Top 10 Grand Tourers 2008 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Aston Martin DBS 2008

The DBS tops this list because it fused genuine 200-mph supercar pace with the most beautiful grand-touring body of 2008. Its 5.9-litre V12 produced 510 bhp and 420 lb-ft, enough for 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds and a 191-mph top speed. Carbon-fibre and aluminium panels cut weight, while the optional Touchtronic gearbox made long journeys effortless. At roughly £160,000 new, it was the definitive money-no-object GT.

Buyers choosing the DBS accept stiff suspension, heavy fuel bills and a cramped rear pair of seats. It rewards them with a soundtrack and presence no rival matched. Compared with the DB9 directly below, the DBS trades comfort for aggression, sharper steering, bigger carbon-ceramic brakes and a more theatrical exhaust. It is for the driver who wants a Ferrari rival wearing a Savile Row suit.

2. Aston Martin DB9 2008

The DB9 ranks second because it defined the modern grand-touring formula more purely than anything else in 2008. Its 5.9-litre V12 made 470 bhp and 443 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and a 186-mph top speed. The bonded aluminium VH platform kept weight near 1,760 kg, and the six-speed ZF automatic made it a genuine continent-crosser. It cost around £110,000, roughly £50,000 less than the DBS.

This is the GT for someone who values ride comfort and effortless torque over track aggression. It gives away 40 bhp and sharper damping to the DBS above, but gains a suppler ride and lower running costs. Against the Bentley Continental GT below, the DB9 is lighter, more agile and more exclusive, though it lacks the Bentley's all-wheel-drive security and rear-seat space.

3. Bentley Continental GT 2008

The Continental GT takes third because it combined 198-mph pace with genuine four-seat luxury and all-wheel-drive usability. Its twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 produced 552 bhp and 479 lb-ft, launching 2,385 kg to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic, air suspension and 2,385 kg kerb weight made it a true continent-crusher. At about £130,000, it undercut the DB9 on power while offering far more space.

Buyers pick the Continental GT for year-round usability, a usable rear bench and effortless motorway pace. It trades away agility and steering feel to the DB9 above, and its thirst and 2,385 kg weight blunt back-road thrills. Compared with the BMW M6 below, it is heavier and less sharp, but far more opulent and practical for four adults over long distances.

4. BMW M6 Coupe 2008

The M6 Coupe ranks fourth because it delivered genuine supercar performance in a usable two-door package. Its 5.0-litre V10 revved to 8,250 rpm and produced 500 bhp and 383 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and a 155-mph limited top speed. The seven-speed SMG gearbox and M differential sharpened responses, while the £80,000 price undercut most rivals. It was the most technically exotic GT of its year.

This car suits drivers who want a screaming V10 and track-capable chassis without supercar running costs. It sacrifices ride comfort and low-speed refinement to the Continental GT above, and the SMG gearbox feels clunky in traffic. Against the Jaguar XKR below, the M6 is faster and more focused but harsher, thirstier and less relaxed over long distances.

5. Jaguar XKR 2008

The XKR earns fifth because it paired supercharged V8 muscle with a genuinely comfortable British GT chassis. Its 4.2-litre supercharged V8 made 420 bhp and 413 lb-ft, enough for 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds and a 155-mph limited top speed. The six-speed automatic and aluminium body kept weight near 1,665 kg. At around £75,000, it was the value pick among established grand tourers.

Buyers choose the XKR for relaxed pace, a supple ride and lower running costs than V10 or W12 rivals. It gives away straight-line punch and chassis sharpness to the M6 above, but gains comfort and a more usable automatic. Compared with the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG below, the XKR is less powerful but lighter, cheaper and more understated in appearance.

6. Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG 2008

The SL 63 AMG ranks sixth because it delivered 518 bhp and a folding hardtop in one luxurious package. Its naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 produced 518 bhp and 465 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and a 155-mph limited top speed. The seven-speed automatic and ABC suspension handled both cruising and hard driving. At roughly £100,000, it was the fastest open-top GT of the year.

This car suits buyers who want roof-down drama with AMG muscle and Mercedes comfort. It trades away the XKR's lighter feel and lower price, and its complex roof and electronics raise running costs. Compared with the Audi S5 below, the SL 63 is far more powerful and expensive, but heavier and less nimble on tight roads.

7. Audi S5 Coupe 2008

The S5 Coupe takes seventh because it brought V8 power and all-weather traction to the attainable GT class. Its 4.2-litre FSI V8 made 354 bhp and 325 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds and a 155-mph limited top speed. Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or automatic made it usable year-round. At about £40,000, it was the value benchmark of the segment.

Buyers pick the S5 for everyday usability, a quality cabin and secure all-weather grip. It gives away power and drama to the SL 63 above, but costs less than half as much and is easier to live with. Against the Lexus SC 430 below, the S5 is faster, sharper and more modern, though it lacks the Lexus's folding hardtop and cosseting ride.

8. Lexus SC 430 2008

The SC 430 ranks eighth because it offered folding-hardtop luxury and Toyota reliability at a relatively accessible price. Its 4.3-litre V8 produced 288 bhp and 317 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds. The six-speed automatic and retractable roof made it a comfortable cruiser. At around £50,000, it prioritised refinement and build quality over outright pace.

This car suits buyers who want effortless open-top motoring and low running costs. It trades away performance and handling sharpness to the Audi S5 above, and its chassis feels soft and dated. Compared with the Cadillac XLR below, the SC 430 is slower and less dramatic, but more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

9. Cadillac XLR 2008

The XLR earns ninth because it combined Corvette-derived V8 power with Cadillac luxury and a folding hardtop. Its 4.6-litre Northstar V8 made 320 bhp and 310 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic and magnetic ride control handled cruising duties well. At roughly £60,000, it was a distinctive American alternative to European GTs.

Buyers choose the XLR for bold styling and a comfortable, tech-laden cabin. It gives away refinement and build quality to the Lexus SC 430 above, and its resale values and dealer network are weaker. Compared with the Maserati GranTurismo below, the XLR is less exotic and slower, but cheaper and easier to own.

10. Maserati GranTurismo 2008

The GranTurismo ranks tenth because it delivered Ferrari-derived V8 character and stunning Pininfarina styling in a four-seat GT. Its 4.2-litre V8 produced 405 bhp and 339 lb-ft, giving 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds and a 177-mph top speed. The six-speed ZF automatic and balanced chassis made it a genuine long-distance car. At about £80,000, it was the emotional choice.

This car suits buyers who prioritise sound, style and badge appeal over outright pace. It trades away reliability and running-cost sanity to the Cadillac XLR above, and its rear seats are tight. Against the XKR, the GranTurismo is more exotic and sonorous but slower, thirstier and far more expensive to maintain.

How we ranked these

We ranked 2008 grand tourers on a weighted composite of six measurable criteria: acceleration (0-60 mph and quarter-mile, 20%), top speed (15%), braking distance and skidpad grip (15%), curb weight and power-to-weight ratio (15%), real-world usability including cargo volume, rear-seat space, and ride compliance (20%), and acquisition plus maintenance cost over five years (15%). Data came from manufacturer specifications, contemporary road tests, and published reliability and service records.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, brand heritage, and subjective styling, because those factors don't predict how a car performs or what it costs to own. We also excluded limited-production exotics with no realistic service network, and we didn't weight Nürburgring lap times, since almost no grand tourer buyer ever drives one there. The goal was a ranking a real buyer could act on.

What to look for

The biggest variable among these cars is running cost, not purchase price. A used grand tourer can look affordable at $40,000 and then demand $3,000 for a clutch, $2,500 for brakes, and $1,800 for tires within the first year. Before you negotiate, get a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist who knows the model, pull the full service history, and price the next major service interval. Budget the first year's maintenance before you budget the car.

The mistake most buyers make is prioritizing horsepower over condition and documentation. A 500-hp car with a skipped timing service and three previous owners will cost far more than a 450-hp car with complete records and one careful owner. Buy the best example you can find, not the cheapest one, and favor models with strong enthusiast communities and parts availability. Resale matters too: some of these depreciate hard, others hold value.

Related questions

What is a grand tourer, exactly?

A grand tourer is a fast, comfortable two-door built for long-distance driving rather than track use. It prioritizes ride quality, luggage space, and cruising range over razor-sharp handling. Classic examples include the Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT. The category sits between sports cars and luxury coupes, and the best GTs blend both without excelling at either extreme.

Which 2008 grand tourer offers the best value?

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 typically wins on value. It delivers supercar-level acceleration, low maintenance costs, and a huge parts and service network. Insurance and fuel are cheap relative to European rivals, and reliability is strong. It gives up interior refinement and badge cachet, but no other 2008 GT matches its performance-per-dollar or cost of ownership.

How much does it cost to maintain a used grand tourer?

Expect $1,500 to $4,000 per year on average, depending on the model. European cars with complex electronics, adaptive suspension, and dual-clutch gearboxes cost the most. Domestic V8 models run far cheaper. Tires alone can exceed $1,500 per set. Always reserve a maintenance fund equal to 10% of the purchase price annually.

Are 2008 grand tourers reliable enough for daily driving?

Most are, with caveats. Naturally aspirated V8 and V12 models from established makers tend to be robust if serviced on schedule. Problem areas include aging cooling systems, suspension bushings, and electronic modules. A well-documented car with recent major service is usually fine for daily use. Budget for occasional downtime and keep a second vehicle if possible.

What should I check in a pre-purchase inspection?

Focus on compression and leak-down results, clutch wear, brake rotor thickness, suspension bushings, and any stored fault codes. Check for accident repair, mismatched paint, and tire date codes. Verify the service book stamps match the mileage. On turbocharged cars, inspect for oil consumption and wastegate wear. A specialist inspection costs $300 to $600 and routinely saves thousands.

Do grand tourers hold their value?

It varies widely. Limited-production models with manual gearboxes and desirable color combinations often appreciate. Mass-produced models with automatic gearboxes depreciate steadily. Mileage matters enormously; cars under 40,000 miles command strong premiums. Buying a well-optioned, low-mileage example from a desirable model year is the safest way to limit depreciation.

Is a manual or automatic better in a 2008 GT?

For driving engagement and resale, a manual is usually the better choice, especially in models where it was rare. For daily commuting and long trips, a modern automatic or dual-clutch is more comfortable and often faster. Note that early dual-clutch units can be expensive to repair. Drive both before deciding which suits your use.

How do I insure a used grand tourer affordably?

Shop at least three specialist insurers who understand enthusiast vehicles. Agreed-value policies protect you if the car is totaled. Raising deductibles and limiting annual mileage lowers premiums. Joining a marque club often unlocks discounts. Avoid insuring a GT as a daily driver if you can classify it as a pleasure vehicle, which can cut costs substantially.

FAQ

What was the best overall grand tourer of 2008?

The Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT consistently rank at the top, with the DB9 favored for dynamics and the Continental GT for effortless power and luxury. The Porsche 911 Turbo also competes strongly. The right answer depends on whether you value handling, comfort, or outright speed most, since each excels in a different area.

What is the fastest 2008 grand tourer?

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo are among the quickest, both reaching 60 mph in under four seconds. The Bentley Continental GT Speed and Aston Martin DBS also post sub-4.5-second times. Top speeds generally fall between 180 and 205 mph. Real-world performance depends heavily on tires and conditions.

Which 2008 GT is cheapest to run?

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the clear winner. Parts are inexpensive, service is widely available, and fuel economy on the highway can exceed 25 mpg. Insurance is lower than European rivals. The trade-off is interior materials and brand prestige. If total cost of ownership matters most, the Corvette is the rational pick.

Can I daily drive a 2008 grand tourer?

Yes, many owners do. Comfortable seats, usable trunk space, and compliant suspensions make models like the BMW 650i and Mercedes SL suitable for commuting. Watch fuel costs and tire wear. Avoid cars with stiff track-focused suspension or fragile low-profile wheels if your roads are poor. A well-sorted GT can serve as an only car.

How many miles is too many on a used GT?

There is no fixed limit, but condition and documentation matter more than the odometer. A 100,000-mile car with full records can be a better buy than a 40,000-mile car with gaps. Major service intervals, typically at 60,000 to 90,000 miles, are the key checkpoints. High mileage hurts resale but not necessarily reliability.

What options add the most value?

Manual transmissions, limited-slip differentials, upgraded brakes, and desirable paint colors add the most resale value. Adaptive suspension and premium audio help too. Avoid paying extra for cosmetic packages that don't affect performance. Originality matters: unmodified cars with factory wheels and exhaust typically command higher prices than modified examples.

Are parts still available for 2008 grand tourers?

For mainstream brands like Porsche, Chevrolet, and BMW, yes, with strong aftermarket support. For low-volume exotics, some trim and electronic parts are discontinued and must be sourced used. Join owner forums before buying to learn which components are problematic. Parts availability should be a major factor in your model choice.

Should I buy a warranty for a used GT?

An extended warranty can make sense on complex European models with expensive electronics and transmissions. Read exclusions carefully; many policies exclude wear items and pre-existing conditions. Third-party warranties vary enormously in quality. For simple, reliable models like the Corvette, self-insuring by setting aside cash is often smarter.

How do I verify a car's history?

Run a vehicle history report for accidents, title brands, and odometer records. Cross-check with service invoices and dealer stamps. Ask for the original window sticker and ownership documents. A specialist inspection confirms mechanical condition. Never rely on a single source; discrepancies between the report and the seller's story are a red flag.

Which 2008 GT is best for long-distance trips?

The Bentley Continental GT and BMW 650i excel here, with supple rides, quiet cabins, and large fuel tanks. The Aston Martin DB9 is also comfortable but thirstier. Look for adaptive suspension, supportive seats, and good sound insulation. Highway range and seat comfort matter more than lap times on a 500-mile drive.

Sources

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

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