Beneteau has long been recognized as one of Europe’s most influential boatbuilders, with a heritage that spans more than a century and a global fleet cruising in nearly every major yachting destination. Now, the French shipyard enters a new chapter with the complete redesign of its Gran Turismo line. The all-new Gran Turismo 35, 40, and 50 reflect a unified shift in philosophy, combining advanced hull engineering, contemporary styling, and a refined onboard experience shaped for today’s express cruiser.
As Beneteau’s official dealer in the Philippines and Indonesia, we at Europa Yachts recognize this evolution as a defining moment for yacht ownership in Southeast Asia. With changing marina infrastructure, including the emergence of Bali Gapura Marina, and increasingly sophisticated ownership expectations, the region calls for vessels that balance performance with purposeful design. In this short feature, we’ll closely examine how each Gran Turismo model answers these demands in its own distinctive way.
Gran Turismo 35: Precision and Performance for Agile Cruising
The Gran Turismo 35 is designed for agile cruising and confident handling in every passage. Built on Beneteau’s proven Air Step hull technology, the GT 35 channels air beneath the hull to reduce drag and increase lift. This innovation improves acceleration, efficiency, and stability, giving you a smoother ride whether you’re navigating coastal waters or tackling more challenging conditions.
That performance edge becomes especially clear on routes where sea states can shift quickly, such as the stretch between Batangas and Mindoro, the coastal runs off Palawan, or the swells near Bali. Yet agility doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. The GT 35’s cockpit is thoughtfully arranged for social cruising, with convertible seating and an intuitive helm layout that keeps you in control without feeling confined. Below deck, the interior feels bright and deliberate, with quality finishes that reflect Beneteau’s Sport-Lux direction. Experienced captains navigating the Verde Island Passage particularly value how the Air Step hull maintains its grip in a following sea, minimizing the bow-steering often felt in more traditional hull designs.
For those who favor responsive handling and efficient coastal passages, the GT 35 offers a compelling entry into the new Gran Turismo era. It feels equally at home during quick getaways and regional cruising where speed and composure matter most.
Gran Turismo 40: Elevated Space with Confident Handling
Step up to the Gran Turismo 40 and you immediately notice a stronger presence on the water. Designed by Nuvolari & Lenard, the yacht introduces expanded cockpit living areas, fluid circulation, and a helm station that feels purpose-built for extended cruising. While it carries forward Beneteau’s contemporary lines, it adds a level of spatial generosity that appeals to owners who entertain regularly.
The GT 40 also benefits from the brand’s advanced hull engineering, including the Air Step system integrated into its planing architecture. In the varied sea conditions typical of longer runs toward Cebu or navigating the transit from Singapore to the new Bali Gapura Marina, this translates into controlled trim and stable tracking. This efficiency allows the yacht to stay on plane at lower speeds, providing a significant tactical advantage in fuel management when crossing the open stretches of the Java Sea.
Inside, the layout supports both day cruising and overnight stays, with comfortable accommodations and carefully selected materials that maintain a cohesive aesthetic. From weekend escapes to multi-day coastal routes, the GT 40 occupies a thoughtful middle ground in the range, offering greater onboard volume than the 35 while retaining agility that encourages confident handling across Southeast Asia’s dynamic sailing regions.
Gran Turismo 50: Sport-Lux Design Meets Naval Architecture Excellence
At the top of the range, the Gran Turismo 50 introduces a deeper level of design collaboration. Naval architecture by Bill Dixon shapes the hull’s performance profile, ensuring stability and responsiveness even as the yacht increases in scale. His work, widely respected in European yacht design circles, brings a level of refinement that serious owners recognize.
Inside, Beneteau’s Sport-Lux philosophy becomes fully realized. The GT 50’s interior integrates premium finishes and layered textures, along with contemporary styling, that feel aligned with the expectations of modern professionals. The salon flows naturally into outdoor living areas, creating continuity between relaxation and performance. Cabins are proportioned for extended cruising, making longer voyages to Palawan or multiple Indonesian islands over several days entirely comfortable.
While the GT 50 offers enhanced volume and amenities, it retains a performance-oriented identity. Acceleration remains responsive, and helm ergonomics are carefully considered. For owners who value naval architecture pedigree alongside modern styling, the GT 50 represents a flagship choice that aligns performance credibility with executive-level comfort.
Explore the New Gran Turismo Range with Europa Yachts
Beneteau’s new era in the Gran Turismo line reflects a clear commitment to performance-driven design and contemporary onboard lifestyle. The 35, 40, and 50 each interpret that vision differently, offering distinct cruising profiles suited to Southeast Asia’s varied waters.
As Beneteau’s official dealer in the Philippines and Indonesia, Europa Yachts serves as your direct link to Europe’s premier boatmakers, ensuring access to this next generation of express cruisers. From initial consultation to delivery and after-sales support, our team ensures your ownership experience reflects the same precision and refinement built into every Gran Turismo model.
Ready to step aboard the new generation of express cruisers? Request a Private Consultation with our experts today and discover your new Gran Turismo.
