The 8 Best Grand Tourer Cars

Much like the movie character who helped elevate the brand to the prominence it enjoys today, Aston Martin’s models are defined by their numbers. Normally, the automaker’s grand tourers’ alphanumeric names jump by twos between generations; the DB7 begat the DB9, which begat the DB11. But in this case, the 12 in DB12 — the first time in 54 years Aston has followed brand pioneer David Brown’s initials with an even number — subtly indicates that the model is a facelifted version of the DB11 that entered service eight years back.

That said, the upgrades are more than enough to warrant a new moniker. Outside, it’s more aggressive, while the interior benefits from a substantial revamp that brings higher-quality materials and modern electronics, including (at last) a new touchscreen infotainment system. The sole engine available is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced V-8, but since it puts out more power than the DB11’s V-12, few will complain about the performance — or, in all likelihood, anything at all once they hit the open road.

In production since: 2023
Top powertrain option: 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Power: 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 202 mph
Starting price: $251,825

Most of the time, automotive designs wind up watered down on the path from concept car to production ride. Not so with the Lexus LC. When it landed on the streets, it did so as a carbon copy of the LF-LC concept of 2012, a seriously good thing, as the LF-LC was one of the best-looking concepts of the decade. The production LC’s runway-worthy looks — fashion or aviation, either seems applicable here — suck in the level of attention usually reserved for Ferraris, McLarens, and Lamborghinis.

This is a car to look your best in, and a car well-suited for long journeys, too. The seats are all-day comfortable, and the dashboard’s asymmetrical design is designed to focus everything towards the driver for ease of use on the go. (A mild 2024 refresh fixed the interior’s Achilles’ heel, replacing the annoying trackpad infotainment system with a touchscreen setup.) And while the rarity of smooth, naturally aspirated V-8 engines like the LC 500’s makes it the enthusiast’s choice, serious road trippers might consider the hybrid V6-powered LC 500h; with a 22.2-gallon fuel capacity and an EPA rating of 33 mpg highway, it can go more than 700 miles on a tank.

The LC also might not be long for this world, with some reports saying that production could end as soon as this year. Get it while you can, if you’re interested.

In production since: 2017
Top powertrain option: 5.0-liter V-8 (LC 500)
Power: 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 168 mph
Starting price: $101,700

These days, the first question many of us have to ask when considering a new car is: gas or electric? After all, while there’s impressive innovation happening on both sides of the powertrain divide, many a car company forces you to decide which source of energy you prefer. If you like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, you have to take it with battery power; if you dig the Aston Martin Vantage, you’re stuck burning fuel.

Not so when it comes to Maserati’s latest GranTurismo. On the internal combustion side, the GranTurismo’s Modena and Trofeo trim levels offer the brand’s the same twin-turbo V-6 found in the MC20 supercar, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. Should you prefer electric, there’s the GranTurismo Folgore — Italian for lightning — which delivers shocking acceleration and handling thanks to a trio of electric motors that spit out more power than a McLaren 750S. Either way, however, you score the same stellar design sure to earn admiring stares from every gearhead and a modern and luxurious cabin with room for four adults, almost comfortably, even. 

In production since: 2007
Top powertrain option: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 (Trofeo) / Front- and dual rear-mounted electric motors (Folgore)
Power: 542 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque (Trofeo) / 751 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque (Folgore)
Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds (Trofeo) / 2.6 seconds (Folgore)
Top speed: 199 mph (Trofeo) / 202 mph (Folgore)
EV Range: 280 miles
Starting price: $147,495

It’s far from the oldest entry on this list, but the Mercedes-AMG GT was starting to feel a bit long in the tooth in 2023. The muscular coupé hadn’t had as much as a refresh since its debut in 2014, and it was beginning to show. Thankfully, before that summer was over, the German marque unveiled the second iteration of its grand tourer. A few years on, it’s clear that Mercedes took the things that drivers liked most about the model and tried to turn them to 11.

The second-gen GT doesn’t look radically different than its predecessor, but it is longer and wider. The vehicle’s design has been refined ever so slightly to account for these changes, and there’s more room inside, though trunk space leaves something to be desired in the top-of-the-line GT 63 S E Performance thanks to its hybrid system. Speaking of that model, it’s easily the most powerful GT you can buy right now. The plug-in hybrid pairs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with a rear-mounted electric motor that combines to produce a monstrous 805 hp and 1,047. It also has all-wheel drive, though that feature isn’t exclusive to the variant and is instead a standard feature throughout the model line.

In production since: 2014
Top powertrain option: Hybrid-assisted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (GT 63 S E Performance)
Power: 805 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 2.7 seconds
Top speed: 199 mph
Starting price: $107,650

The BMW 8 Series, in 840i form, starts at below six figures yet comes with a sumptuous cabin with exquisite front thrones, a comfortable ride, and a body that looks fast standing still — features that define a proper grand tourer. It may only pack six cylinders, but what a six they are; not only can the turbo inline-six send it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, but it also enables the 840i to squeeze 29 miles out of every gallon on the highway.

Even the top-shelf M8 Competition is a good value for what it offers. The M8 offers near-supercar performance on the straights and in the curves, complete with a specially-tuned AWD system that lets you push most or all of the power to the rear wheels for tail-happy antics. That’s on top of the same blend of delightful qualities as its less-powerful siblings and still can be had well-equipped for under $150,000.

The BMW 8 Series may not be around for much longer, but as of this writing is still on BMW’s website, so if you want one, you might have to act fast.

In production since: 1990 (current generation since 2018)
Top powertrain option: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (M8 Competition)
Power: 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 3.2 seconds
Top speed: 190 mph
Starting price: $95,050

Few brands are better-suited to going electric than Rolls-Royce. For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has built cars that prioritize smoothness, comfort, and quiet above all else — qualities that EVs lend themselves to naturally. The brand’s first electric car, the Spectre, doesn’t aim to make waves amongst the Rolls faithful; rather, it simply continues to excel at the mission the brand always had, just free of tailpipe emissions.

The exterior is unmistakably Rolls-Royce, but a fresher, more modern take on the classic look; the grille is slightly raked back, the headlights slimmed down, and the roofline faster and more flowing than its gas-powered Wraith predecessor. Inside, there’s the brand’s typical old-fashioned, ultra-luxury interior, with lesser emphasis on screens and greater emphasis on beautiful craftsmanship — the kind of interior that leaves you feeling better after a long journey than you did when you started.

Granted, it won’t set any range records, thanks in no small part to its 6,559-lb curb weight. Then again, should you decide to take the Spectre on a long journey, it can fast-charge at up to 195 kW, adding more than 180 miles of range in 34 minutes — less time than it takes to order and eat a Nicoise salad. And you won’t have to worry about fuel getting on your hands at the pump. The Black Badge Spectre, meanwhile, is Rolls-Royce’s most powerful car ever.

In production since: 2023
Top powertrain option: Front- and rear-mounted electric motors
Power: 576 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph
EV range: 264 miles
Starting price: $398,000

Ferrari unveiled its new Amalfi last year, fixing everything that was wrong with the outgoing Roma, which used to be Ferrari’s entry-level sports car, albeit an entry-level car that will run you a quarter-of-a-million dollars. The Amalfi got rid of the Roma’s controversial grille, and it also got rid of the haptic buttons on the inside, replacing them with physical controls and buttons, replacing one trend with another, though the return of physical buttons in cars is a trend that’s more than welcome.

Under the hood is a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that makes 631 horsepower, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch. The top speed is 199 mph, and the zero-to-60 time is said to be 3.3 seconds. Those are minor bumps from the Roma, which topped out at 611 horsepower and got to 60 mph from a stop in 3.4 seconds. The aerodynamics are better, with more downforce generated, and the brake-by-wire system has improved stopping power over the Roma.

Overall, it amounts to a mid-cycle refresh for the Roma, which was first unveiled in 2019, though Ferrari would never call it that. Ferrari would say that the Amalfi is a new Ferrari, and a damn good one at that.

In production since: 2026
Top powertrain option: 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Power: 631 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 199 mph
Starting Price: $266,810

When the Bentley Continental GT debuted in 2002, it relaunched an entire marque with it. Before it, Bentley was mostly known for rebadged Rolls-Royces powered by an engine with roots in the 1950s. The Continental GT’s arrival marked the start of a new era under the Volkswagen Group’s ownership, one in which Bentley would rise to its full potential for the first time in decades.

With a design that borders on timeless — it hasn’t changed that much in the past two decades, nor has it needed to — remarkable performance, and one of the most elegant and comfortable interiors found in a car, the Continental GT stands as a true 21st-century icon of the automotive realm. Unfortunately, the marque’s legendary W-12 has been discontinued, but the new plug-in hybrid-assisted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 packs. The electrified setup packs a 771-hp punch and could elevate the GT to even greater heights. The lack of powertrain options allows you to focus on choosing between a nigh-infinite list of colors, trims, and materials that Bentley offers in order to let buyers make their dream car one of a kind.

In production since: 2003
Top powertrain option: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 (Continental GT Speed)
Power: 650 horsepower and 668 lb-ft of torque
Zero to 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top speed: 208 mph
Starting Price: $306,250