Bentley Continental GTC (2011–2018): Open-Top Grandeur With Bite
I’ve always thought of the Bentley Continental GTC as a rolling oxford shoe: beautifully made, quietly confident, and surprisingly good when you lean on it. The Bentley Continental GTC (2011–2018) is that rare luxury convertible that can cosset across town and then cannon across a continent without breaking a sweat. Roof down, W12 humming, night air rolling in off the Riviera—this is what the GTC is for. And yes, I noticed right away: it feels properly special the moment you tug the heavy door and settle into that quilted leather.
The Legacy of the Bentley Continental GTC
The second-generation GTC arrived in 2011, essentially the open-roof sibling to the reborn Continental GT. It sharpened the original icon without losing its gentlemanly charm. Under the elegantly creased bonnet sat either a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 or the mighty 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12. All-wheel drive remained standard—a hallmark of the Continental family since day one—and a quick-shifting ZF 8‑speed auto did the seamless work.
Numbers? The early W12 made around 567 hp, later versions swelled to 582 hp, and the Speed variants crested 626 hp. The V8 was the “sensible” choice at roughly 500–521 hp, and honestly, I’ve done long Alpine runs in one and never felt shortchanged. 0–60 mph ranges from the mid-4s (V8 S) to low-4s (W12 Speed), with the latter nudging 200 mph where the Autobahn opens its arms.
How the Bentley Continental GTC Drives
On rough roads, the first thing I noticed was how the GTC smothers the small stuff. Air suspension and a rigid body help. With 21-inch wheels, you’ll feel sharp edges, but it never gets crashy—more a firm handshake than a slap. The steering isn’t brimming with road feel, yet it’s measured and precise, and the all-wheel-drive traction is the sort that makes wet hairpins feel like a party trick. Bend it into a fast sweeper, and there’s an inevitability to its line: point, plant, go.
Roof down, the cabin is calm enough to hold a conversation without leaning in. The optional wind deflector is worth having if you routinely cruise above 60 mph with the top stowed. Roof operation takes around 25 seconds, which I timed at a red light once—barely made the green. Timing is everything.
Inside the Bentley Continental GTC: Craft, Comfort, and Quiet
Open the door and it smells like a Connolly hide shop at sunrise. The cabin blends old-world craft with just enough tech. Hand-stitched leather, turned aluminium, deep wood veneers—the usual Bentley theater, but lived-in rather than shouty. On a chilly dawn run to the coast, the heated wheel and massaging seats made it feel like motoring in slippers.
Practical gripes? The rear seats are more “handbag and kids” than “two adults to dinner,” and with the roof down, luggage space shrinks. Also, the infotainment on early cars feels dated now; later updates improved responsiveness, but there’s no native Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in this era, which is a shame. Pair your phone, cue the playlist, and enjoy the mechanical orchestra instead.
Living With It Day to Day
- Fuel economy: V8 mid-teens, W12 low-teens in the real world. Plan fuel stops like you plan lunches.
- Ride quality: excellent in Comfort; Sport adds discipline without ruining the mood.
- Noise: whisper-quiet top up; roof down you’ll chat easily at motorway pace.
- Quirks: the driving position is low and laid back—great for grand touring, slightly awkward when you’re parallel parking on a steep hill.
Best Accessories for Your Bentley Continental GTC
A few owners mentioned to me that keeping the cabin pristine is half the joy of GTC ownership. That’s where a quality set of mats comes in. If you’re browsing, AutoWin is an easy win: precise fitment, plush materials, and the sort of stitching that won’t make the rest of the interior look embarrassed. I popped a set into a friend’s W12 Speed and it tidied up the footwells dramatically.
For shopping the wider range—colors, edge piping, even custom patterns—AutoWin has plenty for the Continental GTC. Easy to fit, easier to clean, and a subtle upgrade to the everyday experience.
Side tip: If you do a lot of top-down miles, spec a wind deflector and keep a microfiber cloth in the glovebox. Salt spray and sunscreen are the natural enemies of glossy veneers.
Bentley Continental GTC vs. Rivals
| Convertible GT | Power | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Drive | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GTC (W12/V8) | 500–626 hp | 4.1–4.7 sec | 190–200+ mph | AWD | Opulent, effortless, year-round grand tourer |
| Aston Martin DB11 Volante | 503–528 hp | ~4.5 sec | 187–192 mph | RWD | Romantic, lighter on its feet, less cosseting |
| Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet | 577 hp | ~3.9 sec | ~186 mph | AWD (varies by year) | Tech-laden, bombastic, softer edge |
| Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet (991) | 520–560 hp | 3.0–3.4 sec | ~198 mph | AWD | Focused performance first, luxury second |
Highlights: Why the Continental GTC Still Charms
- Engines with character: creamy W12 thrust or a lighter-on-its-nose V8 that’s genuinely playful.
- Handcrafted cabin: quilted hides, organ-stop vents, real metal and wood—no gimmicks needed.
- All-season usability: AWD security and a snug soft-top make winter grand touring a thing.
- Refined ride: properly quiet with the roof up; just enough theater with it down.
- Resale sweet spot: later facelift cars (’15–’18) feel notably fresher inside and out.
Ownership Notes: What I’d Tell a Friend
- Service matters: Look for meticulous records—fluids, tires, brake discs/pads, roof mechanism checks.
- V8 vs W12: The V8 is lighter on its toes and a bit thriftier; the W12 has a syrupy, effortless surge that’s addictive.
- Options to love: Ventilated/massaging seats, adaptive cruise, upgraded audio, wind deflector.
- Common niggles: Aging infotainment and occasional sensor gremlins. Neither is a deal-breaker, just budget for a specialist inspection.
FAQ: Bentley Continental GTC (2011–2018)
Is the Bentley Continental GTC a good car to buy used?
Yes—provided it’s been serviced on time by specialists. The V8 models tend to be cheaper to run; the W12 is robust but thirstier. Prioritize condition and history over mileage.
What’s the difference between the Bentley GT and GTC?
Simple: the GT is the fixed-roof coupe; the GTC is the convertible with a multi-layer soft-top. Same luxury ethos, different vibe.
How fast is a 2011 Bentley Continental GTC Speed?
Very. Expect around 200 mph at the top end and a 0–60 mph sprint in the low 4s, thanks to its twin-turbo W12 muscle.
Is the GTC usable in winter?
Yes. With standard AWD, winter tires, and a well-insulated roof, the GTC is a legitimate year-round luxury GT. It’s part of the car’s charm.
Which years are best?
Later facelift cars (roughly 2015–2018) feel the most polished inside and out. That said, a well-kept earlier example can be excellent value.
Final Word: Why the Bentley Continental GTC Still Wins
There are quicker convertibles and sharper ones, but the Bentley Continental GTC blends power, polish, and presence like little else. It’s the premium SUV of the open-top world, only prettier and a whole lot more romantic. Whether you’re crossing states or just crossing town for dinner, it makes the trip feel like an occasion. And that, in the end, is why the Bentley Continental GTC (2011–2018) still gets under your skin.
