Overview & Reviews

Some might find it hard to believe that Bentley actually competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race a few years ago -- and won. But with the help of its parent company, Volkswagen, Bentley has recently done a remarkable job in shedding its stuffy image and establishing itself as a contemporary luxury coachbuilder.

In that fashion, the Bentley Continental GTC is more than just a posh convertible. It's a high-performance drop top that manages to provide every bit of luxury you'd expect in a traditional Bentley, only now with more attitude and agility.

As its name suggests, the GTC is the convertible version of Bentley's successful four-seat Continental GT coupe. Like the coupe, the GTC has a powerful turbocharged W12 engine, all-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension. To make up for lost body stiffness due to the lack of a fixed roof, Bentley has fitted the GTC with additional structural reinforcements. Curb weight is a couple hundred pounds more than the coupe.

It's true that a couple of other high-end convertibles are a bit more agile in terms of handling. But for those financially fortunate souls just wanting a luxury-focused grand touring four-seater, it doesn't get any better than Bentley's new GTC.

Current Bentley Continental GTC
The Bentley Continental GTC is a two-door luxury convertible with seating for four. There's also the GTC Speed, a higher-performance variant. Both versions of this luxury convertible are powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. The base GTC produces 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, which takes the GTC from zero to 60 in 5 seconds.

The GTC Speed features 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and gets from zero to 60 in 4.6 seconds. In addition to the bigger engine, the Speed version gets bigger wheels, bigger brakes, a retuned suspension and consequently improved handling dynamics. Despite these performance upgrades, the GTC Speed retains every drop of civility normally associated with Bentley's vehicles.

Inside, the Bentley Continental GTC is packed with features and amenities and is fitted with the finest wood and leather. The options are virtually limitless (though you'll pay handsomely for them). Buyers can choose between different colors for the convertible top and styles of wood trim. There are a variety of lambswool rug choices, 17 colors for the interior and 15 for the exterior. The 80-11 Edition package of options debuts for the 2011 model year. This grouping is limited to only 80 examples and adds exclusive cosmetic enhancements that include 20-inch wheels, a dark gray metallic soft top, a Mulliner alloy fuel cap, a three-spoke steering wheel, alloy pedals, package-specific interior trim materials and minor exterior and interior badging.

With the push of a button, the convertible fabric top opens or closes in about 25 seconds and will even operate while the car is moving (at speeds up to 20 mph). Thanks to a modified version of the coupe's rear suspension, the top folds completely flat and maintains a sleek profile. If the rear seats are unoccupied -- they are surprisingly spacious -- a chrome and aluminum wind blocker can be raised over them to greatly reduce wind turbulence.

In road tests, our editors found the Continental GTC to be a tremendously dynamic drive, while remaining buttoned-down throughout. Acceleration is thrilling. Body roll can be eliminated with the firmest suspension setting, allowing this 5,500-pound luxury car to handle like a much smaller car. This goes double for the GTC Speed, which ups the performance ante considerably while still being a posh luxury cruiser. With the top down, expect noise to pick up considerably above 50 mph. Raising the windows buys you more quiet, and as long as there aren't surrounding cars filling the cabin with road noise, you can enjoy civilized conversation up to 80 mph.

Used Bentley Continental GTC Models
The Bentley Continental GTC represents the model's first generation, which was introduced for 2007. The GTC Speed arrived for 2009. Adaptive cruise control, an infinitely better iPod adapter and a 13-speaker Naim audio system also joined the options list that year. For 2010, the Series 51 option of pre-selected interior treatments debuted with 20-inch polished wheels, three-tone interior color schemes, unique upholstery with contrasting piping/stitching and exclusive wood veneers. The Series 51 was replaced by the exclusive 80-11 Edition in 2011.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 11.00

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  The Best of the Best - 2008 Bentley Continental GTC
  By Tom Alison - July 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have owned 3 Ferrari Spyders 305, 355 & 360, Mercedes 500 SL, Jaguar Supercharged XJR. I have owned my 2008 Bentley GTC Beluga/Beluga with GTC Speed steering wheel and seats. In my first week of ownership I have driven the car 500 miles and must share that I have never experienced the surge of emotion with any other of my cars. The GTC is really not a car. It is a work of art that delivers complete satisfaction whether just admiring the beautiful composition of the design or pressing the V12 to its ultimate power range. Bentley nailed it. Thank you Bentley for delivering on your promise!

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  Bentley Continental GTC, What a Car! - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By BENTLEY_MAN_SAM - July 23 - 6:23 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I think that Bentley did a GREAT job with it. It is beautiful and handles well, plus it has GREAT acceleration. My kids love it! My 12 year olds friends are always ask for rides in it, and theres NEVER a wait at the valet! ha ha. GO BENTLEY!

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  GTC Bentley Quality Sinking Like Benz - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By John Lander - August 8 - 4:46 pm

  This vehicle has a beautiful interior, but that is about all I can say good about it. Handling is reminiscent of my 10 year old Rolls. I thought this car would be much tighter, and squeak free, just not the case. Electronic gremlins, including a very slow downshift automatic transmission. Dealership says "everything is normal". We will now be selling a pretty new car.

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  Drop dead drop head - 2008 Bentley Continental GTC
  By James - August 27 - 11:10 am

  My third Bentley GT (2004 GT, 2006 Spur, 2008 GTC) - simply unbelievably competent. Spoils you for any other motorcar. This is an automobile that is as comfortable at 120 MPH as tooling around the neighborhood. Superlative handling, nice exhaust note, power (@ 552 BHP!) Appointments are bar none. Flawless reliability, fit and finish. KILLER sound system and back up camera is well appreciated. Top up or top down its definitely at the top of my automotive list. Never go back to MB again. Overall ownership experience is superior and Ive owned them all. Plus you dont see yourself coming and going all day in one.

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  Best of All 3! - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By jim - October 1 - 6:50 pm

  Ive owned a GT, Spur and now the GTC and this is the best of all three. Better drive/ride/handling than the GT and Spur - AND, as of 2008 model, theyve eliminated all the kinks/idiosyncs out of the electronics, esp. the phone and nav. system from the earlier models. The GTC is a joy to drive and a head turner. Build quality is better than ever and the sound system, in a word, spectacular. The GTC is, in a word, masterful. Even the Breitling clock is improved!

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  My Dream Car - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By Joseph Connor - November 17 - 10:50 pm

  I just bought my first Bentley (Continental GTC) for myself for Christmas. I have a Ferrari 306 Modenna Spider and this Bentley to my amazement could easily outperform it. If youre looking for extreme style and class while getting the performance of a Ferrari or race car for not too much money (if youre already in this market), this is a win, win, win, win situation. I promise youll be happy and proud you bought this car.

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  Our Bentley GTC was a LEMON! - 2013 Bentley Continental GTC
  By lee1970 - July 24 - 4:24 am

  Got a brand new 2012 Bentley GTC in April 2012. It was a lemon. Lots of problems. Broke down twice. Terrible car. The car was sold to me with defective tires too. They had to replace them. It was in and out of the shop all the time. The dealer (Bentley Naples) was a nightmare to deal with as well. Filed Florida Lemon Law. Vehicle was bought back by Bentley as a "manufacturer buy-back". Got full refund. Would never buy a Bentley again or recommend this vehicle to anyone. They tried to make me a sign a non-disclosure document to prevent me making this public. I refused. They told me that is common practice. I asked why. They said to protect the brand name.

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  Best Luxury Sports Car on the Market - 2013 Bentley Continental GTC
  By mww824804 - February 17 - 11:36 pm

  Very few cars that cost upwards of 200k make sense to purchase. However, with the Bentley GTC you definitely see where the money goes. With custom interiors, hand-crafted seats, and an exterior unmatched by anything else, Bentley really does know how to build a car. After driving mine for about a year now, all I can say is how timeless of a car it really is and will continue to be.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By Travis - December 31 - 2:53 am

  I just decided to treat myself, and while shopping came across an 07 with 15k miles on it, beautiful car, but the transmission was bothering me by the way it shifted on the test drive. The sales rep swore it was normal, but after driving for the last 33 years, I know what a transmission should feel like. Decided not to get this one, but will continue to look.

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  Continental GTC - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By JA - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  I have had the Bentley Continental GTC for about one week now. It is a real blast to drive. I am planning to get rid of my older Bentley GT because this one is so much fun to drive! The interior is the best part of the car. The leather is like no other car in the world! The GTC drives so nicely I prefer to drive this over my Rolls Royce Phantom. In my opinion this is Bentleys best car yet!