Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018): Power, polish, and a bit of mischief

I’ve spent enough miles behind the wheel of the Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018) to know two things. One: it’s obscenely fast for something this cosseting. Two: it makes the rest of your life feel a half-step fancier. School run, airport dash, dinner in town—every errand turns into a small event. The way this luxury grand tourer blends pace with proper British pomp is why people still whisper “Continental” with a grin.

And yes, you can dress yours to fit your life. I’ll get to that. But first, the drive.

Unparalleled performance, Bentley-style

The Bentley Continental GT serves up two very different personalities. There’s the cultured 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that feels lighter on its feet and surprisingly frugal on a motorway cruise. And then there’s the big-dog 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12—more thrust, more whoosh, more “sure, let’s cross a country this afternoon.” Both run all-wheel drive with an easygoing ZF automatic (most cars after 2012 have the 8-speed), and both make long-distance gobbling their party trick.

Speed and horsepower: the cheat sheet

• V8: roughly 500–521 hp, 0–60 mph in the mid-4s, top speed just shy of 190 mph.
• W12: roughly 567–582 hp (GT), 616–633 hp (Speed), and a mighty 700 hp in the 2017 Supersports. Expect 0–60 mph from 4.4 sec down to the low-3s, with top speeds up to 209 mph for the Supersports.
• Real-world note: the V8 feels keener in bends; the W12 is the cross-continent sledgehammer.

Evolution of the Bentley Continental GT

• The 2011 redesign sharpened the lines—crisper lights, tighter surfacing—without losing the muscular stance. Familiar, but fitter.
• Mid-cycle tweaks brought more power and polish, especially to the W12 and the later Speed models, plus small but welcome cabin updates.
• Every version kept standard AWD and air suspension, which helps it ride like a lounge on rough motorways—when I tried it on pockmarked B-roads, the big Bentley stayed serene.

Did you know? The W12 is essentially two narrow-angle VR6s sharing a crank. It’s an engineering party trick that delivers a unique, silken rumble.

Bentley Continental GT: living with it day to day

There’s a particular hush in a Continental cabin—the sort that lets you hear the soft click of the organ-stop vents. Seats are plush and heated, the steering wheel feels cut from a better tree, and the ride is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back. The rear seats are fine for school-age children or the occasional adult hop across town; for long trips, think of it as a 2+2 with very nice luggage space.

Quirks? The infotainment is very “early 2010s.” Functional, but dated by today’s standards and missing modern perks like Apple CarPlay. The driving position is spot on after a fiddle, though if you’re tall, the thick pillars can pinch over-the-shoulder visibility. Small prices to pay for the theater of arrival.

Make it yours: interior accessories that actually matter

Full disclosure: I’m fussy about cabins. A few owners mentioned to me that factory mats can look tired faster than you’d expect, especially in pale interiors. That’s where tailored accessories help. At AutoWin, the floor mats designed for the Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018) do two things I care about: they fit perfectly and they look like they belong in a premium SUV or coupe-level cabin—no loose edges, no clashing textures.

• Custom-fit patterns for 2011–2018 cars
• Raised edges to trap sand, rain, or the occasional ski-trip slush
• Easy to clean, with a finish that suits Bentley-spec leathers and veneers

Side tip: If you do winter trips or beach weekends, darker mats with contrast trim hide dirt better and still look the part.

AutoWin: easy ways to elevate your Bentley Continental GT

No one buys a Bentley to accept “good enough.” That’s why I like that AutoWin carries a range matched to this generation—colors, stitching, and patterns that complement the trim (Piano Black, Dark Stain Burr Walnut, you name it). Their e-shop is straightforward: browse, pick your spec, and get back to planning that Alpine ski weekend.

Want to see everything in one place? www.autowin.com has the full spread for the Continental GT, from practical picks to “treat yourself” pieces.

Buying used: what I look for on a test drive

• Ride quality: no untoward thumps over rough roads; air suspension should stay level and supple.
• Brakes and steering: firm, progressive pedal; steering should be smooth on lock without graunching.
• Electronics: test every switch, seat function, camera, and the infotainment. Dated is fine; glitchy isn’t.
• Service history: these cars like fresh fluids and regular attention. A thick folder is your friend.
• Tires: a GT this heavy eats cheap rubber. Premium tires tell you an owner who cared.

How the Bentley Continental GT stacks up

• Aston Martin DB9/DB11: feels more exotic, less isolating. Bentley is the better long-hauler.
• Porsche 911 Turbo: quicker point-to-point and more agile. The Bentley rides quieter and feels richer inside.
• Mercedes S-Class Coupe: sublime comfort; the Continental GT adds more sense of occasion and old-world charm.
• Maserati GranTurismo: glorious noise, lighter on tech. The Bentley is faster and more robust as a daily.

Interesting facts about the Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018)

• The twin-turbo W12 delivers a distinctive, velvety soundtrack—more hush than howl.
• Standard all-wheel drive brings year-round confidence, even in rain or light snow.
• The cabin mixes real metal, rich veneers, and deep-pile carpets—still special a decade on.
• The iconic “Flying B” mascot is a nod to Bentley’s pre-war racers and coachbuilt grandeur.
• Yes, the 2017 Supersports really does have 700 hp. It feels like a private jet on takeoff.

Final word: why the Bentley Continental GT still hits

Even now, the Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018) nails the grand touring brief. It’s quick enough to giggle, comfortable enough to cross borders without complaint, and classy in the way only a Bentley can be. Spec a V8 if you prefer a lighter step; choose a W12 if you want that endless surge. Either way, make it yours with the right accessories—and keep it looking showroom fresh with quality pieces from AutoWin.

FAQs: Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018)

• How quick is it? Depending on trim, 0–60 mph ranges from about 4.6 seconds (V8) to 3.4 seconds (Supersports).
• V8 or W12—which should I pick? V8 for agility and slightly better economy; W12 for effortless, silk-smooth thrust. The GT Speed and Supersports turn everything up to 11.
• Is it a good daily driver? Yes. AWD, comfy seats, and a hushed ride make it easy to live with—just keep an eye on city curbs and tire quality.
• What about tech? It’s period-correct: reliable but dated versus modern systems. Make sure all functions work during your test drive.
• Do the AutoWin mats fit this generation? Yes—AutoWin’s Continental GT (2011–2018) floor mats are tailored to this model for a precise fit and easy cleaning.