Elegance and Performance of the Bentley Continental GT

I’ve lost track of how many miles I’ve put on various versions of the Bentley Continental GT over the years, but a few things haven’t changed: it’s still the grand tourer that makes long days feel half as long and twice as indulgent. The latest iterations, from the brawny V8 to the ultra performance hybrid GT Speed, remind you why the Bentley Continental GT remains the benchmark—equal parts theatre and therapy.

Why the Bentley Continental GT still nails the grand tourer brief

I noticed right away—again—how easily the Continental GT shrinks around you. It’s a big, heavy coupe on paper, yes, but on a favorite B-road it moves with a sort of swanlike grace: serene on top, serious hardware working underneath.

• Engines: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 or, in recent years, the outgoing 6.0-liter W12; the newest GT Speed introduces an ultra performance hybrid setup.
• Power: from around 542 hp (V8) to 650 hp (W12) and north of 750 hp in the GT Speed hybrid.
• 0–60 mph: roughly 3.1–3.9 seconds depending on variant.
• Top speed: up to about 208 mph—proper supercar numbers in a tuxedo.
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive with clever torque distribution, plus an electronic limited-slip diff in sportier trims.

On the road: civility with a steel backbone

When I tried it over heaved country lanes, the GT’s 48-volt active anti-roll system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) kept the body level without ruining the ride. The steering isn’t darting or darty; it’s deliberately calm with a weighting that feels expensive. Throw it into a series of bends and you sense the bulk—this is a luxury coupe, not a track toy—but the grip is immense and the balance is tidy. The big Bentley will humiliate a surprising number of sports cars on a cross-country dash and you’ll step out relaxed rather than rattled.

Inside: art gallery meets first-class lounge

A few owners mentioned to me they bought the GT for the cabin alone, and I get it. The quilted leather, the organ-stop vents, the knurled metal—it’s theatre. The front seats heat, cool, massage; the rear seats are best for kids or short hops. On a late-night run through town, it was quiet enough to hear my kids arguing in the back about the playlist (thanks, Naim audio), which says a lot about the isolation. The infotainment is gorgeous but occasionally fussy—sometimes a beat behind when you jab at the map pinch-zoom. Not a deal breaker, just a quirk.

Powertrains, including the new ultra performance hybrid

The Continental GT’s story started with the W12 and matured with the V8. The V8 is the pick for most drivers—lighter on its feet, a better soundtrack, and still outrageously quick. Recently, Bentley rolled out the Continental GT Speed with an ultra performance hybrid powertrain that combines V8 muscle with electric shove for supercar thrust and improved real-world efficiency. If you’re coming from a Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, you’ll feel right at home with the silent, instant torque in town—and the storm when everything wakes up on the motorway.

Real-world efficiency

In mixed driving, expect mid-to-high teens mpg in the V8 if you’re enjoying yourself, low 20s on a gentle cruise. The hybrid brings meaningful electric-only capability for short commutes and a noticeable improvement in city mileage. It’s still a Bentley, not a hypermiler, but your fuel stops will be fewer.

Bentley Continental GT vs key rivals

Spec sheets don’t tell the whole story—but they do help frame the conversation. Here’s how the Bentley stacks up.

Ownership notes: the bits you’ll want to know

• Reliability: generally solid, but the complexity is real—follow the maintenance schedule, budget accordingly.
• Service costs: plan on roughly $1,000–$2,500 per routine visit; big services and consumables (brakes/tires) are, let’s say, Bentley-priced.
• Practicality: decent trunk for a weekend away; back seats are occasional-use; front chairs are the best in the business.
• Quirks: infotainment can lag when multitasking; the car’s width demands care in tight city car parks.

Personalization: small details, big difference

Speaking of living with it, clients keep asking me about keeping the cabin perfect—mud, snow, sand, life. That’s where well-fitted mats are worth their weight in leather cleaner. AutoWin offers premium, custom-fit options so you can color-match, contrast-stitch, or go subtle depending on your spec. I’ve seen a set of deep blue mats transform a dark interior in the best way.

If you’re kitting out specific model years, start here:

• Bentley Continental GT 2011–2018 mats above; and
• 2018–2023 mats here.

Verdict: the Bentley Continental GT remains the GT to beat

Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first whether the Continental GT could keep evolving without losing its soul. Then I did a 300-mile loop—motorway, mountain, city—and remembered why it works. The Bentley Continental GT blends supercar speed with limousine calm, feels special on a Tuesday, and properly glamorous on a Saturday night. It’s not the cheapest to buy or run, but few cars turn miles into moments like this.

FAQ: Bentley Continental GT

How much is a Bentley Continental GT?

New examples typically start around $250,000 and climb quickly with options and bespoke touches. The GT Speed hybrid sits higher.

How much horsepower does a Bentley Continental GT have?

Approx. 542 hp in the V8, 650 hp in late W12 models, and 750+ hp for the latest GT Speed hybrid.

Is the Bentley Continental GT all-wheel drive?

Yes. All Continental GT models use AWD, prioritizing rear-drive feel until conditions demand more front-axle help.

How much does it cost to service a Bentley Continental GT?

Budget $1,000–$2,500 for routine services. Tires, brakes, and major intervals can add more depending on use.

How do I charge the Continental GT battery?

For the 12V battery, use a compatible trickle charger and connect as instructed in the owner’s manual (car off, correct terminals). For the GT Speed hybrid, plug into an appropriate AC charger using the vehicle’s charge port and follow the on-screen prompts.