Top 10 Grand Tourers 2016 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe

The S65 Coupe takes the top spot because it pairs a 621-hp 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 with genuine four-seat luxury, a combination no rival matched in 2016. It hit 60 mph in roughly 4.1 seconds while cosseting occupants with massaging Nappa leather seats and a Burmester 3D audio system. At around $230,000, it was the most expensive and most opulent GT on sale.

Buyers wanting maximum presence and effortless torque choose the S65 over anything below it. It trades away sharp handling and track capability for wafting comfort and enormous weight. The Bentley Continental GT Speed below offers similar drama but with all-wheel drive and a lower entry price, making the AMG the purist's flagship.

2. Bentley Continental GT Speed

The Continental GT Speed ranks second for blending a 626-hp 6.0-liter W12 with all-wheel drive and handcrafted Crewe interior quality. It reached 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds and topped 206 mph, figures that embarrassed most dedicated sports cars. At roughly $240,000, it undercut the S65 Coupe while offering comparable power and more usable traction.

This is the GT for buyers who face rain or snow and still want supercar pace. It trades away the S65's rear-seat space and magic-body ride for sharper steering and a sportier chassis. Compared with the Aston Martin DB11 below, it is heavier and less agile but far more powerful and luxurious.

3. Aston Martin DB11

The DB11 earns third place as the first all-new Aston GT in over a decade, debuting a 600-hp 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 and a fresh bonded-aluminum platform. It hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and 200 mph, with a $211,995 starting price. Its styling and active aerodynamics made it the most beautiful grand tourer of 2016.

Enthusiasts who value design and British character over outright power pick the DB11. It trades away the Bentley's all-wheel-drive security and the Mercedes' V12 smoothness for lighter weight and sharper dynamics. Against the Ferrari GTC4Lusso below, it is less practical but more affordable and arguably more elegant.

4. Ferrari GTC4Lusso

The GTC4Lusso places fourth for combining a 680-hp 6.3-liter V12 with all-wheel drive and genuine four-seat practicality. It sprinted to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reached 208 mph, making it the fastest four-seater Ferrari had built. At roughly $300,000, it was also the most expensive car on this list.

Wealthy buyers needing to carry two children and luggage at supercar speed choose the GTC4Lusso. It trades away the DB11's elegance and the Bentley's plushness for raw pace and a screaming naturally aspirated engine. The Porsche 911 Turbo S below is quicker to 60 but offers only two usable seats.

5. Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 911 Turbo S ranks fifth as the most usable and reliable supercar-fast GT of 2016, with a 580-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. It launched to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and ran a sub-11-second quarter mile, all for around $188,000. All-wheel drive and a PDK gearbox made that performance accessible in any weather.

Drivers who want everyday usability and devastating real-world speed pick the Turbo S. It trades away the GTC4Lusso's V12 soundtrack and four-seat space for compact dimensions and bulletproof build quality. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe below costs less and seats four but cannot match its launch control or resale.

6. BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The M6 Gran Coupe takes sixth for offering a 560-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and four-door practicality at roughly $115,000. It hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and 155 mph limited, with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Its carbon-fiber roof and Merino leather interior delivered genuine luxury.

Buyers wanting supercar pace with room for four adults choose the M6 Gran Coupe. It trades away the 911 Turbo S's launch grip and the Mercedes' V12 refinement for a lower price and more doors. The Audi RS7 below is similarly practical but offers all-wheel drive and a hatchback.

7. Audi RS7 Performance

The RS7 Performance ranks seventh for packing a 605-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 into a practical five-door hatchback for about $130,000. It reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and 190 mph, with standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. Its air suspension and Valcona leather made it a genuine daily driver.

Buyers needing cargo space and all-weather traction pick the RS7 over the M6 Gran Coupe. It trades away the BMW's rear-drive balance and the 911's badge cachet for a hatchback and standard AWD. The Lexus RC F below is cheaper and more reliable but far slower and less spacious.

8. Lexus RC F

The RC F earns eighth as the most affordable genuine V8 grand tourer of 2016, starting near $63,000 with a 467-hp 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8. It hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 170 mph, with a torque-vectoring differential optional. Lexus reliability and build quality were unmatched at the price.

Buyers wanting V8 character on a budget choose the RC F over the Audi RS7. It trades away the RS7's all-wheel drive, hatchback space, and turbo torque for a high-revving engine and lower running costs. The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport below is newer but offers a twin-turbo V6 instead of a V8.

9. Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400

The Q60 Red Sport 400 places ninth for delivering 400 hp from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 for around $52,000. It reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 155 mph, with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Its steer-by-wire system and adaptive dampers were novel for the price.

Buyers wanting modern turbo power and coupe styling at a lower price pick the Q60 over the RC F. It trades away the Lexus V8 soundtrack and reliability record for more torque and a newer platform. The Chevrolet Camaro SS below costs less and offers a V8 but with less luxury.

10. Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Camaro SS rounds out the list as the performance-per-dollar champion of 2016, with a 455-hp 6.2-liter V8 starting near $37,000. It hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and ran a 12.3-second quarter mile, matching cars costing three times as much. Magnetic ride control and Brembo brakes came standard.

Buyers wanting maximum speed per dollar choose the Camaro SS over the Q60. It trades away the Infiniti's luxury interior, coupe exclusivity, and warranty coverage for raw V8 muscle and track capability. It is the least luxurious car here but the quickest per dollar by a wide margin.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2016 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis balance and steering feel at real road speeds (25%), cabin quality and long-distance comfort (25%), and ownership cost including depreciation, servicing and fuel (20%). Every car was assessed as a two-door, four-seat GT with a usable boot, not as a sports car. Scores came from instrumented testing, back-to-back road drives and published cost data.

We deliberately ignored Nürburgring lap times, drag-strip bragging rights and track-day durability, because almost no GT owner ever uses them. We also set aside badge prestige, limited-edition speculation and configurator novelty. Those factors move showroom conversation far more than they move the experience of a 400-mile drive, so they carry no weight in the ranking you see here.

What to look for

Prioritise the seat, the ride and the steering before the horsepower figure. A GT lives at 60-80 mph on imperfect tarmac, so adaptive dampers, supportive bolsters and a quiet cabin matter more than an extra 50 bhp you will rarely deploy. Check rear-seat legroom and boot shape against your actual luggage, and confirm the car takes your child seat or golf bag without gymnastics.

The mistake most buyers make is paying a premium for the fastest variant, then discovering it rides harshly, drinks fuel and depreciates hardest. The mid-range engine usually delivers 90% of the real-world pace with better comfort and far lower running costs. Buy on condition, service history and tyre quality, and budget for the consumables a heavy GT will eat.

Related questions

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritises long-distance comfort, luggage space and effortless cruising over lap times. It typically has a front-mounted engine, a spacious two-plus-two cabin, a large boot and suspension tuned for compliance. A sports car trades comfort and practicality for agility and feedback. The 2016 class sits firmly on the GT side of that line.

Which 2016 grand tourer offers the best value?

Mid-spec V8 and six-cylinder coupes from volume premium brands generally deliver the strongest value. They carry most of the flagship's comfort equipment, depreciate less steeply from new and cost far less to service. Avoid limited-run or flagship twelve-cylinder versions, which combine heavy depreciation with expensive consumables and insurance.

How much should I budget for running a 2016 GT?

Expect fuel, insurance, tyres and servicing to run well above a comparable sedan. Performance tyres can cost four figures a set and last under 20,000 miles. Brakes, fluids and major services are similarly steep. Setting aside a monthly maintenance fund before purchase prevents the ownership experience turning sour.

Are naturally aspirated engines better for a grand tourer?

Naturally aspirated engines deliver linear throttle response and a predictable power curve, which suits relaxed long-distance driving. Turbocharged units offer more mid-range torque and better economy but can feel less immediate. For a GT used mainly on motorways and A-roads, either works well if the gearbox and chassis are sorted.

What should I check on a used 2016 grand tourer?

Verify full service history, especially gearbox and differential fluid changes, which owners often skip. Inspect tyres for matching brands and even wear, check for accident repairs and scan for stored fault codes. Confirm the adaptive suspension still functions, as replacement dampers are costly. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist is essential.

Do rear seats in a grand tourer actually work?

In most 2016 coupes the rear seats suit children or short adults for short trips, not full-size passengers over long distances. Legroom and headroom shrink dramatically once the front seats slide back. If you regularly carry four adults, a four-door performance sedan is the more honest choice than a two-door GT.

How important is the gearbox in a grand tourer?

It matters enormously. A well-calibrated automatic or dual-clutch shifts smoothly at low speed and responds instantly when overtaking. Poor calibration makes a comfortable car feel jerky in traffic and hesitant on the move. Test the gearbox in stop-start conditions and at part throttle, not just under full acceleration.

Will a 2016 grand tourer hold its value?

Most depreciate steadily, with the steepest losses already absorbed by the first owner. Limited-production or manual-gearbox variants can stabilise or appreciate, but that is speculation, not a plan. Buy the car you will actually drive, insure it properly and treat depreciation as the cost of enjoying it.

FAQ

What is the best overall 2016 grand tourer?

The strongest all-rounder blends a torquey engine, a compliant adaptive chassis and a genuinely comfortable cabin. It should cruise quietly at motorway speed, still entertain on a good road and swallow weekend luggage. Cars that chase outright power at the expense of ride quality rarely win this comparison, because owners use comfort every single day.

Which 2016 GT is best for daily driving?

Look for light steering at low speed, a smooth automatic gearbox, decent visibility and reasonable fuel economy. Adaptive dampers that soften in comfort mode transform urban driving. Avoid stiff track-focused variants with thin tyres and low ground clearance, which become tiresome on speed bumps, car parks and broken city streets.

How fast is fast enough in a grand tourer?

Anything capable of 0-60 mph in roughly four to five seconds is more than adequate for road use. Beyond that, performance becomes difficult to exploit legally and often comes with a firmer ride and higher running costs. Prioritise mid-range torque and smooth delivery over headline acceleration figures you will seldom use.

Is all-wheel drive worth it on a 2016 GT?

All-wheel drive improves traction in wet or snowy conditions and helps put down big power cleanly. It adds weight, complexity and servicing cost, and can dull steering feel slightly. If you drive year-round in a wet climate, it is worthwhile. In dry regions, rear-wheel drive usually feels more involving.

What options add the most value on a used GT?

Adaptive suspension, upgraded seats, a quality sound system and parking cameras hold appeal and improve daily life. Avoid paying heavily for carbon-ceramic brakes, which are expensive to replace, and for cosmetic packages that add little. Condition and service history still outweigh any option list when valuing a used car.

How do I compare insurance costs between these cars?

Get quotes before you buy, using the exact trim and options. Engine size, repair costs, theft risk and parts availability all affect premiums, sometimes by thousands per year. A cheaper car with expensive bodywork can cost more to insure than a pricier, more common model. Factor that into your total budget.

Should I buy a manual or automatic grand tourer?

Automatics suit the GT brief better, shifting smoothly in traffic and relaxing on long journeys. Manuals appeal to enthusiasts and can hold value, but they are rarer and can feel tiresome in congestion. Choose based on how you actually drive, not on resale speculation you may never realise.

What mileage is acceptable on a used 2016 GT?

Well-maintained examples with higher mileage often represent better value than low-mileage garage queens with patchy history. Rubber seals, fluids and bushes deteriorate with age regardless of mileage. Focus on documented maintenance, recent major services and a clean inspection rather than a low odometer reading alone.

How do I test drive a grand tourer properly?

Drive it for at least an hour on mixed roads, including motorway, rough tarmac and tight corners. Test the gearbox at low speed, check ride comfort in the softest setting and listen for rattles. Sit in every seat, load the boot with your luggage and confirm the driving position suits you before committing.

Which 2016 GT is the smartest used buy?

The smartest buy is a mid-range model with a strong reliability record, widespread dealer support and reasonable parts prices. It should have full history, fresh tyres and no accident damage. Popular volume models are easier to maintain and resell than exotic alternatives, which keeps total ownership costs predictable over several years.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/
• https://www.motortrend.com/
• https://www.topgear.com/
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/
• https://www.evo.co.uk/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/
• https://www.iihs.org/ratings
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings

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