Skip advert
Advertisement

Bentley Continental

Even great cars such as the Bentley Continental GT need the occasional facelift to stay ahead of the competition - so as part of a raft of improvements developed for 2005, the Crewe firm has a new package of options from coachbuilding specialist Mulliner.

The mark of a decent grand tourer is its ability to cover ground quickly and quietly - something the Continental GT has already proved it can do. However, this package of improvements further adds to its appeal, offering customers greater choice and improved steering, too. One of the most desirable cars in its class just got better.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even great cars such as the Bentley Continental GT need the occasional facelift to stay ahead of the competition - so as part of a raft of improvements developed for 2005, the Crewe firm has a new package of options from coachbuilding specialist Mulliner.

Designed to give the car a sporting edge, the £6,100 optional Mulliner Driving Specification is part of a range of subtle changes that give customers greater choice in specifying their car.

Inspired by the level of options offered by Bentley's Arnage T, the update marks Mulliner's first involvement with the Continental GT, and includes 20-inch wheels, drilled alloy pedals and a new gearlever.

There are quilted leather seats, plus piano black veneer on the dash, extra aluminium detailing and an indented leather headlining. External changes are minimal, but Bentley does promise a deeper exhaust note and an improved driving experience, thanks to the low-profile tyres and new wheels.

With a £112,750 price tag, it is fair to expect the Continental's road manners to be virtually flawless, but the ride can feel a little harsh around town, despite the versatility of the adjustable air-suspension.

We were more impressed by the car's throttle response. Despite the massive performance of the tubocharged 6.0-litre engine, the car is easy to drive at low speeds. It responds smoothly to throttle inputs, and in fully automatic mode slips seamlessly between gears.

On the open road, it is possible to use the wheel-mounted paddles to swap between the six ratios. With the throttle pedal buried into the deep

carpet, the car's rate of acceleration is phenomenal, and the chassis loses none of its composure at speed.

The accurate steering means the GT is extremely easy to place on the road, and through fast, sweeping corners feels very stable. Predictably, the car's cockpit is extremely quiet, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum. The brakes are very powerful, and haul the heavy car up with a minimum of fuss. Its ABS and electronic brake force distribution system seem unflappable, even in the most demanding situations.

According to Bentley, the package of improvements has added new customers to an already bulging order book. We can see how the upgrades increase the car's desirability, but cannot help feel the changes could have gone further.

Judged as a grand tourer, few cars can match the Bentley's appeal. Not only is it extremely powerful, but its effortlessness is virtually unrivalled.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,515Avg. savings £3,834 off RRP*Used from £10,200
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,771 off RRP*Used from £13,571
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,743 off RRP*Used from £25,098
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025