What is a coupe SUV?
A coupe SUV is an SUV or crossover with a sloping, fastback roofline in place of the usual boxy rear. It keeps four doors, a liftgate, and the SUV's height, and trades some rear headroom and cargo space for a sleeker, sportier look.
Key traits.
- A roofline that arcs down toward the tail, like a coupe's.
- Four doors and a liftgate, so it is still an SUV, not a two-door coupe.
- Built on the matching SUV, usually with the same powertrains and technology.
- Less rear headroom and cargo height than the standard version.
- Often a sportier tune and a higher price than the standard model.
Who makes coupe SUVs.
| Brand | Coupe SUV | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | GLC Coupe, GLE Coupe | GLC, GLE |
| BMW | X4, X6 | X3, X5 |
| Audi | Q5 Sportback, Q8 (and others by model year) | Q5, Q7 platform |
| Porsche | Cayenne Coupe | Cayenne |
BMW popularized the idea with the X6 in 2008; Mercedes-Benz followed with the GLE Coupe and GLC Coupe. Lineups change by model year.
Pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A sleeker, more distinctive look | Less rear headroom |
| SUV height, AWD, and practicality | Less cargo space behind the rear seats |
| Often the sportier version of the SUV | Usually costs more than the standard SUV |
| Stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs | Smaller rear window, less rear visibility |
Who a coupe SUV fits.
- Drivers who want an SUV that looks less like one.
- Couples or small families who rarely fill the back seat or cargo area to the roof.
How a coupe SUV compares.
Quick answers.
What is a coupe SUV?
An SUV with a sloping, fastback roofline in place of a boxy rear, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe or BMW X6. It keeps four doors and a liftgate.
Coupe SUV vs SUV
The coupe version looks sleeker and is often sportier, but has less rear headroom and cargo space and usually costs more than the standard SUV it is based on.
Why are they called coupe SUVs?
Because the roofline sweeps down like a coupe's. The name describes the shape, not the number of doors.
Do coupe SUVs have less cargo space?
Yes. The sloping roof cuts cargo height, so there is less room behind the rear seats than in the standard version, especially for tall items.
Which brands make coupe SUVs?
Mercedes-Benz (GLC Coupe, GLE Coupe), BMW (X4, X6), Audi (Sportback models), and Porsche (Cayenne Coupe), among others.