How Many Horsepower Does the Bentley Continental GTC Have? An Enthusiast’s Guide
I’ve driven more convertibles than I’ve had pairs of sunglasses, but the Bentley Continental GTC stands out for one simple reason: it makes big power feel easy. The kind of easy where you waft up a mountain pass with the roof down, hear only a distant murmur from the twin-turbo V8 (or that creamy W12), and think, yes, this is how long weekends should begin.
Let’s answer the big question up front—horsepower—then I’ll walk you through how each version feels on the road, what you’ll pay, and a few quirks I noticed on a rainy week doing errands and airport runs. And if you’re hunting for accessories, there are a few clever links below to keep your carpets looking fresh—because muddy shoes happen, even in a Bentley.
Bentley Continental GTC Horsepower: The Short, Honest Answer
- GTC V8 (2019–present): 542 hp, 568 lb-ft
- GTC W12 (2019–2023): 626 hp, 664 lb-ft
- GTC Speed (W12, recent years): 650 hp (often listed as 650–659 hp), 664 lb-ft
- GTC V8 (2012–2018): 500–521 hp depending on model (V8 and V8 S)
- GTC W12 (2006–2018): typically 552–616 hp depending on generation and trim
- Specials (older Supersports/ISR): up to 631 hp
Looking ahead, Bentley has announced an “Ultra Performance Hybrid” for the latest Continental GT/GTC family with headline-grabbing output. But if you’re shopping today, the numbers above cover the cars you’ll actually find in showrooms or on the used market.
Bentley Continental GTC Engines and Power by Generation
Bentley Continental GTC V8: 542 hp and the Sweet Spot
In the current lineup, the Bentley Continental GTC V8 is the one I’d recommend to most folks. With 542 horsepower and a tidal wave of torque, it’s quick in that “press the pedal, overtake instantly” way. It also feels a touch lighter on its feet than the W12. When I tried it on some lousy backroads, the 48-volt anti-roll system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) kept the car impressively flat while still preserving that plush GT glide. It’s also the one that returns slightly better fuel economy—relative term, of course.
Bentley Continental GTC W12 and Speed: 626–650 hp of Calm Thunder
The W12 is Bentley’s calling card: 626 horses served with silk. The GTC Speed pushes it to roughly 650 hp, and the difference is mainly in urgency. Honestly, in daily life, the stock W12 already feels like deep reserves of torque delivered with a wink. The Speed tightens everything just a touch—steering, throttle, response—and if you find yourself arriving earlier than expected, well, that’s the Speed doing Speed things.
Earlier Models (2006–2018): The Foundations
First-gen GTCs rocked the 6.0-liter W12 with 552 hp—plenty then, plenty now. Later updates and Speed versions nudged that up into the 600s. The 2012–2018 V8 introduced a 500–521 hp option, which gave the car a slightly friskier front end and a more playful character. If you’re browsing used listings (and you should; there are gems out there), these earlier cars still feel gloriously substantial.
How the Bentley Continental GTC Drives (V8 vs W12)
Roof down, the Bentley Continental GTC is hushed enough to hear your kids bickering in the back—ask me how I know—and stable enough to keep the dog chilled in the passenger footwell. Steering is relaxed yet precise; you guide rather than wrestle. On twisty roads, the V8 feels a shade more eager, especially entering a corner. The W12 is all about the exit: point straight and it surges forward with velvety composure. I noticed right away how the eight-speed snaps between gears cleanly without drama.
- 0–60 mph: roughly 4.0 sec (V8), 3.6–3.5 sec (W12/Speed)
- Drive: All-wheel drive standard, effortless in rain or on cold-morning commutes
- Ride: Supple in Comfort, taut in Sport; never punishing
Bentley Continental GTC Pricing: What You’ll Pay
Like all Bentleys, price depends on specification—and your imagination. Newer GTC V8 models generally start around the low-to-mid $200,000s, with W12 and Speed versions climbing well north of that once you dive into paint-to-sample, veneers, and bespoke stitching. A few owners I spoke with had no regrets after adding the Mulliner bits; it’s the icing.
- New GTC V8: typically starting around $200,000–$220,000+
- New W12/Speed: can exceed $250,000 with ease
- 2007 GTC when new: roughly around $200,000 (varied by options and region)
Shopping used? You’ll find plenty of choice—from early W12 drop-tops to newer V8s—so set your wish list, then browse patiently. It’s a grand touring car, so many examples are well cared for.
Bentley Continental GTC vs. Rivals: Power and Price
| Car | Horsepower | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Base Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GTC V8 | 542 hp | 4.0 s | $200k–$220k+ |
| Bentley Continental GTC W12/Speed | 626–650 hp | 3.6–3.5 s | $250k+ |
| Aston Martin DB12 Volante | 671 hp | ~3.5 s | $248k+ |
| Mercedes-AMG SL63 | 577 hp | ~3.5 s | $183k+ |
| Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet | 572 hp | ~2.8 s | $197k+ |
Numbers-wise, the Bentley keeps pace. But the GTC’s pitch is a little different: you buy it for the serene theater of it all—materials, craftsmanship, and that stately, unflustered surge.
Living With a Bentley Continental GTC
Step inside, and it’s all beautifully finished: veneers, dark-tinted accents, knurled metal, and leather that smells like a well-stocked London club. The driving position is spot-on for long-distance work, and I liked the firm, supportive seats. The rear chairs are usable for adults on short hops; for kids, they’re just fine on weekend trips. On cold evenings, the heated “neck warmers” let you keep the roof stowed longer than weather would suggest.
- Highlights
- Impeccable materials and bespoke options via Mulliner
- All-wheel drive confidence in any season
- Refined, near-silent cruising even with the top down
- Strong resale when well-specced and maintained
Practical bits? The boot is adequate for two roll-aboards plus a soft bag. A small quirk: top-down, the trunk’s shape can make awkward items… awkward. Also, earlier infotainment systems feel dated now; the newer setup is much better and integrates navigation and modern smartphone features cleanly.
Bentley Continental GTC: Accessories and Care
Keeping the cabin pristine is half the pleasure. If you’re as picky as I am about footwells, these custom-fit mats are worth a look:
For later cars, I tried these on a 2021 GTC and the fit was snug—no curling, no slipping:
If you’re browsing GTC accessories or even the wider AutoWin catalog, personalize to suit your spec—pale interiors and rainy climates appreciate darker rugs.
Shopping for a Bentley Continental GTC
New or used, there’s a healthy selection out there—everything from a tidy 2013 to a fresh 2016 GTC, to current V8 and Speed models. If you want to go deep on trims and find your perfect fit, start with a clear spec list (must-have colors, seats, wheels) and take your time. A well-optioned car with the right history is worth the premium.
Conclusion: So, How Much Horsepower Does the Bentley Continental GTC Have?
The Bentley Continental GTC ranges from about 500 hp in earlier V8s to 650 hp in recent Speed models, with the sweet-spot modern V8 at 542 hp and the W12 at 626 hp. On the road, that translates to instant, unruffled pace—exactly what a luxury grand tourer should deliver. Roof down, long horizon, faithful soundtrack. Yes, it’s quick. But more importantly, it’s composed.
Quick Pricing Recap
- New GTC V8: roughly $200k–$220k+ depending on spec
- New W12/Speed: $250k+ easily with options
- 2007 GTC (when new): around $200k, subject to options and region
FAQ: Bentley Continental GTC Horsepower and Ownership
How many horsepower does the Bentley Continental GTC have?
Depends on engine and year. Recent V8s make 542 hp; the W12 makes 626 hp; Speed variants are around 650 hp. Earlier models range from 500 to 616 hp (and up to 631 hp for certain specials).
How fast is the Bentley Continental GTC from 0–60 mph?
About 4.0 seconds for the V8 and 3.6–3.5 seconds for W12/Speed models, depending on spec and conditions.
How much is a Bentley Continental GTC?
New V8s typically start around $200,000–$220,000+, with W12/Speed models sailing past $250,000 once you add options. Used prices vary widely by year, mileage, and spec.
Is the GTC V8 better than the W12?
Different flavors. The V8 feels lighter and a bit more playful; the W12 is silk-smooth and effortlessly potent. I prefer the V8 for twisty-road fun, the W12 for long, luxurious hauls.
What about interior quality and features?
It’s a Bentley—top-tier materials, gorgeous veneers, and excellent comfort. Neck warmers, adaptive cruise, and modern infotainment on newer cars make it a supreme grand tourer. Earlier infotainment systems aren’t as slick, but the core craftsmanship shines.
If you’re ready to fine-tune the cabin, take a look at custom-fit GTC floor mats to keep things immaculate.
