Renowned motoring publication Auto Express has put together a list of the best coupes on sale in the UK with the top three turning out to be an electic selection11:37, 20 Jul 2026Most people buy cars for practical reasons, such as their fuel efficiency, practicality, value for money or their size. Some customers, on the other hand, buy a car because the vehicle excites them.‌Coupes are a good example of this. They’re not as practical as an SUV or an estate, they’re the segment where car companies can let their hair down and have a bit of fun. They’re about driving pleasure. If they can fit a couple of suitcases and small children that’s a bonus, but that’s not their underlying reason for the purchase.‌With that in mind, popular motoring publication Auto Express has put together a list of what it thinks are the best coupes on sale in the United Kingdom.‌3 Ford MustangThe Ford Mustang has been around in some form or another since the 1960s, but only recently has it been made available in right hand drive for British buyers.Auto Express praised it for it’s “legendary image”, it’s “brilliant styling”, and “punch V8” engine. However, it lost marks because it had an “old fashioned” interior, it was costly to run, and it’s vehicle emissions were high.‌Nevertheless, the publication’s former chief reviewer Alex Ingram said: “For all its ability as a driver’s car, the Mustang’s credentials as a long-distance cruiser manage to exceed even those high standards.”2 Honda PreludeHonda recently brought back the Prelude with much aplomb. The new version of the car, now a hybrid, was praised for having a great chassis, a decent hybrid system, and “impressive overall efficiency”.‌However, it lost marks not being that fast “off the line”, having quite small rear seats, and a decent amount of nose from the tyres when the car was cruising at motorway speeds.1 BMW 2 SeriesComing in first was BMW’s rear wheel drive 2 Series that was praised for being good value for money, having a “lithe handling”, and a brilliant cabin.‌However, it was criticised for having options that were expensive, not much space, and a small trunk. Nevertheless, it won out overall with the publication summarising: “Sometimes less really is more, and you don’t need to look further than the BMW 2 Series for proof."That means the baby BMW handles with real poise and driver involvement, yet it also offers grown-up refinement and an interior that’s a cut above for quality and tech.”I’ve been lucky enough to drive two of the three cars above (sort of). I drove the M2 variant of the 2 Series in 2023, complete with Barbieheimer t-shirt, but more recently and relevantly got behind the wheel of the new Prelude at the Goodwood Media Day.Article continues belowThe car, in contrast to many new vehicles on sale, felt refreshingly lithe on its feet. Yes, I wish it had had a manual gearbox, but you could feel that same DNA that makes it’s Civic sibling such a joy on the road.