Overview & Reviews
Abundance. Wretched excess. More than adequate. If any of these phrases gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling, then you'll probably fall in love with the Bentley Continental GT. And we mean this in the best possible way. For those with deep enough pockets, this is one indulgence we wholeheartedly endorse.
The Bentley Continental GT luxury coupe owes its name and heritage to the glory days of Bentley, when cars such as the R Type Continental coupe of the early '50s offered the wealthy a fast, stylish and comfortable way to traverse Europe or North America. Sadly, the next three decades saw Bentley become nothing more than a clone of Rolls-Royce (which had purchased Bentley in the early 1930s).
Sometime in the 1980s, the company decided it wanted a distinct identity and returned to its performance roots with cars such as the Turbo R. After being bought out by Volkswagen in the late 1990s and benefiting from that company's vast resources, Bentley began turning out ever more irresistible luxury sedans, coupes and convertibles.
The first of these models was, in fact, the Bentley Continental GT. Though some of its components are shared with other VW products, the Continental GT boasts a number of key attributes for well-heeled car enthusiasts, including blistering performance courtesy of a twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine, the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive, a sumptuous cabin that typifies the marque and, of course, the prestige factor. And at far less than $200,000, we dare say it even strikes us as a good value for those with warm fuzzies in their hearts.
Current Bentley Continental GT
The current Bentley Continental represents the second-generation model, which debuted in the 2011 model year. This new model is not a major departure from the previous GT, amounting to more of a light refresh. Bodywork has been sharpened slightly, with a more upright grille, LED running lights and a more prominent trunk bustle. Improvements were also made in regards to handling, power output, rear-seat comfort and the previously outdated infotainment interface.
With twin-turbocharged W12 power, the finest materials furnishing the cabin and a powerful, bulldog-like presence, the Bentley Continental GT and higher-performance GT Speed and near track-ready Supersports have few peers. Combining effortless performance with an interior that is the epitome of the coachbuilder's art, the Continental GT is a prime example of a grand touring-oriented exotic luxury coupe.
The Continental's standard engine is a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 that pumps out 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and sends its power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. With a 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph, the Continental GT is a supercar in every sense. The Continental GT Speed gets the twin-turbo W12 boosted up to 600 and torque is upped to a whopping 553 lb-ft. The GT Speed was the most powerful automobile Bentley ever produced until the introduction of the Continental Supersports, which is covered in a separate review.
As one might expect, the Bentley Continental GT comes loaded with features. Highlights include 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, four-zone climate control, xenon headlights, adjustable suspension damping, 10-way power front seats, a navigation system and an eight-speaker audio system. In addition to its more powerful engine, the GT Speed gains 20-inch wheels with 13 dual spokes, darkened chrome mesh grilles (upper and lower), diamond-stitch leather upholstery, three-spoke steering wheel and other upgraded interior trim. The Supersports sacrifices some of these features for the sake of weight savings.
Options include a wide array of wheel choices, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, ventilated front seats with massage functions, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, an 11-speaker Naim audio system and a six-CD/DVD changer. The Mulliner Driving Specification package includes special 21-inch wheels and unique leather and interior trim.
Should a potential buyer wish to further set his Continental GT apart from all the others littering Rodeo Drive, he may choose custom colors and interior trim not offered in the Bentley catalog.
Used Bentley Continental GT Models
The first-generation Bentley Continental GT debuted in 2004 with only one style available. Until 2008, the Continental was available in a Diamond Series trim package that was essentially replaced by the GT Speed for '09. Audiophiles should note that the available iPod adapter available in the Continental GT prior to '09 was poorly designed, treating the iPod as if it were a six-CD changer. The infotainment interface remained woefully out of date until the arrival of the second-generation GT. The Supersports and Series 51 dawned for 2010.
The Continental's standard engine produced 552 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque and the six-speed automatic transmission was slightly slower to shift than the current model, but performance was still comparable. A more powerful Continental GT Speed arrived for the 2008 model year with power output increased to 600 hp 553 lb-ft of torque.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 58.00-
A Bently is Still a Bently - 2006 Bentley Continental GT
By THE CONSULTANT - October 25 - 11:13 pmThe Continental GT, which I have owned for two years, is an eye catcher. If you seek attention, look no further, The car performs well for its size, but Bentley was a little careless with some of the interior features, none of which compromises the cars driveability. For example, the seats really need more adjustment positions, the phone system is antiquated, and the command system leaves a little technology on the table, but other than that they did a great job.
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The Bentley that Reinvented the Name - 2007 Bentley Continental GT
By The Man - October 22 - 8:36 amFrom the day that I took delivery of this car my life has truly become more interesting! I couldnt help but sit in the car for the majority of the first day, whether I was driving somewhere or I was in my garage. The interior is literally unparalleled in the current automotive market. The outside is a perfect complement for the goregous interior. With sweeping lines that run the length of the car, the Bentley Continental GT still reminds me of the old carriage cars of the early ninties, which is so rare to see in modern cars. The performance is amazing, handling, acceleration, and top speed are all great for a car that is as comfortable as it is, and that weights 5300 pounds!
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My take on the Bentley Continental GT. - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
By David - October 20 - 4:30 pmI enjoy the Bentley Continental GT very much. It may not be the fastest in acceleration or handle the best but it is an all around solid car that performs very well in all catagories. The fuel mileage is not very good but that is to be expected from a 5,300 lb. car with a twin turbo 6.0 liter engine.
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Best Car I have EVER owned - 2008 Bentley Continental GT
By pb - October 3 - 7:33 amTraded my 07 maserati QP for a new 2008 GT, the car is absolutely amazing, insane amounts of power and torque can be driven like a limo or spanked like a true sports car. The interior is the best I have ever seen, bluetooth works fine, back up camera is a great help, ride is silky smooth and in my opinion this is the sexiest car on the market today (with a 599 a close second). I have not yet driven the car in winter conditions, but the 7000 miles I have driven over the past 6 months have been most enjoyable...
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Fabulous Vehicle - 2006 Bentley Continental GT
By Gil Amoroso - August 17 - 3:53 pmI couldnt disagree more with the naysayers of this automobile. Its not only beautiful and fast but its great to drive. It has superb handling for a heavy car but Im not Mario Andretti. The gas mileage is awful but what would you expect from a 550 hp vehicle? A Prius its not. Its build quality is great and Ive had no problems so far. Its a real head turner wherever I go. .Im very happy with the purchase.
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love the car - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
By George Molnar - August 12 - 1:46 amBeautiful, yet understated. Drives like a dream. Uplifiting to drive, great overall feeling. Getting in and out of the back seat is difficult.
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One for the Ages - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
By TED G. - April 13 - 11:30 amWhile I waited for delivery, I asked an existing owner how he liked the the car; "I dont like it.....I love it!" End of story. It is clearly the best luxury porformance car I have ever owned. The blend of styling, performance and engineering is unsurpassed! I look for reasons to take the car out, it is that much fun to drive. I just took my first "road trip" through the mountain passes of Washington State and it handled flawlessly. This is as close to perfection as I have seen in a mechanical structure!
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Bentley Good, but Not Great - 2006 Bentley Continental GT
By Roger Marchs - February 3 - 10:23 pmThe Bentley Continental GT is comfortable and darn fast. However too its console contains too many shared Volkswagen/Audi parts. Come on, for $165,000 I dont want the Audi controller, nor do I want two paired Volkswagen 6 cylinder engines bolter together for a total of 12. This is a pretty car and its very comfortable. Its almost great, but not quite there.
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Continental GT- Smoke and Mirrors - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
By Ken Dialo - November 23 - 11:53 pmThis car took me a long time to receive. After 3 months not satisfied. Engine is strong, but does not prove out to alleged specs that are reported. Porsche all models will give it a solid run to 60mph. Handling is sloppy, braking is not world class. Interior is beautiful, controls are nicely placed. Overall I will purchase Ferrari or Aston on next trip around.
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Love It - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
By J. R. - July 11 - 5:03 amThis is the car! Ive owned a few luxury cars and a few Ferraris and this car is a great compromise between an everyday driver and a weekend fun car. Its very practical for everyday use with loads of performance for those spirited drive times.
