Three express cruisers built around the way people actually use a boat, not just how it looks leaving the marina.
Beneteau's latest Gran Turismo models take a fresh look at the express cruiser category. Rather than chasing performance numbers or heaping on features, the Gran Turismo 35, Gran Turismo 40, and Gran Turismo 50 are designed around the moments that make a day on the water worth having: easy movement around the deck, seating that invites conversation, and interiors that feel genuinely comfortable once the anchor is down.
Boating priorities have changed. Owners increasingly talk about what happens after they arrive, not just the passage itself. They want layouts that work without explanation, outdoor spaces that feel generous, and a pace aboard that matches the day. These three models take that shift seriously, and the result is a range that aligns closely with the rhythms of New Zealand boating, where good weather can appear without much notice and the best outings often have no fixed plan.
The cockpit sits at the centre of each design. Social seating, easy water access, and clear movement from one part of the boat to another are consistent priorities across all three models. Interiors follow with soft tones, considered lighting, and layouts that reward time spent slowly. The Alpine Edition finish ties the range together visually, with Signal Grey hulls and dark trim giving each boat a composed, contemporary look that avoids trying too hard.
Gran Turismo 35
The smallest of the three, the Gran Turismo 35 arrives with a clear sense of purpose. It is built for owners who want a boat that is ready when they are, uncomplicated to operate, and capable of fitting whatever the day suggests. Mornings out for a day trip, evenings swinging at anchor, and the occasional unplanned overnight all fall comfortably within its abilities.
Twin Mercury Verado outboards provide responsive, manageable power, with joystick control available for navigating tighter situations. Visibility from the helm is strong throughout.
The cockpit earns its place as the design highlight. Modular seating can be rearranged to suit the moment, while drop-down side terraces widen the boat's footprint once the hook is down. Sunpads positioned fore and aft give people somewhere easy to settle.
Down below, the approach is relaxed and unhurried. Light timber finishes, soft textures, and a practical layout make the cabin feel like a place to stay rather than a place to pass through. The forward lounge converts to a full berth, a mid cabin handles guests or extra gear, and the compact galley and enclosed head mean an overnight stay never feels like a compromise.
In a New Zealand context, the Gran Turismo 35 fits naturally. Hauraki Gulf day runs, Coromandel coast exploring, and marina living all suit its character. For many owners, ease of handling will matter just as much as any styling consideration.
Gran Turismo 40
Sitting at the centre of the range, the Gran Turismo 40 is the most versatile of the three. Entertaining, day cruising, and comfortable overnighting coexist without any one purpose crowding out the others.
Power comes in two forms: Mercury Verado outboards or Yanmar diesel inboards. Both options suit New Zealand conditions well and give owners genuine confidence in handling.
The cockpit is expansive, with dual L-shaped seating arrangements and a wet bar positioned where it gets used most. Moving between the helm and the cockpit feels natural whether the boat is underway or sitting still. A forward sunpad with adjustable backrests provides a quieter spot away from the main social area.
The interior carries the same measured character. The forward island berth has a genuinely open feel, and the midships cabin converts between guest accommodation and storage depending on the trip. A full-height head with a separate shower extends the boat's usefulness on longer stays, and storage throughout is well conceived.
This is a boat that rewards having people aboard. Couples who like to host will find it well set up for the purpose, and families who need room to spread out across a full weekend will not feel short-changed.
Gran Turismo 50
The Gran Turismo 50 moves into more committed cruising territory. It is the largest and most resolved model in the range, yet it carries the same composed character rather than tipping into ostentation. Everything feels intentional rather than excessive.
Twin Volvo D6 IPS drives provide smooth, precise performance, and joystick docking keeps marina manoeuvres manageable. The enclosed helm adds shelter without cutting off the view, maintaining the connection to what is happening outside.
On deck, the layout runs on a single level from bow to stern, allowing lounging areas to connect without interruption. The relationship between cockpit and saloon is cleanly handled when the doors are open, and a retractable hardtop with sunroof lets the boat change character as the day shifts. A tender garage and swim platform extend the usable space when moored up.
The aft galley acts as the social centre, with an island configuration that draws people together naturally. Below, the interior takes its cues from restrained Japanese design influences, pairing soft tones and balanced proportions with thoughtful lighting to give the cabins a genuinely settled atmosphere. Owners can choose between two or three cabin configurations to match the way they use the boat.
The Gran Turismo 50 is at its best on longer stays and unhurried coastal passages, where a considered layout and real comfort matter far more than outright speed.
Living with the range in New Zealand
All three models share a quality that is hard to define precisely but easy to recognise: they fit the way Kiwis actually go boating. Short trips planned the night before, quick departures that catch a weather window, and days that begin with a rough idea and end somewhere better than expected. These boats suit that way of doing things. Clear decks, uncomplicated movement, and social spaces that do not demand a manual are consistent throughout.
In the Hauraki Gulf they are well suited to bay-hopping and afternoon raft-ups. Along the Coromandel coast they offer the kind of shelter and comfort that makes staying out an easy decision. In a marina berth, they are straightforward to live with day to day. Each model feels designed for genuine use rather than a specification sheet.
The Gran Turismo range has made a deliberate choice to do a smaller number of things with real care: generous space outside, balanced and liveable interiors, and handling that builds confidence rather than demanding it. It reflects a settled confidence in what modern boats are for and how people want to use them.
The Beneteau Gran Turismo range is available in New Zealand through 36 Degrees Brokers, the authorised Beneteau dealer for New Zealand. Full specifications, brochures, and ordering and delivery guidance are available through 36 Degrees Brokers directly.
