Skip advert
Advertisement

Bentley Motors Continental GT Coupe review (2003-2010)

The most powerful Bentley ever is also one of the best

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

Price
£186,255 to £273,455
Find your Bentley Continental GT
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

Driving
It’s the most powerful production Bentley ever built – and the first to top 200mph! The 600bhp GT Speed, with 48bhp more than the standard car, sprints from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds. And, with 750Nm of torque available from only 1,750rpm, in-gear acceleration from the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 is stunning; the 50-70mph dash takes just 2.3 seconds, and the Speed feels more driver-focused and urgent than before. The accurate steering is still light on feedback, and there’s a tendency for the speed to deviate off line under full power. But overall it feels more involving than ever. Although the uprated and lowered suspension has undoubtedly made the ride firmer, softer anti-roll bars mean the Bentley never feels uncomfortable.

Marketplace
Added to the Continental line-up above the standard GT, the GT Speed is defined by a lower and wider front air intake and a squarer, more upright grille. Larger tailpipes and 20-inch wheels also mark intent. The self-levelling air suspension is lowered, while the 430mm diameter brakes are the largest available on a production car. Rivals include the Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari 599 GTB and Porsche 911 Turbo.

Owning
The GT Speed has a lavish interior, featuring diamond quilted leather and a turned aluminium dash. Quality is superb and the detailing is second to none. The 2+2 layout gives plenty of space and comfort for drivers, and the hushed cabin is a place in which you should be able to relax, despite the Bentley’s massive pace. It’s not cheap though, and combined economy of 17mpg means you’ll fill up more often than you may expect. The 396g/km CO2 figure is also frightening. Options are also expensive – but exclusivity has never come cheap.

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    4.0 V8 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £157,900

Most Economical

  • Name
    4.0 V8 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £157,900

Fastest

  • Name
    6.0 W12 Speed 2dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £230,500
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024