Coupes have always been seen as symbols of luxury and high-style living. From the enormous personal luxury cars made by American automakers 50 years ago to the more compact but no less exclusive models of today, including coupe-style SUVs, there is no denying their panache. Mercedes-Benz has been a proud purveyor of luxury vehicles for decades and even in this shrinking segment, a range of several Mercedes coupes still exists to entice buyers.

 A remarkably varied roster of stylish options

While some automakers have abandoned the segment altogether, Mercedes-Benz offers an entire range of stylish coupes. The most affordable start at just under $40,000, while top-range models can cost well over $100,000. Having arguably invented the coupe-style sedan with the 2004 CLS, Mercedes has maintained the nameplate to this day, while applying the styling philosophy to several other models, such as the A-Class. In some cases, such as the CLA, the sleek, sloping roofline of the traditional coupe is combined with the practicality of four doors.

And while nobody thought the coupe crossover SUV would really catch on, and that the original 2008 BMW X6 would be a flash in the pan, the body type is now more popular than ever. The Mercedes GLC and GLE coupes deliver the arresting coupe profile on stilts and in two sizes, so you never have to shop over at the competition to find what you want, whether it’s a sedan, SUV, or actual traditional two-door coupe.

It’s not just about style either; hardcore action can be had in the AMG-badged models. Supercar territory is still the happy hunting ground of the coupe, what with the Mercedes-AMG GT supplying performance and handling akin to the upper-echelon Porsches and like-minded rivals. Available in four-door flavor, too, the AMG GT represents some duplication in the Mercedes range and treads on the CLS’s toes, but fans certainly don’t mind being spoiled for choice.

 Less but more in the future

With electric mobility and the transition to a greener future putting pressure on the low-volume coupe niche, Mercedes won’t be directly replacing some models such as the S-Class coupe. Still, it’s shown its commitment with teaser information on the next SL, so we’ll still be getting two-door Mercedes models in future, with or without tops. There might be fewer to choose from, and some will justify their existence by having four doors and/or crossover genes, but practicality does not have to mean style goes out the window.

For now, there are still coupe versions of the C-, E-, and S-Class sedans that evoke fond memories of the classic Mercedes coupes in terms of style and opulence. There might be common platforms, more parts sharing, and even joint ventures, as BMW and Toyota have done with the Z4/GR Supra project, but we can be sure historic brands with a penchant for style and luxury such as Mercedes-Benz will keep the coupe format alive as long as possible.