Experience the Luxury of the Bentley Continental GT
I’ve driven a lot of grand tourers in two decades of testing cars, but the Bentley Continental GT still does that impossible thing: it shrinks a long road and expands your grin. The moment you ease the nose of the Bentley Continental GT out into traffic, you feel that rich blend of old-world craftsmanship and new-world speed. It’s a luxury coupe you could daily in the city, blast to the coast on a Friday evening, and roll up to a rooftop valet without breaking stride.
Driving the Bentley Continental GT: power, poise, and a bit of theatre
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Big coupe, big numbers—sometimes that translates to “big drama” on tight roads. But when I tried it on rough back lanes, the Bentley’s air suspension and clever all-wheel drive calmed the chatter. The V8 model brings 542 hp and a wonderful baritone; the W12 Speed goes for the full symphony—with up to 650 hp and a hefty 664 lb ft of torque. Floor it and the GT doesn’t so much accelerate as compress time. The official numbers? Think 0–60 mph in the mid-3s for the W12 and a top speed in the 207 mph area. The V8 is just a whisker behind at around 198 mph, and if you’re asking, yes, it feels properly quick.
Tech-wise, you get the expected modern suite—adaptive cruise control, active safety nets, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system that shuffles power so discretely you rarely notice until you glance down and realize you’re going… briskly. Fuel economy? You buy a Bentley for the way a continent melts away beneath you, not the mpg readout—but I averaged in the high teens in mixed driving with the V8. Fair trade.
Bentley Continental GT interior: the lived-in luxury
First thing I noticed? The driving position. Low, commanding, like settling into a leather club chair that just happens to do 200 mph. The front seats cocoon you; the rear seat is best for kids or friends you owe a favor, but it’s plush and useable for short hops. Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back over who gets the window. The cabin is a jewelry box of materials—leathers, woods, knurled metal—and if you’re the type who likes everything just so, you’ll appreciate how even the column stalks feel engineered, not merely attached.
Elevate the cabin with tailor-made Bentley Continental GT mats
Grand tourers live hard—gravel car parks, beach weekends, impromptu coffee runs. If you want to keep the footwells crisp, AutoWin does proper, custom-fit mats for your Bentley, with materials that belong in a premium coupe: nappa leather, carbon-fiber leather, sheepskin, even Alcantara.
A few owners mentioned to me that the right mats make cleaning up post-ski slush or sandy flip-flops far easier. I agree. They also stop heel wear in the spot you press hardest—right under the throttle when the road opens up.
Bentley Continental GT vs the usual suspects
There’s no shortage of posh metal in this price bracket. Aston Martin brings the theatre; Rolls-Royce brings the waft. The Continental GT threads the needle between the two—sporty when you want it, serene when you don’t.
| Grand Tourer | Character | Powertrain feel | Ride/Handling balance | Cabin vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GT | Muscular, effortless, very usable daily | V8 or W12; huge torque, seamless shove | Composed on rough roads; quietly fast | Craft detail and tech happily co-exist |
| Aston Martin (DB series) | Dramatic and athletic | Sonorous thrust, more extroverted | Sharper edge, a touch firmer | Sport-first, couture second |
| Rolls‑Royce (Wraith/Spectre) | Ultimate waft | Velvety delivery, whisper-quiet | Magic-carpet smooth | Palatial, lounge-like serenity |
Did you know? The Bentley Continental GT sits under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, which means it borrows some truly advanced tech—then wraps it in Crewe craftsmanship. That’s why the interface feels familiar yet posh, and why the engineering feels, well, very sorted.
Feature highlights I loved
- Effortless torque: up to 664 lb ft in Speed spec—overtakes feel like telepathy.
- Adaptive chassis: comfortable in Comfort, properly tied down in Sport.
- Grand-touring acoustics: quiet at a cruise, a baritone growl when you lean on it.
- Real-world usability: usable rear seats for short trips; a trunk that actually swallows weekend luggage.
- Craftsmanship: knurled finishes, rich leathers, and proper switchgear heft.
Buying a Bentley Continental GT: price, practicality, and small quirks
If you’re eyeing a new one, the Bentley Continental GT typically starts around $220,000 before personalizations. The GT Speed? Figure roughly $275,000 and up. Used examples are plentiful—many pampered—and still deliver the big Bentley hit without the first-owner depreciation sting. And yes, it remains a core model; despite industry rumors, the Continental GT is not discontinued.
Quirks? The infotainment is much improved, but I’ve had the odd Bluetooth hiccup on cold starts. The rear seats are more “plus two” than limo. And if you live where roads are patchy, the huge wheels can occasionally thump—spec the right tires and you’re golden. None of it dents the charm.
Protecting your Bentley Continental GT: custom mats that fit like a Savile Row suit
For those asking how to keep the interior pristine (especially on a daily-driver GT), this is where a set of tailored mats makes sense. AutoWin offers custom pieces that do the job and look the part in any Continental GT—new or pre-owned:
Prefer the sedan vibe? The Flying Spur shares the Bentley DNA—big power, big comfort—but the Continental GT remains the sweet spot if you love a coupe’s stance and that endless-hood look. Either way, if you need ordering help or fitment advice, contact your nearest Bentley retailer or get in touch with AutoWin. And don’t forget to protect the cabin—these mats are tailored to enhance both style and comfort.
Conclusion: why the Bentley Continental GT still gets under your skin
There are faster things, louder things, maybe even rarer things. But the Bentley Continental GT remains the grand tourer I’d pick when someone says “let’s do 500 miles today and dinner on the other end.” It blends tradition with tech, performance with polish, and it does it with an ease that feels, well, very Bentley. Add a few well-chosen accessories—like proper, custom mats—and you’ll keep that feel-good factor intact for the long haul.
Bentley Continental GT FAQs
How much is a Bentley Continental GT?
Most new builds start around $220,000, with prices climbing based on model year, options, and personalizations.
Is the Bentley Continental GT discontinued?
No. The Continental GT remains a key fixture in Bentley’s lineup.
How much horsepower does the Bentley Continental GT have?
The V8 makes about 542 hp; W12 models range roughly 626–650 hp, depending on spec.
How fast is the Bentley Continental GT?
Top speed is approximately 207 mph for W12 models and around 198 mph for the V8.
How much does the Bentley Continental GT weigh?
Expect roughly 4,773 lb for the V8 and about 4,960 lb for the W12, depending on configuration.
