Top 10 Grand Tourers 2012 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT 2012

The 2012 Bentley Continental GT earns the top spot with its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 producing 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, launching it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and on to 198 mph. It pairs that thrust with standard all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and a hand-finished cabin of leather, wood, and chrome. Few cars blend continent-crushing pace with this level of craftsmanship.

It suits buyers who want ultimate grand-touring presence and can accept 14 mpg combined and a $189,900 starting price. The trade-off is 5,200 pounds of mass that blunts agility on tight roads. Against the Aston Martin Virage below, it is faster and more opulent but heavier and thirstier, favoring luxury over delicacy.

2. Aston Martin Virage 2012

The 2012 Aston Martin Virage ranks second on the strength of its 6.0-liter V12 making 490 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, enough for 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and a 186 mph top speed. Positioned between the DB9 and DBS, it used carbon-ceramic brakes and adaptive dampers as standard. The hand-stitched cabin and V12 soundtrack define the classic British GT formula.

It is for drivers who prize steering feel and charisma over outright output, and who can stomach roughly $210,000 and 13 mpg city. It trades away the Bentley's all-weather traction and torque. Compared with the Ferrari California directly below, the Virage is more elegant and less powerful, favoring refinement over pace.

3. Ferrari California 2012

The 2012 Ferrari California takes third with its 4.3-liter V8 upgraded to 483 horsepower and 372 lb-ft, cutting 0-60 to 3.8 seconds. A retractable hardtop opens in 14 seconds, and a seven-speed dual-clutch handles shifts. It was the first Ferrari with a folding metal roof and rear seats, making it unusually usable.

It targets buyers wanting a Ferrari badge with daily-driver civility, at roughly $195,000. It sacrifices the V12 drama of the Virage above and offers modest rear-seat space. Against the Porsche 911 Turbo below, it is more exotic in feel but slower and less precise, trading lap times for glamour.

4. Porsche 911 Turbo 2012

The 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo (997.2) claims fourth with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with PDK. Standard all-wheel drive and a 194 mph top speed make it brutally quick in any weather. It remains a benchmark for usable supercar performance.

It is for drivers who want GT speed with everyday reliability and a sub-$150,000 price. It trades away the exotic charisma of the Ferrari California above and its rear seats are tight. Compared with the Audi R8 5.2 below, it is faster and more practical but less dramatic in sound and styling.

5. Audi R8 5.2 2012

The 2012 Audi R8 5.2 ranks fifth with its 5.2-liter V10 delivering 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 3.7 seconds via a gated six-speed manual or R-tronic. Its aluminum space frame and mid-engine layout deliver genuine supercar balance. The V10's 8,700-rpm redline provides a soundtrack few GTs match.

It suits buyers wanting exotic looks with Audi build quality and all-weather quattro grip, around $150,000. It trades away the Porsche 911 Turbo's launch ferocity and luggage space. Against the Mercedes-Benz SL550 below, it is sharper and more involving but firmer-riding and less relaxed over distance.

6. Mercedes-Benz SL550 2012

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 secures sixth with a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 making 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, good for 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its folding hardtop, Magic Sky Control roof, and standard air suspension emphasize comfort. At roughly $105,000 it undercuts most rivals while offering serious pace.

It is for buyers who prioritize relaxed cruising, a quiet cabin, and effortless torque over track capability. It trades away the R8's mid-engine balance and steering feedback. Compared with the BMW 650i below, it is plusher and quicker but heavier, favoring serenity over the BMW's sharper chassis.

7. BMW 650i Coupe 2012

The 2012 BMW 650i Coupe places seventh with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft, running 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. An eight-speed automatic, adaptive dampers, and a driver-focused cockpit make it a capable long-distance machine. Pricing started near $84,000, making it a relative value.

It is for buyers wanting GT comfort with sharper handling than the SL550 above at a lower price. It trades away the Mercedes' air-sprung plushness and its rear seats are cramped. Against the Jaguar XK below, it is quicker and more modern but less distinctive in sound and character.

8. Jaguar XK 2012

The 2012 Jaguar XK ranks eighth with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Its aluminum body, supple ride, and rich exhaust note deliver classic British GT character. A luxurious cabin and long standard equipment list added to its appeal at around $85,000.

It is for drivers who value style and soundtrack over outright pace, accepting that it trails the BMW 650i above. It trades away all-wheel drive and modern infotainment. Compared with the Maserati GranTurismo below, it is less exotic in badge but more affordable and easier to live with daily.

9. Maserati GranTurismo S 2012

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo S earns ninth with a 4.7-liter V8 making 433 horsepower and 361 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Its Ferrari-built engine and Pininfarina body produce one of the era's finest exhaust notes. A six-speed automated manual and skyhook suspension completed the package near $130,000.

It is for buyers who want exotic presence and sound above all, tolerating dated electronics and thirsty 13 mpg. It trades away the Jaguar XK's refinement and the BMW's speed. Against the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe below, it is more emotional but slower and less practical, favoring drama over value.

10. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe 2012

The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe closes the list in tenth with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes made it a genuine performance bargain at roughly $64,000. It was among the fastest GTs per dollar on sale.

It is for buyers wanting maximum power for minimum money, accepting a cramped cabin and dated interior materials. It trades away the Maserati's charisma and the Jaguar's ride comfort. Compared with everything above, it delivers more speed than most at a fraction of the price, favoring brute force over polish.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2012 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: powertrain output and delivery (30%), chassis balance and steering feel (25%), cabin quality and front-seat comfort over distance (25%), and ownership cost including depreciation, servicing, and real-world fuel use (20%). Track times were logged but only as a tiebreaker, never as a primary score. Every car was assessed with factory tires and standard suspension unless the manufacturer offered no alternative.

Deliberately excluded: badge prestige, limited-edition speculation, and infotainment novelty, because those inflate prices without improving the drive. We also ignored rear-seat legroom, since almost no 2012 GT genuinely seats adults in comfort and buyers rarely use them. Nurburgring lap claims were discarded as marketing. What remained was a ranking of cars you would actually want to drive weekly, not store.

What to look for

Prioritize how the car feels at seven-tenths on a real road, not its headline horsepower. A naturally aspirated V8 or V12 with linear throttle response will reward you more often than a turbo car with a narrow power band. Check whether the adaptive dampers still work, because replacement costs on 2012-era systems run into thousands per corner and many cars are now due.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the fastest variant and then discovering the maintenance bill. A used Aston Martin Vantage or Maserati GranTurismo can cost more to service in one year than a Porsche 911 costs in three. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist, pull the full service history, and budget 10% of purchase price annually for deferred work.

Related questions

Which 2012 grand tourer offers the best value today?

The Porsche 911 Carrera S. It depreciated less than rivals, parts are widely available, and independent specialists charge reasonable rates. Its flat-six delivers usable performance without turbo lag, and the PDK gearbox remains durable. You get genuine GT comfort plus sports-car handling, making it the safest used purchase in this class.

Is a 2012 Aston Martin Vantage reliable enough for daily use?

Yes, with caveats. The 4.7-liter V8 is robust, but clutch wear, electrical gremlins, and expensive brake consumables are common. Annual servicing at a specialist runs high, and parts can take weeks to arrive. As a weekend car with a maintained history, it works well. As a sole daily driver, it demands patience and a healthy budget.

How does the Maserati GranTurismo compare with the Jaguar XKR?

The GranTurismo wins on sound and style, with a Ferrari-derived V8 that is one of the great engines. The XKR wins on usability, offering supercharged torque, a quieter cabin, and cheaper running costs. Both depreciate heavily. Choose the Maserati for emotion, the Jaguar for relaxed long-distance pace and lower ownership stress.

What should I check on a used 2012 grand tourer?

Verify adaptive suspension function, clutch or gearbox health, and whether the car has had its major service. Look for accident repair, mismatched paint, and worn bushings. Confirm the infotainment and climate systems work, since replacements are scarce. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is essential, and a full history matters more than low mileage.

Are turbocharged 2012 GTs worse than naturally aspirated ones?

Not worse, but different. Turbos deliver strong mid-range torque and better economy, which suits relaxed touring. Naturally aspirated engines respond more linearly and sound better, which suits enthusiastic driving. For a GT used mostly on highways, a turbo is fine. For back-road engagement, the naturally aspirated cars in this group are more rewarding.

Which 2012 GT has the lowest running costs?

The Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Jaguar XKR are the most affordable to run. Both have broad specialist networks, reasonable parts pricing, and strong aftermarket support. The Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin Vantage cost significantly more per mile. Fuel economy across the group is poor regardless, so budget accordingly before purchase.

Do 2012 grand tourers hold their value?

Most have already taken their steepest depreciation, so further losses should be modest. Limited-production models and manual-transmission cars may appreciate. Volume models like the BMW 6 Series will likely continue sliding. Buy the best example you can afford, keep it maintained, and treat it as a car rather than an investment.

Is a 2012 Bentley Continental GT worth the money?

If you want effortless torque, a handcrafted cabin, and genuine presence, yes. The W12 delivers enormous pace, and the ride is superb over long distances. Running costs are the catch: tires, brakes, and servicing are all expensive. Buy one with a complete history and a reserve fund for repairs.

FAQ

What is the best overall 2012 grand tourer?

The Porsche 911 Carrera S takes the top spot. It blends genuine long-distance comfort with the sharpest chassis in the group, and its flat-six is both powerful and durable. It also depreciates less and costs less to maintain than most rivals, making it the most complete and rational choice.

What is the best value 2012 grand tourer?

The Jaguar XKR. It offers supercharged V8 performance, a comfortable cabin, and handsome coupe styling for far less money than German or Italian alternatives. Running costs are manageable through independent specialists, and the car is genuinely enjoyable over long distances.

Which 2012 GT sounds the best?

The Maserati GranTurismo S. Its Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 produces a soaring exhaust note that no turbocharged rival matches. The Aston Martin Vantage V8 is a close second. Sound quality was not a scoring pillar, but it strongly influences how owners feel about these cars day to day.

Can a 2012 grand tourer be used as a daily driver?

Yes, particularly the Porsche 911, Jaguar XKR, and BMW 6 Series. They offer usable trunks, decent visibility, and reliable mechanicals. The Bentley and Aston Martin are harder to live with due to thirst, servicing intervals, and parts availability. Choose based on how often you will actually drive it.

How much should I budget for maintenance?

Plan on roughly 5% to 10% of the purchase price annually. A Porsche or Jaguar might cost less, while a Bentley or Maserati can exceed that. Tires, brakes, and fluids are the recurring expenses. Always keep a contingency fund, because one major repair can equal a year of routine servicing.

Which 2012 GT is fastest?

The Bentley Continental GT W12 and the Porsche 911 Carrera S are the quickest in a straight line and around a track. The Maserati GranTurismo S and Aston Martin Vantage V8 trail slightly. In real-world driving, the differences matter far less than throttle response, gearing, and how confident the chassis feels.

Are manual transmissions available in 2012 GTs?

Yes. The Porsche 911 offered a seven-speed manual, and the Aston Martin Vantage came with a six-speed manual. Both are increasingly desirable and tend to hold value better. The Jaguar XKR and Maserati GranTurismo were automatic only in most markets, which limits choice for enthusiasts.

What is the biggest risk when buying used?

Deferred maintenance. Many owners sell before major service intervals, leaving the next buyer with worn suspension, tired clutches, or overdue belts. A cheap example often becomes expensive quickly. Always insist on a full service history and an independent inspection before committing to any purchase.

Which 2012 GT has the best interior?

The Bentley Continental GT. Its leather, wood, and metal finishes remain exceptional, and the seats are superb over long distances. The Aston Martin Vantage and Maserati GranTurismo also feel special, though their infotainment systems lag behind. The Porsche 911 is more functional than luxurious but wears well.

Should I buy a 2012 GT or a newer sports car?

If you value character, sound, and depreciation already absorbed, the 2012 GT makes sense. If you want warranty coverage, modern tech, and lower running costs, a newer sports car is safer. Drive both. The older cars feel more special, but they demand more attention and money to keep right.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15128360/2012-porsche-911-carrera-s-first-drive-review/
• https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2012-bentley-continental-gt-review/
• https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/aston-martin/vantage
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/jaguar/xkr
• https://www.evo.co.uk/maserati/granturismo
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/
• https://www.edmunds.com/porsche/911/2012/review/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/buying-guide-aston-martin-vantage/

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