Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible review
Four-seat Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible is one of the world's fastest open-topped sports cars
The Bentley Continental Supersports is the high-performance version of Bentley’s four-seat convertible. It uses a 621bhp version of Bentley’s W12 engine and is one of the fastest convertibles in the world, with a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 202mph – although you’d only want to try that with the roof up. As with any Bentley, the Supersports is superbly finished, with plush leather seats, and a hand-crafted dashboard.
Engines, performance and drive
The Continental Supersports Convertible is phenomenally quick, with a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 202mph. Four-wheel drive means there’s lots of grip in corners, and the Supersports handles surprisingly well for such a large car. If you want to take things easy, it's equally capable, although the big wheels do take the edge off comfort. The thickly lined canvas roof is well insulated and keeps wind noise to a minimum.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
A list price in excess of £180,000 is just the start of the expense with a Supersports Convertible. You’ll be lucky to get close to the claimed fuel economy figure of 17.3mpg, while emissions of 388g/km put it firmly in the top tax bracket. However, if a Supersports is on your shortlist of new cars, you’re unlikely to be worried about this sort of expense.
Interior, design and technology
The Supersports Convertible gets a few styling additions to mark it out from the standard Continental GTC. All of the chrome has been removed from the exterior, and new black 20-inch alloy wheels have been added. It makes for an imposing look, although it’s something of a diversion from Bentley’s traditional styling. Inside, there’s leather, aluminium and carbon fibre in abundance.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The Supersports Convertible is a big car, but it’s not very spacious inside. There’s plenty of room for two, but the rear seats are cramped, and boot space is reduced compared to the coupe to make room for the folding roof.
Reliability and Safety
The Supersports was introduced at the end of the first Continental’s life cycle, so any problems will have been ironed out a while ago. The W12 is a product of parent firm VW, and the car is hand-built, so any problems should be minor. As with running costs, the Supersports will be expensive to service, too.
