The Grand Tour Returns September 4 with Malaysia Featured in New Series

Amazon Prime Video has officially announced the return of The Grand Tour, confirming that the new series will premiere on September 4, 2026. This relaunch marks a significant shift for the long-running automotive programme as it transitions to a completely new presenting lineup following the departure of the original trio.

The new series will consist of six episodes, continuing the show’s legacy of high-budget road trips and the testing of exotic machinery. Stepping into the roles famously held by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond are James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, known for their work on the Throttle House automotive channel, alongside the train enthusiast and social media personality Francis Bourgeois.

According to the original publisher, the new season aims to maintain the signature blend of humour and technical car analysis that defined the show’s previous iterations. This series follows the stand-alone episode One for the Road, which aired back on September 13, 2024. Despite the major casting overhaul, the production has reportedly secured the public endorsement of Clarkson, providing a bridge of continuity for long-time fans.

Perhaps the most significant detail for local audiences is the inclusion of Malaysia as a featured location within the six-episode arc. The production team has utilised the country’s diverse landscape for their signature adventures, marking a high-profile international showcase of local roads and scenery on one of the world's most prominent streaming platforms.

For the Malaysian automotive sector, this feature serves as a significant spotlight on the local driving environment. As Malaysia navigates a complex fuel landscape—with RON95 currently priced at RM2.05 under the SKPS scheme and unsubsidised petrol reaching RM3.77 per litre—the show’s presence brings attention to the country’s motoring culture amidst a backdrop of changing economic dynamics. For local enthusiasts and SMEs within the car modification and tourism sectors, such international exposure can often lead to increased interest in local road touring and regional automotive events.

Furthermore, the show’s focus on exotic machinery offers a stark contrast to the current realities of the domestic market. With the national economy experiencing a robust 6.0% year-on-year real GDP growth, there is a visible uptick in consumer spending power, though the majority of the market remains focused on utility and fuel efficiency. The programme’s tendency to push vehicles to their limits may offer a refreshing, albeit escapist, look at performance engineering that differs from the daily concerns of managing fuel costs or transitioning to electric vehicle alternatives.

The revival of The Grand Tour sits within a broader trend of international media houses re-evaluating their content strategies for the Southeast Asian region. As Malaysia continues to balance its inflationary pressures—currently standing at 1.8%—with a stable unemployment rate of 3.0%, the appetite for high-quality entertainment remains strong. The show is expected to draw substantial viewership, potentially influencing trends in automotive content creation within Malaysia’s own digital creator economy.

Looking ahead, industry observers will be watching to see how the new hosts integrate into the show's established format. The chemistry between Engelsman, Holland, and Bourgeois remains the biggest variable in the show's potential for longevity.

Specific details regarding the exact episode in which Malaysia will appear or the specific locations visited remain unconfirmed by the studio. Fans will have to wait until the September 4 premiere to see which Malaysian routes were chosen for the filming of the series.