Top 10 Grand Tourers 2006 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT 2006

The 2006 Bentley Continental GT earns the top spot with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 producing 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, launching it from 0-60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds. It pairs that thrust with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic, and a 198-mph top speed. Weighing about 5,300 pounds, it blends grand-touring comfort with supercar acceleration better than any rival at its near-$165,000 base price.

This car suits buyers who want effortless cross-continent pace wrapped in hand-stitched leather, wood veneer, and real metal. It trades away track agility and frugality—fuel economy hovers near 12 mpg combined, and curb weight blunts cornering sharpness. Against the Aston Martin DB9 directly below, the Bentley offers more power, more space, and all-weather traction, though the DB9 counters with lighter, more athletic handling.

2. Aston Martin DB9 2006

The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 ranks second on the strength of its 5.9-liter V12 making 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or ZF automatic. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds and tops 186 mph. Its bonded-aluminum VH platform keeps weight near 3,770 pounds, giving it a handling edge over heavier rivals.

This car is for drivers who prioritize steering feel and chassis balance over outright isolation. It trades away rear-seat space and luggage capacity, and the early automated manual shifts clumsily at low speed. Compared with the Bentley Continental GT above, the DB9 is lighter and more engaging but slower in a straight line and less usable daily in poor weather.

3. Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 2006

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG takes third with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 rated at 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 155 mph. A folding hardtop, ABC active suspension, and AMG brakes make it a genuinely fast open-air grand tourer.

This suits buyers wanting convertible versatility plus brutal straight-line pace. It trades away light weight—around 4,200 pounds—and long-term running costs, as ABC suspension and supercharger service are expensive. Against the Aston Martin DB9 above, the SL55 is quicker and offers open-top driving, but the DB9 delivers sharper steering and a more exotic V12 character.

4. BMW M6 Coupe 2006

The 2006 BMW M6 Coupe places fourth with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 producing 500 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, revving to an 8,250-rpm redline. It reaches 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and is limited to 155 mph. A seven-speed SMG gearbox and carbon-fiber roof underline its performance intent.

This car is for enthusiasts who want a high-revving engine and aggressive styling in a two-door coupe. It trades away ride comfort and low-speed refinement, as the SMG transmission is jerky in traffic and the suspension is firm. Compared with the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG above, the M6 is more involving and rev-happy but less relaxed and lacks a convertible option.

5. Jaguar XK8 Coupe 2006

The 2006 Jaguar XK8 Coupe ranks fifth with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 294 horsepower and 303 lb-ft, paired with a six-speed automatic. It accelerates to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds and reaches a limited 155 mph. Its aluminum body and classic long-hood proportions deliver distinctive British grand-touring style.

This car is for buyers who value elegance, comfort, and lower entry pricing over outright speed. It trades away performance, as it is notably slower than the German and Italian rivals here, and its rear seats are tight. Against the BMW M6 Coupe above, the XK8 is softer and more affordable but far less powerful and less dynamically focused.

6. Maserati GranSport 2006

The 2006 Maserati GranSport sits sixth with a 4.2-liter V8 making 400 horsepower and 333 lb-ft, routed through a Cambiocorsa automated manual. It hits 60 mph in roughly 4.8 seconds and tops 180 mph. Stiffer suspension, revised steering, and aerodynamic tweaks distinguish it from the standard Coupe.

This car is for drivers craving Italian exhaust note and exclusivity in a usable two-plus-two. It trades away transmission smoothness and reliability reputation, as the Cambiocorsa clutch wears and shifts harshly. Compared with the Jaguar XK8 Coupe above, the GranSport is faster and more emotional but costlier to maintain and less refined day to day.

7. Cadillac XLR 2006

The 2006 Cadillac XLR takes seventh with a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, mated to a five-speed automatic. It reaches 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds. A retractable hardtop, magnetic ride control, and adaptive cruise control give it credible luxury-touring equipment.

This car is for buyers wanting a distinct American convertible with Corvette-derived underpinnings and comfortable cruising manners. It trades away cargo space and rear seats, since it is a strict two-seater with a small trunk. Against the Maserati GranSport above, the XLR is more relaxed and easier to live with but slower and less charismatic.

8. Lexus SC430 2006

The 2006 Lexus SC430 ranks eighth with a 4.3-liter V8 producing 288 horsepower and 317 lb-ft, paired with a six-speed automatic. It reaches 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. A retractable aluminum hardtop, Mark Levinson audio, and plush leather define its comfort-first grand-touring approach.

This car is for buyers who prioritize reliability, quietness, and low running costs over driving excitement. It trades away sportiness and rear-seat usability, as the back seats are tiny and handling is soft. Compared with the Cadillac XLR above, the SC430 is more dependable and refined but less powerful and less distinctive in style.

9. Volvo C70 T5 2006

The 2006 Volvo C70 T5 places ninth with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five producing 218 horsepower and 236 lb-ft, driving the front wheels through a five-speed automatic. It reaches 60 mph in roughly 7.4 seconds. A three-piece retractable hardtop and four-season usability make it a practical open grand tourer.

This car is for buyers needing a convertible with genuine rear seats and safety credentials. It trades away outright pace and rear-drive dynamics, as it is front-wheel drive and modestly powered. Against the Lexus SC430 above, the C70 is more spacious and practical but slower and less luxurious.

10. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 2006

The 2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 ranks tenth with a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 producing 330 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, paired with a five-speed automatic. It reaches 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. Mercedes SLK-derived underpinnings and a fixed rear spoiler distinguish the SRT-6 from lesser Crossfires.

This car is for budget-focused buyers wanting strong straight-line performance and distinctive styling. It trades away practicality and refinement, as visibility is poor and the ride is stiff. Compared with the Volvo C70 T5 above, the SRT-6 is much quicker but less spacious, less comfortable, and harder to live with daily.

How we ranked these

We scored each 2006 grand tourer on four weighted pillars: usable performance (0-60, top speed, braking), long-distance comfort (seat support, ride compliance, cabin noise), real-world running costs (depreciation, servicing, fuel, insurance), and ownership risk (parts availability, known failure points). Performance and comfort carried equal top weight, with cost and reliability splitting the remainder. Every car was judged as a used purchase at 2006-era money, not as a showroom fantasy.

We deliberately ignored badge prestige, Nürburgring lap times, and magazine drag-race bragging rights. Those metrics reward cars that are miserable to live with daily and punish the ones that actually make a 500-mile trip feel effortless. We also excluded limited-run exotics with no realistic parts network, since a grand tourer you cannot service is not a grand tourer at all.

What to look for

Prioritise documented service history over mileage every time. A 90,000-mile car with fresh fluids, belts, and suspension bushes is a far better buy than a 40,000-mile garage queen with dried seals and original coolant. Budget immediately for a full fluid and rubber refresh on any car that has sat, and insist on a pre-purchase inspection from a marque specialist rather than a generic garage.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the fastest variant they can barely afford, then discovering the running costs are the real price of entry. Insurance, tyres, and major services on flagship models can double the annual outlay versus a mid-range trim. Buy the best-condition example of a sensible spec, keep a 20 percent reserve for deferred maintenance, and you will enjoy the car far more.

Related questions

What is the best overall 2006 grand tourer?

The class leader blends genuine pace with seats and suspension built for distance, so it stays comfortable after four hours. Look for the variant with the most complete service records rather than the highest specification, because condition and maintenance history matter more than options on a nearly twenty-year-old car.

Which 2006 grand tourer offers the best value?

The value pick is usually the mid-range model that shares its platform and engine family with a pricier flagship. You get most of the performance and nearly all the comfort for a fraction of the purchase price, and consumables like brakes and tyres cost noticeably less to replace.

How much should I budget for maintenance?

Set aside roughly 1,500 to 3,000 per year for a mainstream grand tourer, and considerably more for low-volume models. Major services, tyres, and suspension bushes dominate the bill. A pre-purchase inspection and a 20 percent contingency fund prevent small faults becoming financial shocks.

Are high-mileage grand tourers worth buying?

Often yes, provided the service history is complete and documented. High-mileage cars have usually had wear items replaced already, while low-mileage garage queens suffer dried seals, perished bushes, and stale fluids. Judge the paperwork and the inspection report, not the odometer alone.

What should a pre-purchase inspection cover?

Insist on a marque specialist who checks compression or leak-down, suspension bushes, cooling system integrity, electrical faults, and evidence of accident repair. They should also scan for stored fault codes and verify the service book against the mileage. A generic garage inspection misses model-specific failure points.

Which 2006 grand tourer is cheapest to insure?

Mainstream coupes with smaller displacement engines and strong safety ratings attract the lowest premiums. Limited-production and high-performance variants cost far more because repair parts are scarce and expensive. Always get quotes before purchase, since insurance can exceed the annual fuel bill on flagship models.

Do these cars need premium fuel?

Most 2006 grand tourers specify premium unleaded because their engines run higher compression and boost. Using regular can trigger knock sensors, reduce output, and in some models risk long-term damage. Check the fuel filler flap or handbook, and factor premium prices into your running-cost calculations.

How do I verify a car's service history?

Cross-check the stamped service book against invoices, MOT or inspection records, and mileage readings over time. Phone the listed garages to confirm the work was actually done. Inconsistent dates, missing invoices, or a book with fresh ink on old pages are all red flags worth walking away from.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer?

A grand tourer prioritises comfortable long-distance travel with genuine performance, rather than outright lap times or track focus. It typically offers two doors, a powerful engine, a well-appointed cabin, and enough luggage space for a weekend away. Ride quality, seat support, and cabin refinement matter as much as acceleration.

Are 2006 grand tourers reliable daily drivers?

Many are dependable if maintained, but nearly twenty years of age means rubber, plastics, and electronics need attention. Cooling systems, suspension bushes, and sensors are common failure points. A well-sorted example with fresh maintenance can serve daily duty, though you should expect periodic repairs.

Which has the lowest running costs?

Mainstream models with widely shared engines and plentiful parts usually cost least to run. Servicing, tyres, and brakes are cheaper, and independent specialists are easy to find. Low-volume or flagship variants can cost two to three times as much annually, even when purchase prices look similar.

Should I buy automatic or manual?

Automatics suit the grand touring brief, offering relaxed cruising and easier traffic manners. Manuals appeal to enthusiasts and can hold value better in certain markets. Drive both before deciding, and check the automatic gearbox service history, since repairs can be expensive.

How important is mileage versus condition?

Condition and documented maintenance outweigh mileage on cars of this age. A well-serviced high-mileage example often drives better than a neglected low-mileage one. Inspect wear items, check for rust, and verify records rather than fixating on the number on the dash.

What are common problem areas to check?

Inspect cooling systems, suspension bushes, electrical modules, and any turbocharger or supercharger for wear. Check for oil leaks, corroded brake lines, and evidence of accident repair. Model-specific forums and specialist inspections reveal the recurring faults unique to each car.

Do these cars hold their value?

Most 2006 grand tourers have already absorbed their steepest depreciation, so values tend to be relatively stable. Limited-run or enthusiast-favourite variants may appreciate, while mainstream models slowly decline. Condition, originality, and history drive value more than mileage at this age.

Can I use one as a year-round car?

Yes, with preparation. Fit appropriate tyres for your climate, ensure the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work properly, and check for water leaks around seals and sunroofs. Rust protection matters in salted-road regions, and a battery maintainer helps if the car sits for extended periods.

What insurance class should I expect?

Most 2006 grand tourers sit in mid-to-high insurance groups because of performance and repair costs. Flagship and low-volume models can be significantly higher. Get multiple quotes before buying, and consider agreed-value policies for well-kept or appreciating examples.

How do I negotiate the best price?

Use the inspection report to quantify needed repairs and deduct those costs from the asking price. Compare against several similar listings to establish market value. Be prepared to walk away, and remember that a thorough service history justifies paying a premium over a cheaper, undocumented car.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com
• https://www.motortrend.com
• https://www.autocar.co.uk
• https://www.topgear.com
• https://www.hagerty.com
• https://www.edmunds.com
• https://www.kbb.com
• https://www.which.co.uk

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