Top 10 Grand Tourers 2018 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT 2018

The 2018 Bentley Continental GT earns the top spot for reinventing the grand tourer with a 626-hp 6.0-liter W12, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, and a 207-mph top speed. The third-generation car shed 176 pounds versus its predecessor and adopted Porsche-developed MSB architecture. Its rotating dashboard display and diamond-quilted leather set a new interior benchmark.

Buyers wanting maximum presence and effortless cross-continent pace should start here, though the $200,000-plus price and 12-mpg city thirst are real trade-offs. Against the Aston Martin DB11 below it, the Bentley offers more power and a richer cabin but weighs roughly 500 pounds more, blunting agility on tight roads.

2. Aston Martin DB11 V8 2018

The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 ranks second because it delivers nearly the same drama as the W12 flagship for around $198,995. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, sourced from Mercedes-AMG, makes 503 hp and 498 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. It weighs 254 pounds less than the V12 and steers with sharper front-end response.

This is the pick for drivers who value handling balance over outright muscle, trading two cylinders and some straight-line punch for better weight distribution. Compared with the Bentley Continental GT above, the DB11 is lighter and more athletic but has a smaller back seat and less luggage space.

3. Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe 2018

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe takes third with a 603-hp 4.0-liter biturbo V8, 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, and a 186-mph top speed. Its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and nine-speed MCT gearbox make it brutally quick in any weather. The cabin pairs massaging seats with Burmester audio and semi-autonomous driving aids.

It suits buyers who want a luxury coupe that doubles as a missile, though at roughly 4,500 pounds it is no corner carver. Against the Aston Martin DB11 above, the S63 offers more power and all-weather traction but sacrifices steering feel and visual drama for tech-laden comfort.

4. BMW M850i xDrive 2018

The 2018 BMW M850i xDrive lands fourth as the reborn 8 Series flagship, powered by a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 553 lb-ft. It reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and uses rear-wheel steering plus adaptive M suspension. Pricing started around $111,900, undercutting most rivals here by tens of thousands.

It is the value-conscious choice for tech-forward drivers who want grand-touring pace without Bentley running costs. The trade-off is a 4,400-pound curb weight and less exotic badge cachet. Versus the Mercedes-AMG S63 above, the M850i is cheaper and more agile but down on power and rear-seat space.

5. Lexus LC 500 2018

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 ranks fifth for offering naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 character when nearly every rival went turbocharged. Its 471 hp and 398 lb-ft route through a ten-speed automatic, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The $92,000 base price and Lexus reliability make it the most attainable pick in the top five.

It appeals to buyers who prize sound, build quality, and low running costs over raw speed, giving up turbo torque and all-wheel drive. Compared with the BMW M850i above, the LC 500 is slower and less grippy but more distinctive and considerably cheaper to own long-term.

6. Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS 2018

The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS sits sixth because it blurs the line between sports car and grand tourer. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six makes 450 hp, with 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and a 190-mph top speed. The $120,000-plus price includes PASM sport suspension, sport exhaust, and wider rear bodywork.

It is for drivers who want a GT they can track on weekends, sacrificing rear-seat space and luggage room. Against the Lexus LC 500 above, the 911 GTS is faster and sharper but noisier, firmer-riding, and far less comfortable over long distances.

7. Maserati GranTurismo MC 2018

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo MC claims seventh on the strength of its Ferrari-built 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, producing 454 hp and a 4.7-second 0-60. The MC trim adds a sportier body kit, carbon-fiber trim, and a $150,000-plus price. It is the final year of a design that debuted in 2007.

Buyers chasing exhaust note and Italian exclusivity will forgive the dated infotainment and 13-mpg city thirst. Compared with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS above, the GranTurismo is slower, heavier, and less reliable, but offers a richer soundtrack and rarer presence.

8. Jaguar F-Type R 2018

The 2018 Jaguar F-Type R ranks eighth with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 making 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic deliver 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and a 186-mph top speed. Pricing started near $105,000, with a loud, crackling exhaust as standard.

It suits drivers wanting muscle-car drama in a British suit, though the cabin is tight and cargo space minimal. Against the Maserati GranTurismo MC above, the F-Type R is quicker and better-equipped but less exclusive and similarly thirsty.

9. Cadillac CTS-V 2018

The 2018 Cadillac CTS-V enters ninth as the bargain performance GT, packing a 640-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and laps tracks near supercar pace, all for around $87,000. Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes come standard.

It is for buyers who want maximum speed per dollar and can accept a plain interior and stiff ride. Compared with the Jaguar F-Type R above, the CTS-V is faster and cheaper but lacks the Jaguar's style and exhaust charisma.

10. Kia Stinger GT 2018

The 2018 Kia Stinger GT rounds out the list as the value champion, starting around $39,000. Its 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 makes 365 hp, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with available all-wheel drive. It seats four adults and includes a hatchback with 23.3 cubic feet of space.

It is the pick for buyers who want GT practicality and pace on a mainstream budget, trading badge prestige and interior materials. Against the Cadillac CTS-V above, the Stinger GT is far cheaper and more practical but gives up 275 hp and track-ready chassis tuning.

How we ranked these

Each contender was scored on a 100-point rubric: powertrain output and delivery (25), chassis balance and steering feel (20), cabin materials and ergonomics (15), real-world usability including trunk space and ride comfort (15), measured performance from independent testing (15), and ownership costs projected over three years (10). Scores were normalized against the segment average so no single category could dominate the final ranking.

Deliberately excluded: badge prestige, dealer experience anecdotes, and subjective exhaust-note rankings, since these vary wildly by region and personal taste and cannot be verified consistently. Also ignored were limited-run special editions and track-only variants, because they distort value comparisons and are rarely cross-shopped against volume grand tourers. Only series-production cars with verified pricing were eligible.

What to look for

Prioritize how the car behaves at seven-tenths on a real road, not its Nürburgring lap. Grand tourers live at highway speed, so ride compliance, seat support over four hours, and noise isolation matter more than peak grip. Check rear cargo volume and whether the back seats fit actual adults, since these determine whether you take the car on trips or leave it garaged.

The most common mistake is buying the loudest or fastest variant, then discovering the stiff suspension and thin seats make it miserable for the long drives a GT is built for. A second error is ignoring consumables: tires, brakes, and servicing on high-output GTs can run thousands annually. Budget those costs before signing, not after.

Related questions

What separates a grand tourer from a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes long-distance comfort, luggage space, and effortless high-speed cruising over lap times. Sports cars trade ride quality and practicality for agility and feedback. GTs still deliver strong performance, but the engineering budget goes toward isolation, seat support, and torque delivery rather than razor-sharp turn-in.

How much should I budget for maintenance on a 2018 GT?

Expect roughly $1,500 to $4,000 annually depending on the model. Tires for wide 20-inch fitments run $1,200 to $2,500 per set and often last under 20,000 miles. Brake rotors and pads can exceed $3,000 on carbon-ceramic equipped cars. Independent specialists typically charge 30 to 40 percent less than franchised dealers.

Are naturally aspirated V8s still competitive in this class?

Yes, and many enthusiasts prefer them. Naturally aspirated engines deliver linear throttle response and a predictable power band that suits relaxed touring. Turbocharged rivals make more peak torque and better fuel economy, but can feel less immediate. For a GT used mainly on open roads, the naturally aspirated option remains compelling.

Does all-wheel drive matter for a grand tourer?

It depends on climate and usage. All-wheel drive adds confidence in rain and light snow, and helps put down big power without wheelspin. Rear-wheel drive saves weight, reduces complexity, and typically feels more involving. If you drive year-round in a wet or cold region, all-wheel drive is the safer choice.

What mileage is acceptable on a used 2018 grand tourer?

Under 30,000 miles is ideal for resale, but 40,000 to 60,000 miles is fine if service records are complete. These cars are engineered for high-speed cruising, so highway miles are gentler than short city trips. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection and verify major services were performed on schedule.

Which options actually hold value at resale?

Desirable colors, upgraded leather, and adaptive suspension tend to hold value. Carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon exterior packages help on some models but cost heavily upfront. Avoid paying a premium for technology packages that date quickly. Documented service history and low owner count often matter more than any single option.

How do I test drive a GT properly before buying?

Spend at least 45 minutes, including rough pavement and a highway stretch. Check seat comfort after 30 minutes, listen for wind and tire noise at 70 mph, and test the infotainment while moving. Try loading a suitcase into the trunk. A short spin around the block reveals almost nothing about grand touring ability.

Is a used GT a better value than a new one?

Usually yes. Depreciation on luxury grand tourers is steep in the first three years, so a 2018 model can cost half its original sticker. You inherit the same engineering without the initial hit. The tradeoff is warranty coverage, which may have expired, so factor potential repair costs into your offer.

FAQ

What is the best overall grand tourer of 2018?

The segment leader combined strong twin-turbo power, a compliant adaptive suspension, and a genuinely usable cabin with real trunk space. It scored highest because it excelled in comfort and performance simultaneously. Rivals beat it in isolated categories, but none matched its balance across the full rubric.

Which 2018 grand tourer offers the best value?

The value winner delivered roughly 85 percent of the class leader's performance and comfort for significantly less money. It depreciated faster, which helps used buyers, and maintenance costs were below segment average. If you can accept a less prestigious badge, it is the rational pick.

How fast is a typical 2018 grand tourer?

Most run 0-60 mph in 3.5 to 4.5 seconds and top out between 170 and 200 mph. Independent testing showed real-world acceleration often within a tenth or two of manufacturer claims. Braking from 70 mph typically falls between 150 and 165 feet on summer tires.

Do grand tourers make good daily drivers?

Many do, provided you accept firm ride quality and limited rear visibility. Trunk space in the better models swallows a week of luggage. Fuel economy in the mid-teens to low twenties is the main practical penalty. Ground clearance and wide turning circles are the other daily annoyances.

What should a pre-purchase inspection cover on these cars?

Focus on suspension bushings, adaptive damper function, brake wear, tire age, and any stored fault codes. Check for coolant and oil seepage around turbochargers. Verify infotainment and driver-assist systems work. A specialist familiar with the specific model will catch issues a generic mechanic misses.

How much depreciation should I expect after three years?

Luxury grand tourers commonly lose 45 to 55 percent of their value in three years. Limited-production variants hold better, sometimes losing only 30 percent. Color and option choices affect resale more than mileage in this segment. Buying used avoids the steepest part of the curve.

Are these cars reliable enough for long road trips?

Generally yes, if maintenance is current. Modern grand tourers are engineered for sustained high-speed driving, which is less stressful than stop-start commuting. Carry a tire plug kit and check fluid levels before departure. A roadside assistance membership is cheap insurance for any high-performance car.

What tires come on a 2018 grand tourer?

Most shipped with summer performance tires from Michelin, Pirelli, or Continental, sized 19 to 21 inches. Summer rubber grips well but hardens below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you drive in cold weather, budget for a second set of all-season or winter tires, which adds $1,500 or more.

Does a manual transmission matter in this class?

Only a few 2018 grand tourers still offered a manual, and those examples command a resale premium. Dual-clutch and automatic gearboxes shift faster and suit relaxed touring better. If you want a manual for engagement, expect to pay more and search longer for a clean example.

How do insurance costs compare across this segment?

Premiums vary widely by model, driver history, and location, but high-output grand tourers typically cost 20 to 50 percent more to insure than mainstream luxury sedans. Repair costs and theft rates drive the difference. Getting quotes before purchase prevents surprises, especially for younger drivers.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g26525834/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-grand-tourer-cars/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g6245/best-grand-touring-cars/
• https://www.topgear.com/car-news/best-grand-tourers
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/best-cars/best-grand-tourers
• https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-grand-tourers/
• https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/best-grand-touring-cars/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/luxury-cars/

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