Summary
The Bentley Continental GT Convertible – widely known as the GTC – first appeared in 2006 as an open-top version of the luxury brand’s then-new first-generation Continental GT coupe.
The current model is the third generation, launched in 2018, and two versions are available – the standard model is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine with 550hp and the Speed a 6.0-litre W12 with 659hp and a 3.5-second 0-62mph time.
Reviewers are highly complimentary about Bentley’s drop-top. Auto Express describes it as “incredibly expensive” at prices starting from around £175,000, but adds “You get what you pay for.”
Car magazine believes that many buyers will actually prefer the less powerful V8 engine, dubbing the W12 curious, “with neither the analogue ferocity of a big, turbo-free V12 nor the bear-hug charm of a big-capacity V8.”
There are compromises compared to the coupé version – the drop-top folds with electric smoothness in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30mph, but Car dubs boot space cut from 358 to 250 litres “tragically half as useful.” But the roof impresses, Evo saying it folds away in virtual silence, “no cheapo whirring of motors here.”
The Continental GT Convertible is stiffer yet lighter than its predecessor but it still tips the scales at 2.4 tonnes. Despite this, testers like its road manners; “It rides like it is coasting on the back of a magic carpet,” says The Sun, while The Telegraph says in corners there is not a great deal of steering feedback but adds; “the grip from the wide tyres on 22-inch wheels is humungous.”
Of course being a Bentley, luxury is assured – “the quality of craftmanship of every switch, wooden veneer and leather covering separates the Continental GT Convertible from its rivals,” says Carbuyer.
As of February 2023, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible currently holds an Expert Rating of 79% from 17 reviews.
Continental GTC highlights
- Special levels of luxury
- Potent engines
- Fine handling despite heavy weight
- Hood folds on the move at up to 30mph
Continental GTC lowlights
- Tiny boot space
- Much heavier than coupe
- Tiny rear seats
- Too much safety kit is optional rather than standard
Key specifications
Body style: Convertible
Engines: petrol
Price: From £170,000 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Refinement and comfort are excellent, it even handles well, and there’s a deep reserve of performance.”
Read review
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s heavy, thirsty and not immune from scuttle shake, but for those in the market, there are few cars that do the job better.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Continental GT has long been the ultimate luxury grand tourer, combining effortless power with incredible refinement and a luxurious interior. The convertible version puts the cherry on the Continental cake, creating a peerless way of crossing continents in supreme comfort.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic V8
Score: 8 / 10
“Juggles its luxury and sporting credentials very well. Not quite as well as the equivalent coupe, granted, but still hugely gratifying to drive.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 6.0-litre petrol automatic W12
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re shopping for drop-top four-seaters in the Bentley bracket, it’s hard to find anything that compares.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Immensely capable, quiet and refined open-top cruiser produces huge, effortless performance.”
Read review
Car
Score: 8 / 10
“A Porsche 911 Cabriolet will stop, turn and go with more alacrity, but that’s hardly the point. The point is the Bentley doesn’t endure such roads but savours them, while remaining a long-distance machine of almost peerless ability and extraordinary charm.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT Convertible has always been luxurious, but it now drives more like a sports car, too.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Bentley Continental GT Convertible is an imposing droptop that’s beautifully made and wonderful to drive. But space in the back is so tight that the rear seats aren’t comfortable.”
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Daily Mail
“There are few more exquisite pleasures in life than being behind the wheel of a £200,000 open-topped Bentley, as the sun kisses your forehead and the wind blows through what remains of your locks.”
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Evo
Score: 9 / 10
“One of the world’s finest GTs, made even more appealing – for some – without a roof.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview (coupé and convertible)
Score: 9 / 10
“A near-perfect GT car – with or without a roof. Few cars offer such a rich blend of luxury, comfort and performance.”
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The Sun
“The lower and longer profile, elongated bonnet and more pronounced power lines give this motor an athletic appearance on the road.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
“When you climb in the Continental GT, it’s like climbing into Lewis Hamilton’s head” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: W12
Score: 8 / 10
“Opulent and ostentatious, this third iteration of the drophead Bentley Continental GT is a better-looking car than its predecessor and the interior is quite lovely. It rides acceptably, and handles pretty well, but it is too heavy and its fuel consumption is simply not acceptable in these times.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Top class. The GT in the Continental’s name is there for a reason.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The GTC is Bentley’s big, heavyweight convertible grand tourer, with a ‘z’ fold fabric roof that opens and closes in just 19 seconds at up to 30mph.”
Read review
Safety rating
No safety rating
Like most upmarket low-volume cars, the Bentley Continental GT Convertible has not been crash-tested by Euro NCAP.
The GTC is available with a host of active safety features but not all of them come as standard equipment.
Eco rating
No eco rating
The Bentley Continental GT Convertible has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
Reliability rating
As of February 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Bentley Continental GT Convertible to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Continental GTC, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Bentley Continental GT Convertible, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Aston Martin DB11 Volante | Aston Martin DBS Volante | BMW M8 | Ferrari Portofino | Lexus LC Convertible | Mercedes-AMG SL | Porsche 911 Cabriolet | Rolls-Royce Dawn
There are plenty of upmarket performance convertibles around and models such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Mercedes-AMG SL can be considered rivals to the Bentley. But in terms of high luxury and very high price the options are rather less, ranging across the likes of the Aston Martin DB11 Volante and Ferrari Portofino.
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