Royce Wraith

If there’s a car more comfortable than a Rolls-Royce, then it’s a well-kept secret among the world’s richest people. For those with merely medium-sized fortunes and who prefer two doors to four, there’s the Wraith. It begins by opening one of those doors. They’re rear-hinged, so entry and exit is easier and more dignified. Settle into the leather upholstery (Rolls-Royce says it will never squeak or crack), perhaps lean against a headrest embroidered with your family crest (there are many personalization options) and then look either at an LED-dotted headliner meant to resemble the night sky, or look through a glass roof to see the real one. Then drive authoritatively fast or regally slow. It’s good to have choices.

Photo by Rolls Royce