A roadway is a place where every type of vehicle can thrive, from the minuscule motorbike, all the way to the overbearing tractor trailer. Every shape, style, and variant of mankind’s four-wheeled invention can often be found traversing the planet’s numerous roadways — but with time, we’ve come to understand that some are more desirable than others. Ever since the advent of road-faring vehicles, mankind has opted to refine, reform, and recreate our favorite automotive platforms to bring them into a higher echelon of drivability — an echelon that was eventually capped by the Grand Tourer.
The GT is the epitome of a driver’s car — outfitted with comfortable ride height, gracious suspension capabilities, and lavish properties that lend themselves to luxurious hours on the blacktop. You won’t find rough rides, below-par peripherals, and low-end power here. Instead, you’ll relish your commute thanks to responsive handling, excessive horsepower counts, and even higher standards of architecture. Below, we’re going to outline the best Grand Touring cars that you can buy right now — so get ready to head out onto the open road.
Ford Mustang GT
Ford’s Mustang GT was built to take on the wide swathes of America’s open roads, with the newest iterations of the vehicle branching away from the crude beginnings of the All-American muscle car. These days, the GT has placed a definitive focus on drivability, proving its worth on everything from the track, strip, and raceway, to normal, everyday intersections. But the tons-of-fun car isn’t something to be scoffed at, especially when it comes to performance. The newest GT features a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine that’s capable of 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque — giving it all of the gumption it needs to take you on the long-winded adventure of a lifetime.
Chevrolet Corvette
When you utter the words “Grand Touring” and “Chevrolet Corvette” in the same sentence, there’s bound to be a few naysayers — but the fact is, the American-made sports car is a tried-and-true vehicle that’s been a favorite of enthusiasts since its conception in 1953. The newest iterations of the car bring adaptable driving capabilities, a 500-horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC flat crank V8, and the company’s revered magnetic ride suspension into the mix, making it a trusted companion for longer drives and trips. All things considered, the Corvette is an American legend that won’t let you down whether you’re tearing up the city streets or the rare countryside roadway.
BMW 8 Series
BMW’s 8-Series solidifies its place on our list due to sheer determination, boasting over 20-years of existence among the German company’s prestigious ranks. Over the past two decades, the Grand Tourer has evolved quite a bit, bringing a luxurious interior, rich architecture, and driver appeal to the fabled vehicle. Much like the Bentley, the BMW 8-Series is a status-oriented car — but that doesn’t mean it lacks in the power department. The latest version is outfitted with a 4.4-liter N63 twin-turbocharged V8 capable of 591 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, giving the boisterous platform yet another leg to stand on when it comes to performance capabilities. If you’re looking for a sleek, influential variant that exudes an aura of pure luxury, the 8-Series is not going to disappoint.
Aston Martin DB9
Aston Martin is, without a doubt, one of the most legendary British automotive manufacturers, gifting the community with some of the most luxurious, sleek, and awe-inspiring vehicles to ever grace the industry. While they’ve solidified their standing as one of the most iconic European car companies of all time, there’s always room to grow — and thanks to the famed DB9, the manufacturer’s expansion has come easier than most. A powerful 5.9-liter V12 producing 510 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque are more than enough for any enthusiast who yearns for the open road — so that doesn’t hurt, either.
Porsche 911
Porsche’s 911 is, without a doubt, one of the greatest road-faring vehicles of all time. The German manufacturer has carved out its own illustrious niche in the history books when it comes to the sheer popularity of the car, and as a platform that excels in virtually every aspect of the driving experience, the credibility of the iconic vehicle has been rightfully earned. Whether you’re using the 911 as a daily commuter or a track-savvy weekend warrior, the fabled rear-engine sports car is so well-rounded that you’ll be hard-pressed to find an area where it won’t excel. On top of it all, the brand’s luxurious interiors, classic styling, and high-revving six-cylinder engines have become as much of a calling card as the company’s iconic name — leading us to believe that they’re not going anywhere for quite a while.
Maserati GranTurismo
Maserati is well-known for its extravagant catalog, but where luxury and comfortability are only a minor afterthought, the company’s GranTurismo steals the spotlight. Designed as the quintessential driver’s vehicle for the Italian brand, the GT has remained close to its original form for over 10 years, bringing owners the same stylish exterior, interior, and performance capabilities of its decade-old progenitor. A Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter F136 U V8 brings the car to a well-rounded 399 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, illustrating that the need for constant updates can play a minor role in the renown that a GT might receive. Instead, Maserati’s mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, “MC SportShift” sequential transmission, and boxed steel chassis have kept drivers happy for the tenure of the car — reinforcing the idea that bigger isn’t always better.
Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupé
Mercedes-AMG’s vehicles are always a treat to talk about and the powerful S63 Coupe is no different. As one of the most iconic vehicles on the road, this definitive S-Class platform houses all of the company’s latest technologies, including an updated suspension, modern interior, infotainment system, and a powerful, performance-oriented engine architecture. To keep the S63 at the top of its class, a 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 and a slew of elegant design choices help to define the industry-leading car. But, with a name like Mercedes-Benz, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a company that can stand up to the prestige, power, and influence exuded by one of Germany’s most legendary companies.
Bentley Continental GT
Bentley is well-known for its large luxurious vehicles, lavish interiors, and storied history — but that doesn’t mean that the company can’t bring one of the most sought-after grand tourers to the market. The Continental GT holds the title as the most status-driven GT today, boasting a well-endowed twelve-cylinder engine that houses two separate turbochargers, allowing it to clock in at a powerful 552 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Not only does the vehicle embody the opulent values that have become synonymous with the Bentley name, but it also breaks the boundaries of top-level luxury to provide a platform that’s both performance- and prestige-oriented.
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T
Yet another stellar option from the famed Italian company, Ferrari’s GTC4 Lusso T brings a true-to-life shooting brake into the competitive realm of the Grand Tourer. This four-seater, four-wheel-drive wonder is considered as a “special model” by the company, giving birth to a slew of new opportunities that typical Ferrari drivers were not privy to beforehand. A boxy exterior and sleek front-end give way to the vehicle’s 3.9-liter F154 V8 twin turbo — a 602-horsepower variant that boosts the car from 0-62 in under 3.5 seconds. While the GTC4 Lusso T might seem like an odd addition to a list of large, luxurious GT cars, it’s earned its place as one of the most powerful and comfortable touring variants on the road today.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
The design of Ferrari’s 812 Superfast might lend itself to that of a mid-range supercar. And while the vehicle is, in fact, fast, there’s nothing more enticing than rolling around in the quintessential driver’s car. Elaborating on the company’s front-engine F12 from 2012, this updated variant brings an illustrious 6.5-liter F140 GA V12 to the already-insane GT, boasting an output of 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. What makes the car even more interesting is the exclusion of any modern forced-induction and hybrid technologies due to its heritage, leaving the vehicle to garner the entire range of power from a naturally-aspirated powertrain.
Rolls-Royce Wraith
When you think of a luxury Grand Touring vehicle, Rolls-Royce is often the first company that comes to mind. Over the years, the company has amassed a series of highly-coveted vehicles that break the boundaries of lavish leisure, but the Wraith’s aristocratic nature is more than the epitome of a driver’s GT — it’s an elegant departure from the gargantuan chassis that are associated with the brand. The vehicle calls upon BMW’s N74 twin-turbo V12 to deliver a whopping 623 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque, giving it gumption that’s seldom found in a large, luxurious grand tourer. A pillarless architecture and early, 1950-inspired design principles give the car a classic look, while still retaining all of the modern comforts that have become associated with the Rolls-Royce brand.
Lexus LFA
Lexus’ F1-inspired LFA would be right at home in any list talking about the quintessential supercar experience. But to the surprise of many car enthusiasts, the two-door sports car fits squarely into the realm of the Grand Tourer. If you can’t be persuaded by the vehicle’s tailored performance peripherals and comfortable suspension, then maybe the 4.8-liter 1LR-GUE V10 will — providing drivers with an astonishing 553 horsepower. As a vehicle that was built with the race track in mind, Lexus’ aesthetically pleasing vehicle is more than just an awe-inducing platform; it embodies some of the most coveted driving characteristics of any car on this list — making it the perfect competitor on the open road.
