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- Highs Silken 12-cylinder engine, effortless acceleration, posh cabin.
- Lows Snug rear seat space, outdated infotainment system, eye-watering starting price.
- Verdict With plenty of power and luxury, the Continental GT oozes prestige and offers a truly premium experience for both driver and passenger.
Overview
The 2004 Continental GT was the marque’s first all-new model under Volkswagen Group’s takeover after Bentley’s split with Rolls-Royce (which went to BMW Group). Sharing its large, longitudinal-engine platform with VW Group’s Audi, it was heavily revised for the 2011 model year. The lineup has most recently consisted a two-door coupe and a convertible, but for 2018—the final year of this generation—Bentley is selling only the convertible in the U.S. powered by the turbocharged W-12 engine. All versions come standard with all-wheel-drive and, although they compete with grand touring models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and VW Group’s own Porsche, the Conti GT is a more relaxed entry emphasizing comfort and bespoke luxury as much as power and handling. A four-door sedan variant, badged Flying Spur, was added for the 2011 model year and is described in a separate entry.
What’s New for 2018?
The Continental GT coupe disappears from the lineup for 2018, but the convertible continues unchanged. Bentley will use the Geneva Motor Show to unveil an all-new Continental GT and Flying Spur that are scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2019. The Continental GT Supersports launched in May 2017 and Bentley claims it is the quickest and fastest four-seat coupe and convertible available globally.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Continental GT Convertible: $242,000 (est)
- Continental GT Speed Convertible: $270,000 (est)
- Continental GT Supersports Convertible: $328,000 (est)
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
For its final year, the Bentley not only drops the coupe from the Continental GT lineup but also dispenses with base 500-hp turbo V-8. All 2018 Conti convertibles will come with the big-kahuna turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine in three strengths: the standard GTC makes 582 horsepower, the Continental GT Speed thumps out 633-hp, and the top-gun Continental GT Supersports flies thanks to 700 horsepower. Bentley claims that engine hurls the Supersports convertible to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. All Continentals come with a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the latter one of the reasons even the Supersports’ massive thrust is easy to manage when you put the hammer down.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Continental GT is roughly the same overall length as a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro—though it looks far larger because of its bluff front end, big grille and regally upright proportions. Like those pony cars, its rear seat has limited legroom and serves only as an occasional conveyance for two extra passengers. Trunk space is13 cubic feet, which is more than enough luggage space for weekend getaways to ritzy resorts. Customers can create bespoke interiors from a wide array of leather and Alcantara color choices, gorgeously finished wood, and handsome metal and carbon-fiber trim. Diamond-pattern leather and Alcantara quilted seats are signature Bentley, and come standard on the Continental Supersports, which has its own exclusive Alcantara steering wheel covering and gearshift design. The Supersports also offers a choice of 10 shades of carbon-fiber interior trim.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch high-resolution color touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth is standard, and a Multi-Media Specification option adds a Wi-Fi hotspot with 64 gigabytes of internal storage. A Naim for Bentley 1,110-watt audio system is the optional hi-fi for Continental GT and Supersports.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Continental GT's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
