Top 10 Best AWD Coupes
An all-wheel drive coupe is a car for the consumer who doesn’t want to compromise.
If you’re in the market for an AWD two-door, it’s likely that you want style and performance without having to forego practicality or capability. Luckily for you, there are plenty of AWD coupes on the market today. Many of these are high-priced luxury or performance vehicles, as all-wheel-drive coupes are quite a specialized product and thus don’t sell in very large numbers, but we’ve included a few entries that are more slightly more affordable.
So if you want a two-door vehicle but live in an area that’s often snowy or experiences inclement weather, scroll below to see AutoGuide’s picks for the 10 best AWD coupes on sale. If you think we missed anything, feel free to let us know in the comment section.
Best AWD Coupes
Lexus RC AWD
The Lexus RC coupe is offered with AWD in the RC300 and RC350 trims. The RC300 is powered by a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the RC350 receives a more powerful 311-hp version of the 3.5-liter. Somewhat strangely, the rear-wheel drive Lexus RC coupe has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models are stuck with a six-speed automatic. You cannot get the range-topping Lexus RC F with AWD, unfortunately: that 467-hp performance model is offered with RWD only. This is often the case, as AWD is heavier than RWD.
BMW 4 Series xDrive
The BMW 4 Series is the first of a few Bimmers on this list, and can be had with BWW’s xDrive AWD system that sends power to all four wheels. There are three trim levels available, including for the first time ever the M4 with a 503 hp turbocharged engine. If that’s a bit too much power, there is a 255-hp 430i xDrive and a 382-hp M440i xDrive.
BMW 2 Series xDrive
The BMW 2 Series is one of the most fun-to-drive cars on sale and is quite unique for having AWD drive on offer in such a small two-door package. Recently overhauled, the new 2 Series pairs all-wheel drive with both its 230i and M240i options. The top-dog M2 model continues to be a rear-drive-only affair, however.
Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type gets points for offering AWD and a V8. As of 2022, every model of this two-door coupe uses a variation of Jaguar's 5.0-liter, supercharged V8, offering up as much as 575 horsepower. Not many small two-seat cars pair performance and looks like the F-Type’s with AWD – so good on you, Jaguar. The pretty F-Type will end its long production run after the 2024 model year, so if you want one, you better hurry.
Nissan GT-R
The R35 Nissan GT-R is a staple of the automotive market and for good reason. It pairs a 565-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a sophisticated AWD system. It also has seating for four and a well-appointed interior, although some other cars in this price range are better equipped and luxurious inside. If the regular GT-R isn’t enough performance for you, there is always the 600 hp GT-R NISMO.
Audi A5
The Audi A5 is a sophisticated, comfortable and relatively affordable luxury coupe that has standard AWD on all models and trim levels. The base engine is a 261-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the S5 model has a 349-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The range-topping model, the RS 5, has a 444-hp twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6. The Audi A5 is offered with the German automaker’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the S5 and RS 5 feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW 8 Series xDrive
When it comes to AWD coupes, nobody is filling the market like BMW. The third Bavarian entry in this list is the brand's biggest, poshest two-door, offering buyers a choice of six- and eight-cylinder powertrains. We're fans of the middle M850i option: with 523 horsepower it's super-quick, and that V8 soundtrack is pure German muscle car. Goldilocks would approve.
Maserati GranTurismo
After a few years away, the Maserati GranTurismo has returned. It retains its low, long, and pretty shape, but now with a face similar to the MC20 supercar. Similarly, it borrows its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 from that halo model, offering it up in either 483- or 542-horsepower forms. The GT has standard AWD however, which suits its more laidback, grand touring (get it?) vibe.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
No, your eyes do not deceive you: that's a Corvette here on the AWD coupes list. For the 2024 model year, Chevy is sending power through the front axle of its icon. Even more startling, it's electric power: the E-Ray is a hybrid. The 6.2-liter V8 remains out back, putting out the same 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque as before. The electric motor adds another 160 hp, for a system total of 655 hp; just 15 ponies shy of the top Z06, which remains rear-drive.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is king of the AWD coupes. The 911 has been in production forever, is fun to drive, reliable, somewhat practical, and has a huge fanbase and following. Various Porsche 911 models can be paired with all-wheel drive, including three Carrera models; the 379-hp Carrera 4, 443-hp Carrera 4S, and 473-hp Carrera 4 GTS.
But those with a real need for speed can step up to the Turbo and Turbo S which make 572-hp and 640-hp respectively.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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why make a coupe, then stretch it out like a sausage, make it 14 5 foot, faster & lighter as a consequence.