Beneteau Gran Turismo 45

Overview

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 45 is an approximately 48-foot sport cruiser, part of the new generation of Express Cruisers, emphasising the fusion of ‘performance, comfort and social space’.

Featuring an Air Step® hull and hardtop design, the vessel offers a seamless indoor-outdoor experience through large portholes and an opening roof.

Positioned as a modern lifestyle yacht, it combines sporty performance with living comfort comparable to that of a flybridge yacht, making it a pivotal model within the GT series.
 

Key Highlights

 

• Air Step® hull technology: Enhances speed performance and optimises fuel efficiency
• Open hardtop + electric sunroof: Delivers a truly integrated indoor-outdoor experience
• Full-beam owner’s cabin: Generous living space rarely found in the 46–48-foot class
• Flexible cabin layout: Choice of 2 or 3 cabins to suit different requirements
• IPS or Z-drive propulsion options: Balances manoeuvrability and performance

Use Cases & Suitable Audience

The Gran Turismo 45 is primarily suited to coastal cruising, weekend getaways and frequent short-haul voyages. Its sporty performance and 30-knot top speed make it ideal for island hopping or fast shuttle routes. Meanwhile, the large U-shaped cockpit and sunbathing area are perfect for gatherings with friends, water sports and casual socialising.

This yacht is suited to owners who prefer to helm themselves and value the driving experience, particularly those upgrading from the 40-foot class. For younger owners or families, it offers a good balance between space, performance and design.
 

Cost of Ownership & Market Perspective

In terms of ownership costs, the Gran Turismo 45 is more competitively priced than comparable Italian sports yachts (such as the Azimut Atlantis series), whilst benefiting from a well-established maintenance network. The IPS system offers clear advantages in terms of ease of handling, but long-term maintenance costs are slightly higher than those of traditional shaft drives.

From a market perspective, as a mass-production brand, Beneteau enjoys good liquidity in the second-hand market, though the brand premium is limited. Consequently, this model is better suited to buyers prioritising ‘utility value’ rather than those seeking investment or capital preservation.
 

Buying Advice

If your core requirement is ‘a sport cruiser that combines speed, design and a social experience’, then the Gran Turismo 45 is a very well-balanced choice. It strikes a good balance between performance and comfort, making it particularly suitable for short, frequent trips and weekend getaways.

However, this boat is geared more towards ‘recreation and lifestyle’ than ocean-going cruising or long-term living. If your sailing requirements lean towards longer voyages or you need greater capacity, you might consider a larger model or a flybridge yacht.