The Bentley Continental GT is a large luxury 2+2 coupé. The current model is the third generation and was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show and went on sale in 2018.
Unlike the first two generations of Continental GT, which were based on a Volkswagen platform, the new model shares its underpinnings with the Porsche Panamera. This has made it a far more dynamic car to drive. The GT was originally launched with a W12 petrol engine, and a new V8 engine option was added in early 2019.
The Continental GT has a sister convertible model, the GTC. We are building a separate page for this car, so check back soon. There is also a saloon relative called the Flying Spur, which shares its platform and a lot of its components with the Continental models. We’ll also have a page for that model once reviews are published later in 2019.
The Bentley Continental GT has received unanimously positive reviews from the UK motoring media, ranging from good to outstanding. It has received particular praise for its improved driving dynamics and luxurious cabin, with the only real criticisms being that the improved handling has resulted in a small trade-off in ride comfort.
More Bentley news, reviews and features
Body style: Coupé
Engines: petrol
Price: From £159,100 on-road
Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: V8
“The Bentley Continental GT V8 is a grand tourer first and foremost. But the weight shed by swapping the W12 out for the V8 gives it real agility in the corners.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: V8
Score: 9 / 10
“Once again the V8-engined Bentley Continental GT is the pick of the Continental range, with performance nearly as good as the W12-engined flagship but improved handling.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“The new Bentley Continental GT covers ground effortlessly, and its sumptuously finished cabin puts rivals to shame. It’s better to drive than before, and the engine is silky smooth; feeling fast and refined in equal measure.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Crewe takes the less-is-more approach with V8-powered Conti and scores the most convincing and enjoyable result in the recent history of the mainstream Bentley.”
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Model reviewed: W12 Launch Edition
Score: 9 / 10
“The car’s towering real-world performance and all-surface stability will be big draws for customers who use their cars on a daily basis, but they come partnered with much better body control and cornering poise than existing GT owners will be used to.”
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Car
Model reviewed: V8
Score: 10 / 10
“Simply put, this Continental is almost as refined as the W12 when you want it to be, but significantly more fun when you don’t.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT has been reborn with improved technology that makes it feel lighter and nimbler than before.”
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Daily Mail
Score: 10 / 10
“This is definitely the greatest car made in the past 20 years.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo
Model reviewed: V8
Score: 9 / 10
“The driver’s choice amongst the Bentley range and a superb all-round grand tourer.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Continental represents a giant leap forward, and now offers genuine driver engagement alongside the expected GT brief.”
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Honest John
“As before, the Continental GT is a two-door car with four seats – but rear seat space has been improved over the previous model, as has luggage space, which Bentley says gives the car ‘genuine real-world usability’.”
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The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, this is an absolutely fabulous car. A brilliant piece of completely over-the-top styling sitting like the icing on a properly made cake. If I had to choose between this and the DB11, I’d be in what the experts call ‘a right old muddle’. But as I’m pushing 60 now, I’d probably go for the Continental.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Score: 8 / 10
“A wonderfully smooth, fast and comfortable grand tourer.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: W12
Score: 10 / 10
“Power, comfort and emotional warmth. As the era of the automobile draws to a close, it’s things like the Bentley Continental GT that will really make us miss it.”
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Top Gear
Score: 8 / 10
“Comfort and relaxation may have slipped maybe five per cent, but dynamism is up 50 per cent. And most importantly, that ability and behaviour suits the Bentley Continental GT well.”
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What Car?
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT is a fine grand tourer that gets the balance between sports car and luxury car just about spot on.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
The new Bentley Continental GT has not yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP. Previous generations of Continental have never been tested by Euro NCAP, so we don’t expect that this one will be, either.
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The new Bentley Continental GT has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Bentley Continental GT has received
2019
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Coupé
- News UK Motor Awards – British-Built Car of the Year + Jeremy Clarkson People’s Car of the Year
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