C/E Class Coupe or 4 Series?

[A Winner Is You]

I would put the title as "What 2 Door Coupe", but given I already have an A5, the Lexus RC is still out of my price range, the GT 86's engine, the looks of the 2 Series and the 370's running costs, seems like I only really have 3 options if I want something for c.£12k that will do a 55 mile motorway commute, has comfy heated seats and a decent ride, seems I only really have 3 choices.

Anything in particular to look for with these cars? The 220CDI is the more common, but seems like the 250 would be nicer due to the extra performance, and the 4 Series has a hard ride in M-Sport spec unless you get adaptive suspension. Or anything else I should consider? The Jaguar XE and XF look like crazy good value, but perhaps have a question mark over reliability. Or perhaps the Lexus IS, but the choice there is a slow hybrid or a thirsty and not that quick petrol. Thanks!

[ZX10R NIN]

Rather than the 250 I'd go for the E350 coupe, you can get a ULEZ compliant one for a smidge over budget before haggling.

E350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104121...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103039...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104111...

430d M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103210...

Luxury

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...

[Mouse Rat]

I had a 430 coupe from new for 2 years. Thunderous engine and averaged 43mpg overall. Lovely shape to the 4 series, spacious inside, well balanced chassis. The ride was good (mine had 18's though) however the steering lacked feel and driver involvement was dull in comparison to previous BMW's. Some of the interior bits felt cheap and you didn't have to look too hard to see where the cost cutting went.
Great car but didn't miss it.

The XE or XF are much better drivers car. Wonderful ride, lots of steering feel and feedback. It felt like a sports car chassis rather than 4 door family car. The only one I used was the 180bhp D (both XE and XF) which felt adequate although doesn't have the thump in the back of a 6 cylinder tdi.
Downside with the XE is its small, not much space in the back and driver vision is hindered by the B pillars. XF obviously bigger.

I've only driven two C coupes, 68 plate and 12 plate both the C63 AMG model. Engine aside, I didn't like them so I cant image a 250cdi would be better.
However Matt at high peak auto rates them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv7SIg8vXMk

The C207 E class 350cdi coupe is the car to go for. Great value used, better built than the BMW or Jag and although its based on the C platform it does feel another level in quality. Unlike the XE or XF, its not a car that wants to be thrown about but kinda gild's rather than dances. It a in a strange way its a much nicer steer the the BMW or even Jag's as it does feel artificial, just more relaxed. As mentioned the 350cdi is the pick.

While I cant comment on reliability on used example this age, my 4 year old E350cdi is like new and these will go for ages.