Grand Touring vs Standard Touring: Weighing the Pros and Cons of BMW’s Touring Models

Introducing Grand Touring vs Standard Touring

Grand Touring (GT) and Standard Touring are two categories of luxury and performance automobiles that share some similarities but also have distinct differences.

Understanding these differences is important when selecting a car to purchase or lease.

GT cars are designed for comfortable high-speed long-distance driving. They combine luxury, amenities and the ability to maintain high average speeds for extended periods.

GT cars have powerful engines, responsive handling, and an interior focused on occupant comfort.

Standard Touring cars also offer a comfortable ride and luxury interior but are more optimized for everyday driving rather than high performance.

They focus more on passenger space, cargo room, and technology amenities rather than engine power and handling agility.

The GT vs Touring decision comes down to your priorities as a driver. If you want higher performance for traveling long distances quickly, GT is the way to go.

If you prioritize passenger and cargo space for daily around-town driving, a Standard Touring model would be a better fit.

Knowing how you plan to use your vehicle will determine which category will better suit your needs.

History of Grand Touring Cars

Grand touring cars originated in Europe in the early 1900s and were characterized by powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and capable handling for high-speed touring.

The concept gained popularity in the interwar period with models like the Mercedes-Benz SSK and Bentley Speed Six.

After World War II, grand touring cars saw a major resurgence, especially in Europe. Iconic grand tourers like the Ferrari 250 GT and Aston Martin DB5 emerged in the 1950s and 1960s.

These cars emphasized high performance, long-distance comfort, and stylish design.

In the 1980s, Japanese automakers also rose to prominence in the grand touring segment.

Cars like the Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline, and Mazda RX-7 offered the speed, luxury, and handling expected of grand tourers at more affordable prices.

This expanded the popularity of grand touring cars globally.

Typical Features of Grand Touring Cars

Grand Touring cars tend to have more powerful engines than their Standard Touring counterparts.

This gives them increased acceleration and higher top speeds. The engines are often 6 or 8 cylinder configurations that produce 300+ horsepower.

Turbocharging or supercharging may be used to further increase power output.

The suspension and steering systems on Grand Touring cars are designed for better handling and control at higher speeds.

Components like stiffer shocks, larger brakes, wider tires, and quicker steering ratios allow a Grand Touring car to take corners with more grip and stability.

This improves the driving experience on curvy roads.

The interiors of Grand Touring cars focus more on comfort for the driver and passengers.

You’ll find supportive sport seats, premium sound systems, and nicer materials throughout the cabin.

Additional amenities like heated/ventilated seats, navigation systems, and heads-up displays create a luxurious environment tailored to long-distance driving.

Overall, Grand Touring cars emphasize performance, with the power, handling, and comfort needed for effortless high-speed cruising over long distances.

Driving enjoyment is prioritized over practicality.

History of Standard Touring Cars

The history of standard touring cars begins in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of mass automobile production.

As automakers like Ford pioneered assembly line manufacturing, cars became more affordable and accessible to middle class families.

Early touring cars were open-top vehicles focused on comfort and passenger space over performance.

They enabled middle class people to take leisure drives through the countryside.

As mass production expanded through the 1920s, closed sedan bodies became more common.

Standard features like roll-up windows, heaters, and radios started to emerge. Brands like Chevrolet and Plymouth offered touring cars catered to average consumers.

These accessible and affordable models helped drive the growth of the middle class market in the U.S.

By the 1950s, many of the features we expect in cars today had become standardized – closed steel bodies, automatic transmissions, tubeless tires, etc.

While performance models still existed, the majority of cars sold in the postwar era were sensible four-door sedans focused on comfort, space, and affordability.

The standard American family touring car ideal took hold during this time.

Typical Features of Standard Touring Cars

Standard touring cars focus on practicality, efficiency, and affordability rather than performance.

Here are some typical features of standard touring cars:

• More basic and understated styling compared to grand touring cars. Aesthetics are not the priority.
• 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback body styles. The focus is on interior space and practicality rather than performance.
• Smaller engine sizes, usually 4-cylinders. This helps maximize fuel efficiency. Turbocharging may be used to boost power on higher trims.
• Less emphasis on top speed or acceleration. 0-60 mph times are usually 8+ seconds. Top speeds around 120 mph.
• Softer suspension tuning provides a more comfortable ride compared to grand touring cars. Handling is not as sharp.
• More basic interior materials and finishes compared to grand touring cars. The focus is on functionality rather than luxury.
• Lower starting prices around $25k – $35k. More affordable trims and options keep the price down.
• Advanced driver aids and tech available on higher trims. But focus is on value rather than lavish features.
• High fuel economy, often 30+ mpg combined. This is achieved through efficient engines and aerodynamics.

So in summary, standard touring cars emphasize sensible features and solid value, rather than sporty performance or upscale amenities.

They offer practical transportation for the everyday driver.

Performance Differences

When it comes to performance, Grand Touring cars are designed to excel, while Standard Touring cars offer more modest capabilities.

This comes down to key differences in horsepower, torque, and handling between the two categories.

• Horsepower and Torque – Grand Touring cars typically have high-output engines generating 300-500+ horsepower. Their turbocharged engines produce abundant torque for rapid acceleration. Standard Touring cars have engines with 200-300 horsepower and less torque.
• Acceleration – The extra power of a Grand Touring car allows it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds in many cases. Standard Touring cars are slower, taking 5-7+ seconds to reach 60 mph.
• Handling – Grand Touring cars have performance-tuned suspensions, larger brakes, and quick variable-ratio steering for nimble handling at high speeds. Standard Touring cars have comfortable but less agile suspensions and steering tuned for modest speeds.
• Braking – Large disc brakes on all four wheels give Grand Touring cars short stopping distances. Standard Touring cars have smaller brakes that can’t match the braking performance.

Overall, Grand Touring cars provide an exhilarating level of acceleration, cornering grip, and braking far beyond a Standard Touring model.

Drivers who enjoy pushing a car’s limits will find the Grand Touring’s capabilities highly rewarding.

Cost Differences

Grand touring cars come at a premium price compared to their standard touring counterparts.

The starting MSRP for a grand touring model is often $5,000-$10,000 or more above an equivalent standard touring model.

This price difference comes from the additional features and higher-performance engines in grand touring trims.

Insurance costs will also be higher for grand touring models, given their more powerful engines and higher values.

Expect to pay 10-20% more for insurance on a grand touring versus a standard touring model.

Fuel economy suffers slightly in grand touring cars as well. While engine technology has improved efficiency across all models, the bigger engines in grand touring trims reduce mpg by 1-3 on average compared to standard touring. This can add up at the pump over time.

Maintenance and repair costs should also be considered. The bigger brakes, larger wheels, and performance-tuned suspensions on grand touring cars may require more frequent service and higher-cost parts when repairs are needed.

The premium interior materials and technology features also make repairs and replacements more expensive.

Overall, the additional upfront cost is typically the largest difference. But insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repair costs are also factors to consider from a total cost of ownership perspective when choosing between grand touring and standard touring cars.

The premium pricing matches the upgraded performance and amenities of grand touring models.

But buyers should carefully weigh if these features are worth the long-term costs compared to a standard touring car.

Which is Right for You?

Whether a grand touring or standard touring car is right for you depends on several factors:

Budget

Grand touring cars are generally more expensive than their standard touring counterparts.

They often have more powerful engines, upgraded interiors, and additional luxury features that increase the sticker price.

If budget is a top concern, a standard touring model may be the better choice.

However, some automakers offer entry-level grand touring trim levels on popular models to make them more accessible.

These provide a middle ground between regular and high-end trims in terms of pricing.

Performance Needs

Grand touring cars place a priority on performance, with more horsepower and sportier handling.

Their powerful engines and optimized suspensions make them fun to drive on curvy roads.

Standard touring cars offer adequate acceleration and handling, but are tuned more for comfort and fuel efficiency.

If you want a true performance vehicle, a grand touring model is likely the way to go.

Passenger and Cargo Space

Although grand touring cars evoke images of two-door coupes, many automakers offer four-door grand touring models with ample rear seat legroom and cargo space.

However, standard touring cars do tend to offer a bit more interior room overall.

If you need maximum interior space to haul passengers and gear, a more practical standard touring model may be the better pick.

But don’t rule out grand touring cars, as some provide decent interior room as well.

Luxury and Features

Grand touring models place a premium on luxury, using high-end materials like leather and wood trim throughout the cabin.

They also boast technology features like premium sound systems, heads-up displays, and advanced driver aids.

Standard touring cars still offer nice interiors and features, but materials are often more basic, and tech is scaled back.

If you want all the luxury touches, it’s hard to beat a well-appointed grand touring model.

Driving Experience

Ultimately, grand touring and standard touring cars deliver different driving experiences.

Grand touring cars provide an exciting, performance-oriented drive, while standard models focus more on comfort and refinement.

Think about the type of driving enjoyment you want, and choose the category that best fits your personality behind the wheel.

Test drive both types to see which puts a smile on your face.

Popular Grand Touring Models

Grand touring cars typically come from luxury and performance brands that emphasize comfort, quality, and driving enjoyment over raw performance numbers.

Here are some of the most popular grand touring models:

BMW

The BMW 5 Series and 7 Series sedans offer refined grand touring experiences. These large BMWs have powerful engines, excellent handling, and highly adjustable seats that make long drives enjoyable.

Standard features include leather upholstery, wood trim, and the latest technology like heads-up displays and gesture control.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes emphasizes luxury and comfort in its grand touring cars like the S-Class and E-Class sedans and coupes.

They offer sublime interiors with massaging seats, ambient lighting, and the latest infotainment.

Mercedes sedans have cultivated a reputation for being some of the most comfortable and quiet cars on the road.

Lexus

Lexus grand touring models like the LS sedan provide whisper-quiet cabins, unparalleled build quality, and the latest amenities.

The Lexus LC coupe demonstrates that Lexus can produce an emotional and exhilarating grand touring experience as well.

Lexus reliability and dealership experience are also strong selling points.

Porsche

While known for sports cars, Porsche makes gran turismo models like the Panamera sedan.

The Panamera has a roomy, driver-focused interior, communicative steering, and incredible engines that make it engaging to drive.

The Porsche Cayenne SUV also blends performance and luxury for a unique take on a grand touring vehicle.

Jaguar

Jaguar’s XJ and XF sedans have a timeless appeal with their sleek designs and cultivated British charm.

Jaguar emphasizes driving dynamics, so its grand touring cars have responsive handling and powerful supercharged engines.

Interiors have traditional wood and leather alongside the latest technology.

Popular Standard Touring Models

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are two of the most popular midsize sedans on the market.

Known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, they offer a balance of comfort, technology, and value.

The Camry delivers a smooth and quiet ride, along with ample interior space and modern tech features.

It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision braking and lane departure alert.

The Accord provides responsive handling, upscale cabin materials, and advanced driver assists like adaptive cruise control.

Domestic automakers also have strong contenders in this category. The Ford Fusion offers sharp looks, athletic handling, and high safety scores.

The Chevy Malibu emphasizes comfort with a spacious, inviting interior and a smooth ride.

Both the Fusion and Malibu come loaded with connectivity tech and active safety features.

For shoppers seeking an affordable, well-rounded family sedan with low ownership costs, the Camry and Accord are go-to choices.

The Fusion and Malibu appeal to buyers who want style, comfort and advanced technology in an American brand. Any of these practical sedans make an excellent daily driver.