Bentley Continental

About Bentley Continental

Hey car enthusiasts and aspiring luxury car owners in India! Welcome back to our blog, your trusted source for in-depth car reviews and buying guides. When you are looking to buy a new car, especially a premium one, there are so many things to consider. You think about your budget, how safe the car is for you and your family, the monthly maintenance costs, the latest features it offers, and of course, the company service you will receive. Today, we are diving deep into a car that excels in many of these areas, a true symbol of luxury and performance: the new Bentley Continental GT. Let's find out if this grand tourer is the perfect fit for your garage!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine: This powerhouse delivers exhilarating performance with a robust sound. It offers around 542 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, pushing the Continental GT from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.0 seconds.
• 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 Engine: For those who demand the absolute pinnacle of power and smoothness, the W12 is unmatched. It produces approximately 626 horsepower (or 650 hp in the Speed variant) and a colossal 900 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in roughly 3.7 seconds.

Design Overview

• Exterior: The Bentley Continental GT boasts a timeless design that perfectly blends athleticism with elegance. Its long bonnet, short front overhang, and powerful haunches give it an undeniable road presence. Signature crystal-cut effect LED matrix headlamps, a large matrix grille, and elegant lines flowing from front to rear ensure it turns heads wherever it goes. It is a true grand tourer, built to command attention.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by an oasis of bespoke luxury. Hand-stitched leather, polished wood veneers, and exquisite metal accents adorn every surface. The cabin is meticulously crafted, offering supreme comfort for four occupants. The famous Bentley Rotating Display is a highlight, transforming the dashboard from a 12.3-inch infotainment screen to three elegant analogue dials, or a veneer panel, at the touch of a button.

Key Features

• 12.3-inch Bentley Rotating Display infotainment system.
• Advanced connectivity options with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Premium Naim for Bentley or Bang & Olufsen audio systems.
• Fixed panoramic glass sunroof (available on some variants).
• 360-degree camera for easy parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Wireless charging pad for smartphones.
• Multi-zone automatic climate control for personalised comfort.
• Adaptive cruise control and lane assist for relaxed highway cruising.
• Heated and ventilated seats with massage functions.
• Night Vision system.

What is the Ground Clearance of Bentley Continental?

The Bentley Continental GT offers a respectable ground clearance of approximately 120-130 mm, which can be slightly adjusted thanks to its adaptive air suspension system. While not designed for rough terrain, it is adequate for most urban Indian driving conditions, provided you are careful over speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Bentley Continental?

The boot space of the Bentley Continental GT is around 358 litres. This is quite generous for a grand tourer and perfectly suitable for weekend getaways or carrying luggage for two or even four passengers.

What are the Dimensions of Bentley Continental?

• Length: Approximately 4850 mm
• Width: Approximately 1954 mm (excluding mirrors)
• Height: Approximately 1405 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2851 mm

Powertrain Options

The Bentley Continental GT comes with powerful engine options paired with an advanced 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending power to all four wheels through an active all-wheel-drive system. This ensures superb traction and handling in various conditions, making it a true performance luxury car.

Safety Features

Bentley prioritises safety with a comprehensive suite of features:

• Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain).
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS).
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and park assist.
• Tire pressure monitoring system.
• ISOFIX child seat mounts.

NCAP Rating Table

Please note that ultra-luxury vehicles like the Bentley Continental GT are typically not subjected to standard consumer crash tests by organisations like Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. Their robust construction and comprehensive safety features are designed to meet stringent in-house and regulatory safety standards.

Rivals of Bentley Continental

The Bentley Continental GT competes with other illustrious grand tourers and luxury sports cars in the Indian market:

• Rolls-Royce Wraith
• Aston Martin DB11 / DBS Superleggera
• Ferrari Roma
• Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (indirect)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros (Advantages):

• Unmatched Luxury: The cabin is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, offering supreme comfort and bespoke customisation options.
• Exhilarating Performance: Both V8 and W12 engines deliver blistering acceleration and high top speeds, making every drive an event.
• Timeless Design: A stunning blend of elegance and sportiness that commands respect and admiration.
• Advanced Technology: Features like the Bentley Rotating Display and comprehensive ADAS enhance convenience and safety.
• Refined Ride Quality: Despite its performance capabilities, the adaptive air suspension ensures a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride.

Cons (Disadvantages):

• High Price Tag: As expected with a Bentley, the initial purchase cost is very high, positioning it for an exclusive clientele.
• Running Costs: Fuel efficiency, especially with the W12 engine, will be a significant consideration. Maintenance and service are also premium.
• Large Size: While commanding, its dimensions can be challenging to navigate and park in congested Indian cities.
• Limited Practicality: It is a 2+2 grand tourer; the rear seats are best suited for children or short journeys.
• Exclusivity of Service: While Bentley offers excellent service, the network is limited to major metropolitan areas in India.

Conclusion

The new Bentley Continental GT is more than just a car; it is an experience, a statement, and a testament to automotive excellence. For prospective car buyers in India looking for an ultra-luxury grand tourer that offers a sublime blend of performance, unparalleled luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the Continental GT stands as a formidable choice. While the budget and running costs are substantial, for those who can afford it, the ownership experience is truly unique. It is a car that will pamper you, thrill you, and turn every journey into a memorable occasion. If you are ready to indulge in the finest automotive luxury and performance, the Bentley Continental GT deserves a top spot on your consideration list. Drive safe and choose wisely!