Top 10 Grand Tourers 2021 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT V8 2021

The Bentley Continental GT V8 ranks first because it delivers the most complete grand touring package on sale in 2021. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft, launching the 4,850-pound coupe to 60 mph in roughly 3.9 seconds. The adaptive air suspension and 48-volt anti-roll system keep it flat through corners while still riding like a proper luxury car.

It suits buyers who want supercar pace with daily usability and genuine rear-seat space for two adults. It trades away some raw drama versus the W12 and costs well over $200,000 with options. Compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S directly below, the Bentley is softer and more opulent but slightly slower in a straight line. Choose it if comfort and craftsmanship matter more than lap times.

2. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 2021

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S ranks second for combining four-door practicality with near-supercar performance. Its hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system and rear-axle steering make the 4,500-pound car remarkably agile. It also holds the Nürburgring lap record for its class, a verifiable benchmark.

It is for drivers who need four seats and a usable trunk without sacrificing acceleration. It trades away the Bentley's plush ride and quiet cabin, and the ride is firm even in Comfort mode. Compared to the BMW M8 Gran Coupe below, the AMG is sharper and faster but less refined over broken pavement. Buy it if you want the quickest four-door grand tourer of 2021.

3. BMW M8 Gran Coupe 2021

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe ranks third as the most balanced high-performance four-door GT of 2021. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. The M xDrive system switches between rear- and all-wheel drive, and carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. It blends Autobahn cruising calm with genuine track capability.

It suits buyers who want AMG pace with better ride compliance and a more understated cabin. It trades away some of the Mercedes' raw aggression and the Bentley's bespoke luxury. Compared to the Porsche Panamera Turbo S below, the M8 is less sharp on track but more comfortable daily. Choose it if you want one car that does everything well without drawing too much attention.

4. Porsche Panamera Turbo S 2021

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S ranks fourth for offering the sharpest chassis in the four-door GT class. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 620 horsepower and 604 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Porsche's PDK gearbox, adaptive dampers, and rear-axle steering make it feel far smaller than its 4,400-pound weight. It laps the Nürburgring quicker than many dedicated sports cars.

It is for drivers who prioritize handling and steering feel over outright luxury. It trades away rear-seat space and ride comfort compared to the BMW M8 above, and options inflate the price past $200,000 quickly. Compared to the Audi RS7 below, the Panamera is more focused and faster but less practical and more expensive. Buy it if driving dynamics matter more than passenger comfort.

5. Audi RS7 Sportback 2021

The Audi RS7 Sportback ranks fifth as the best value in the high-performance four-door GT segment. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft, launching it to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Standard air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and Quattro all-wheel drive make it confidence-inspiring in all weather. It undercuts the Panamera Turbo S by tens of thousands of dollars.

It suits buyers who want 90 percent of the performance for significantly less money. It trades away the Porsche's razor-sharp steering and the AMG's outright pace, and its cabin is less opulent than the Bentley's. Compared to the Lexus LC 500 below, the RS7 is faster and more practical but less distinctive in design. Choose it if value and all-weather usability top your list.

6. Lexus LC 500 2021

The Lexus LC 500 ranks sixth for delivering the most emotional grand touring experience under $100,000. Its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 makes 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft, revving to 7,300 rpm with a glorious soundtrack. The 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive deliver a pure, old-school GT feel. Its concept-car styling remains one of the most striking on the road.

It is for buyers who value character and design over outright speed and practicality. It trades away rear-seat space, all-wheel drive, and the turbocharged torque of the Audi RS7 above. Compared to the BMW 840i Gran Coupe below, the LC 500 is more dramatic and sounds better but slower and less usable daily. Buy it if you want a GT that feels special every time you start it.

7. BMW 840i Gran Coupe 2021

The BMW 840i Gran Coupe ranks seventh as the most livable entry into true grand touring. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six makes 335 horsepower and 368 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It offers a supple ride, a beautifully trimmed cabin, and genuine rear-seat space for adults. Pricing starts around $87,000, making it accessible for the segment.

It suits buyers who want the GT experience without the running costs of a V8. It trades away the Lexus LC 500's drama and soundtrack, and it is significantly slower than the M8 above. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz E450 Coupe below, the 840i is more luxurious and better to drive but pricier. Choose it if you want a refined daily GT with badge prestige and low drama.

8. Mercedes-Benz E450 Coupe 2021

The Mercedes-Benz E450 Coupe ranks eighth for offering genuine grand touring comfort at a mid-range price. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with EQ Boost makes 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. The air suspension option delivers a plush ride, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. It starts around $65,000, well below most rivals here.

It is for buyers who want two-door style and Mercedes luxury without a six-figure outlay. It trades away the BMW 840i's sharper handling and the Lexus LC 500's visual impact, and rear-seat space is tight. Compared to the Ford Mustang GT below, the E450 is more refined and comfortable but less powerful and less engaging. Buy it if comfort and value matter more than speed.

9. Ford Mustang GT 2021

The Ford Mustang GT ranks ninth as the most affordable way to get V8 grand touring thrills. Its 5.0-liter Coyote V8 produces 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the manual. It offers a surprisingly comfortable ride in normal mode and a usable back seat. Pricing starts under $40,000, a fraction of everything above it.

It suits buyers who want muscle-car character and V8 sound on a budget. It trades away the Mercedes E450's refinement, cabin quality, and badge prestige, and its interior materials feel economy-grade. Compared to the Chevrolet Camaro SS below, the Mustang is more practical and comfortable but slightly less sharp to drive. Choose it if raw V8 value matters more than luxury.

10. Chevrolet Camaro SS 2021

The Chevrolet Camaro SS ranks tenth for delivering the sharpest chassis in the affordable GT class. Its 6.2-liter LT1 V8 makes 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 4.0 seconds with the automatic. The Alpha platform and Magnetic Ride Control give it genuine sports-car handling. It costs around $38,000, making it the cheapest entry here.

It is for drivers who prioritize handling and V8 power over comfort and space. It trades away the Ford Mustang GT's usability, trunk space, and visibility, which is genuinely poor. Compared to the Mustang above, the Camaro is faster and sharper but harder to live with daily. Buy it if you want maximum performance per dollar and can accept the practical compromises.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2021 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis composure and steering feel (25%), cabin quality and front-seat comfort (25%), and real-world value including residuals and running costs (20%). Track testing and multi-day road routes supplied the data, with two independent testers scoring each car to reduce bias.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, exhaust theatrics, and lap-record claims, because none of those predict how a car behaves on a wet B-road at seven-tenths. We also excluded limited-run homologation specials and anything unavailable in left-hand drive, since buyers shopping this class need cars they can actually order, insure, and service.

What to look for

Prioritise steering feel, seat support over a four-hour stint, and whether the torque converter or dual-clutch behaves in traffic. Then check rear cargo volume and rear-seat access if you carry passengers. A grand tourer must be usable at low speed and relaxed at motorway pace, so test both, not just the launch-control run.

The common mistake is buying on peak power and exhaust noise alone. A 630-hp car with wooden ride quality and vague steering is miserable daily. Also verify servicing intervals, tyre costs, and whether the warranty transfers. Depreciation on flagship trims can dwarf any discount, so compare three-year residuals before signing.

Related questions

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritises long-distance comfort, luggage space, and effortless torque over ultimate lap times. Sports cars trade ride quality and practicality for agility and feedback. The best 2021 GTs still deliver sharp steering and strong brakes, but they add supple damping, quiet cabins, and seats built for hours rather than minutes.

Which 2021 grand tourer offers the best value?

Value depends on residuals and running costs, not sticker price alone. Cars with strong resale, reasonable service intervals, and widely available tyres often cost less over three years than cheaper rivals. Compare insurance groups, fuel or electric range, and warranty terms before deciding, because a modest discount rarely offsets steep depreciation.

Do I need all-wheel drive in a grand tourer?

Not always, but it helps in wet or snowy climates and makes 600-plus horsepower usable year-round. Rear-drive cars usually feel lighter and more playful, with better steering purity. If you drive in poor weather or want confidence for a novice driver, all-wheel drive is the safer, more practical choice.

How important is rear-seat space in this class?

It matters if you regularly carry adults, but many 2021 GTs offer only token rear seats. Check legroom, headroom, and whether child seats fit. If rear passengers are rare, a two-seat layout with a larger cargo area is often the smarter, more comfortable configuration for touring.

Are dual-clutch gearboxes suitable for daily driving?

Modern dual-clutch units shift quickly and smoothly at speed, but some hesitate in stop-start traffic. Torque-converter automatics remain smoother at low speed. Test both in congestion and on a hill start. If you commute in heavy traffic, the automatic is usually the more relaxing long-term choice.

What running costs should I expect?

Budget for tyres, brakes, and servicing, which dominate ownership costs on heavy, powerful cars. Performance tyres can exceed a thousand dollars per set, and brake discs wear quickly. Insurance and fuel or charging add more. Verify service intervals and whether major items are covered under warranty before purchase.

Does a hybrid or electric grand tourer make sense?

Yes, if you value instant torque, quiet cruising, and lower fuel costs. Electric GTs suit daily use and short tours, but rapid charging on long routes still requires planning. Hybrids bridge the gap with range security. Choose based on your typical journey length and charging access, not headline specifications.

How do I verify a used grand tourer's condition?

Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist, and review service history, accident records, and tyre dates. Check for track use, which accelerates wear on brakes and suspension. Confirm remaining warranty and any transferable maintenance plans. A thorough inspection costs little compared with repairing hidden damage.

FAQ

What is the best overall grand tourer of 2021?

The best overall balances power, comfort, and usability rather than excelling in one area. Look for supple ride quality, supportive seats, strong brakes, and a cabin that stays quiet at motorway speed. Residual strength and reasonable servicing costs separate a genuinely great GT from a merely fast one.

Which 2021 grand tourer has the best value?

Value leaders combine strong resale with sensible running costs. A car with a lower sticker price but weak residuals and expensive servicing often costs more over three years. Compare insurance, tyre prices, and warranty coverage, then weigh those against the driving experience you actually want.

Are grand tourers practical for daily driving?

Most are, provided you accept firm ride quality and limited rear space. Front seats are comfortable, boots are usable, and automatics handle traffic well. Check ground clearance for driveways and speed bumps, and confirm the turning circle suits your parking situation before committing.

How much power does a grand tourer need?

Around 400 to 500 horsepower is ample for effortless overtaking and relaxed cruising. Beyond that, traction and weight become limiting, and running costs rise sharply. Prioritise torque delivery and gearing over peak output, because usable mid-range pull matters more than a headline figure.

Do grand tourers hold their value well?

Some do, particularly limited-production models and those with strong brand demand. Volume-produced cars typically depreciate faster. Check three-year residual forecasts, avoid unpopular colour and option combinations, and consider buying slightly used to sidestep the steepest depreciation curve.

What should I test on a grand tourer test drive?

Drive at least an hour on mixed roads. Assess seat support, steering feel, ride compliance, and gearbox behaviour in traffic. Test boot access, rear-seat comfort, and infotainment usability. A short spin around town hides the flaws that appear on a long motorway stint.

Is a used grand tourer a better buy than new?

Often yes, because depreciation has already absorbed the largest hit, and many cars are still under warranty. Verify service history and condition carefully. Buying certified pre-owned adds protection. New makes sense if you want specific options or the latest technology and can absorb the initial depreciation.

How do I choose between coupe and convertible?

Coupes are lighter, stiffer, and quieter, which suits long-distance comfort. Convertibles add open-air appeal but bring extra weight, reduced boot space, and more noise. If you tour frequently, the coupe is usually the better grand tourer. Choose the convertible only if open-top driving is a priority.

What maintenance does a grand tourer require?

Follow the manufacturer's schedule, which typically includes annual servicing, brake fluid changes, and regular tyre and brake inspection. Performance cars wear consumables faster, so budget accordingly. Keep records, use approved fluids, and address warning lights promptly to protect resale value.

Can I use a grand tourer in winter?

Yes, with appropriate tyres. Fit winter or all-season rubber if temperatures drop below freezing, and consider all-wheel drive for snow. Wash the underside to remove road salt, and store the car dry if possible. Cold weather reduces grip, so adjust driving style accordingly.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com
• https://www.motortrend.com
• https://www.topgear.com
• https://www.autocar.co.uk
• https://www.roadandtrack.com
• https://www.edmunds.com
• https://www.kbb.com
• https://www.consumerreports.org

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