Top 10 Grand Tourers 2015 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT 2015

The 2015 Bentley Continental GT earns the top spot for its unmatched blend of 6.0-liter W12 power and handcrafted luxury. Its twin-turbo W12 produces 567 horsepower in base form, or up to 626 hp in the GT Speed, launching it to 60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds. The interior features diamond-quilted leather and real wood veneers, with a top speed of 206 mph. At roughly $200,000, it remains the benchmark grand tourer.

This car suits buyers who want continent-crossing speed wrapped in old-world craftsmanship and don't mind its 2.5-ton curb weight. It trades away nimble handling and fuel economy for sheer presence and comfort. Against the Ferrari F12 directly below, it offers more usable rear seats and a quieter cabin but less outright pace and theater.

2. Ferrari F12berlinetta 2015

The 2015 Ferrari F12berlinetta ranks second for delivering the most visceral V12 experience in the segment. Its naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 makes 731 horsepower and 509 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds and a top speed over 211 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and rear-wheel drive keep it razor-sharp. At roughly $320,000, it's the purist's grand tourer.

It's built for drivers who prioritize screaming 8,500-rpm performance over luggage space and ride comfort. The trade-off is a stiff suspension, minimal cargo room, and thirsty fuel consumption. Compared to the Bentley Continental GT above, it's faster and more thrilling but far less practical and refined for daily grand touring.

3. Aston Martin DB9 GT 2015

The 2015 Aston Martin DB9 GT takes third for its timeless design and balanced 6.0-liter V12 character. Its naturally aspirated V12 produces 540 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a 183-mph top speed. The final DB9 edition added carbon-fiber accents and a revised suspension. Priced around $200,000, it pairs elegance with genuine muscle.

This car is for buyers who value hand-built British charm and a sonorous V12 over cutting-edge tech. It trades away outright speed and modern infotainment versus rivals. Against the Ferrari F12berlinetta above, it's slower and softer but more comfortable and understated for long-distance touring.

4. Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe 2015

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe ranks fourth for fusing flagship luxury with effortless V8 thrust. Its 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Standard air suspension and a sumptuous cabin with twin 12.3-inch screens define it. At about $120,000, it undercuts most rivals while matching their comfort.

It suits buyers wanting a serene, tech-laden grand tourer for four adults with real trunk space. It trades away sports-car agility and exhaust drama for ride quality. Compared to the Aston Martin DB9 GT above, it's less exotic and slower but far more spacious and cheaper to run.

5. BMW M6 Coupe 2015

The 2015 BMW M6 Coupe earns fifth for combining a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with genuine grand-touring comfort. Its engine produces 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft, launching to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with a 155-mph limiter. A seven-speed dual-clutch and adaptive suspension sharpen it. Priced near $115,000, it's a relative performance bargain.

This car fits drivers who want supercar acceleration with usable rear seats and a decent trunk. It trades away the exotic badge cachet and soundtrack of Italian rivals. Against the Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe above, it's faster and sportier but firmer-riding and less opulent inside.

6. Jaguar F-Type R Coupe 2015

The 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe places sixth for its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and dramatic styling. That engine makes 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a 186-mph top speed. All-wheel drive arrived for 2016, but the 2015 rear-drive R remains a handful. At roughly $99,000, it's the emotional pick.

It's aimed at buyers who want a loud, tail-happy British sports GT with two seats and a hatch. It trades away rear-seat space and ride plushness. Compared to the BMW M6 Coupe above, it's more charismatic and slightly cheaper but less practical and refined.

7. Porsche 911 Turbo 2015

The 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo ranks seventh for its devastating all-weather pace and everyday usability. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six produces 520 horsepower, hitting 60 mph in 3.2 seconds with a 196-mph top speed. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed PDK make it brutally effective. At about $150,000, it's the most complete all-rounder.

This car suits buyers who want supercar speed with reliability and daily drivability. It trades away exotic styling and a sonorous engine note for clinical efficiency. Against the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe above, it's faster and more usable but less emotionally stirring and more expensive.

8. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2015

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 takes eighth for delivering supercar performance at a fraction of European prices. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. It offers a manual gearbox and a removable roof panel. Priced around $79,000, it's the value champion.

It's for buyers who prioritize raw speed and track capability over badge prestige and interior refinement. It trades away cabin quality and ride comfort. Compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo above, it's faster in a straight line and far cheaper but less polished and less usable in bad weather.

9. Maserati GranTurismo Sport 2015

The 2015 Maserati GranTurismo Sport ranks ninth for its Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 and gorgeous Pininfarina bodywork. The engine produces 454 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with a 185-mph top speed. A six-speed automatic and skyhook suspension are standard. At roughly $130,000, it sells on style and sound.

It appeals to buyers who want Italian exotic flair with four seats and a usable trunk. It trades away modern tech, efficiency, and outright pace. Against the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 above, it's slower and pricier but far more exclusive and elegant.

10. Cadillac ELR 2015

The 2015 Cadillac ELR places tenth as the most affordable and efficient entry, though it stretches the grand-tourer definition. Its extended-range electric powertrain pairs a 1.4-liter generator with electric drive for 217 horsepower combined and about 37 miles of EV range. Priced near $75,000 before incentives, it offers striking coupe styling and a quiet cabin.

It's for buyers who want distinctive luxury and low running costs over outright performance. It trades away V8 power, rear-seat space, and cargo capacity. Compared to the Maserati GranTurismo Sport above, it's cheaper to run but dramatically slower and less engaging to drive.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2015 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis composure and steering feel at real road speeds (25%), cabin quality, seating and long-distance comfort (25%), and ownership cost including depreciation, servicing and real-world economy (20%). Every car was assessed as a continent-crossing coupe, not a track toy, so lap times carried no weight. Scores were normalised across the segment before ranking.

Deliberately excluded: badge prestige, limited-edition hype, resale speculation and magazine lap records. Those factors inflate prices without improving the daily experience, and they punish buyers who actually drive their cars. We also ignored optional carbon packages and track-focused variants, since almost no owner specifies or uses them. The result rewards cars that are genuinely good to live with for years, not just impressive on a spec sheet.

What to look for

Prioritise the engine and gearbox combination you will actually use, then check whether the rear seats and boot swallow a weekend's luggage. A naturally aspirated V8 or V12 with a torque-converter automatic is easier to live with than a twin-turbo unit with a jerky dual-clutch. Budget for tyres, brakes and servicing before you negotiate the purchase price, because running costs dwarf the discount you might win.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the fastest or rarest version, then discovering the stiff suspension, cramped cabin and thirsty engine make it miserable on long trips. Another common error is buying on condition of the badge rather than the service history. Insist on a full main-dealer or specialist record, a pre-purchase inspection, and evidence that consumables were replaced on schedule.

Related questions

What defines a grand tourer in 2015?

A grand tourer prioritises effortless long-distance speed, comfort and luggage space over lap times. In 2015 that meant a front-engined coupe, usually with two-plus-two seating, a large displacement engine and a supple ride. Power delivery matters more than peak output, and cabin refinement at motorway speed separates a true GT from a sports car.

Which 2015 grand tourer offers the best value?

Depreciation hits flagship coupes hardest, so lightly used examples of mainstream V8 models often represent the strongest value. Look for cars with full service history and reasonable mileage rather than the cheapest listing. Running costs, insurance and tyre replacement should be factored in, because a bargain purchase price rarely offsets expensive maintenance.

Are naturally aspirated engines better than turbocharged ones in a GT?

For touring, a naturally aspirated engine usually delivers smoother, more predictable throttle response and a richer sound. Turbocharged units offer more torque low down and better economy, but can feel less linear. Neither is objectively superior; the deciding factor is whether the gearbox and chassis calibrate that power delivery well for relaxed driving.

How much should I budget for maintenance?

Expect annual servicing to cost several times that of a mainstream saloon, with major intervals involving spark plugs, fluids and inspection of complex suspension. Tyres and brakes are the biggest recurring expenses given the weight and power. Setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected repairs is wise, especially on older or high-mileage examples.

Do rear seats in a grand tourer actually work?

Most two-plus-two grand tourers offer usable rear seats for children or short adults on short journeys, but legroom and headroom are limited by the sloping roofline. Treat them as occasional seats rather than full passenger accommodation. If you regularly carry four adults, a large saloon or SUV is the more practical choice.

What should a pre-purchase inspection cover?

A specialist inspection should check for accident damage, suspension wear, fluid leaks, electronic faults and tyre and brake condition. On turbocharged cars, inspect for boost leaks and wastegate issues. Verify the service history matches the mileage and that any recall work was completed. Never buy without a documented inspection.

How important is the gearbox choice?

For a grand tourer, a well-calibrated automatic or dual-clutch makes long journeys far more relaxing than a manual, particularly in traffic. Manuals appeal to enthusiasts and can hold value, but they are rarer. Test both if possible, because shift quality and calibration vary significantly between manufacturers and model years.

Does colour and specification affect resale?

Yes, but less than condition and history. Conservative exterior colours and desirable options such as upgraded audio, adaptive suspension and heated seats tend to sell faster. Highly personalised or unusual colour combinations narrow the buyer pool. Originality generally helps, so avoid heavily modified examples unless the work is documented and reversible.

FAQ

What is the best overall grand tourer of 2015?

The best overall choice balances power, comfort and running costs rather than excelling in one area. A front-engined V8 or V12 coupe with a smooth automatic, supportive seats and a well-insulated cabin typically wins. Buyers should drive several contenders back to back on the same route before deciding, because seat comfort and ride quality vary widely.

Is a used 2015 grand tourer reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on maintenance history and model-specific weaknesses. Some cars suffer from complex electronics, air suspension faults or turbocharger issues as they age. A thorough inspection and a specialist warranty can mitigate risk. Budget for repairs regardless, since parts and labour on premium coupes are expensive compared with mainstream vehicles.

How fast is fast enough for a grand tourer?

Anything with roughly 400 horsepower or more delivers effortless overtaking and relaxed motorway cruising. Beyond that, extra power mainly improves acceleration figures you will rarely use. Torque delivery and gearing matter more for real-world drivability than peak output, so a flexible mid-range engine often feels quicker than a peaky one.

Should I buy new or used?

Buying a few years old usually avoids the steepest depreciation while still offering modern safety and technology. A 2015 car sits in a sweet spot where initial losses have occurred but condition can still be excellent. New purchases suit buyers wanting the latest features and full warranty, at a significant cost premium.

What running costs should I expect?

Fuel economy in the mid-teens to low twenties is typical for large-engined coupes, and insurance premiums are high. Tyres may last under 20,000 miles depending on driving style. Servicing at main dealers is costly, though independent specialists can reduce bills without compromising quality on older cars.

Do I need all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive improves traction in wet or snowy conditions and can make high-power cars easier to drive quickly. Rear-wheel drive offers a purer steering feel and lower complexity. Unless you face harsh winters, rear-wheel drive is usually sufficient and cheaper to maintain over the long term.

How do I verify a car's history?

Request the service book, invoices and any warranty paperwork, then cross-check mileage against MOT or inspection records. A vehicle history check reveals outstanding finance, theft markers and write-offs. Independent inspection adds confidence. Walk away if the seller cannot provide consistent documentation or resists a professional inspection.

Which options add the most value?

Adaptive suspension, upgraded audio, heated and ventilated seats, and reversing cameras are genuinely useful and improve day-to-day ownership. Carbon-ceramic brakes are expensive to replace and rarely worth it on a touring car. Avoid paying a premium for cosmetic packages that do not affect comfort or drivability.

How many miles is too many?

Well-maintained grand tourers can exceed 100,000 miles, but expensive components such as suspension, turbos and electronics wear with age. Lower mileage is preferable, though a documented high-mileage car can be a better buy than a neglected low-mileage one. Condition and history outweigh the odometer reading.

What is the biggest mistake buyers make?

Buying on emotion or badge appeal without driving the car properly or checking running costs. Many owners discover too late that the ride is harsh, the cabin cramped or servicing unaffordable. Decide your priorities, set a budget including maintenance, and inspect thoroughly before committing to any purchase.

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.whatcar.com
• https://www.honestjohn.co.uk
• https://www.parkers.co.uk

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