Bentley Continental GT
Credit: Fifth Gear (http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear)
Recommended.
No huge changes, but instead a series of careful revisions throughout keep the Continental GT at the top of its game. A superb all-rounder that can be used every day.
Fifth Gear Bentley Continental GT review
The first generation of the Continental GT marked the beginning of the firm's VW parentage, and rather than using 50-year old V8 engines and antiquated chassis, the GT benefitted from the best VW technology and a clean-sheet design.
Seven years on and with the Brooklands, Flying Spur and Mulsanne also in the stable the GT has been refreshed, although at first glance you may struggle to spot the differences. Sharper creases in the flanks, a more upright grille and jewel-like headlamps like those on the Mulsanne do get the most out of the basic shape. It's still something of a love-or-hate look, but it's certainly not short of presence and has a pleasing mix of old and new influences.
Underneath the looks, the four-wheel drive, twin-turbocharged W12 engine and automatic transmission all remain, but with detail tweaks throughout. The power split is now 40/60 front to rear, which helps to quell understeer. The engine has increased power and torque as well as more lightweight components for easier revving and the six-speed ZF transmission offers quicker shift times (down to 200 milliseconds) and throttle blips on downshifts.
The upshot is that the Continental GT feels better able to cope with keen driving: the fearsome performance is still there, but now bends are dispatched with more grace and the hefty kerbweight is far less noticeable. Although slicker, the transmission can still be a little reluctant to down shift and too keen to shift up in Drive, but it is very smooth and marshals the 567bhp well.
Inside the GT offers exactly what you would expect: leather, wood and chrome at every turn, and the feeling of exclusivity and luxury that only a six-figure purchase price will afford. New seats not only offer good support but also shave more than 30kg in weight, while the revised central console puts a better touch-screen interface at your disposal and cleans up the overall look.
Despite the better dynamics, comfort is still the GT's trump card, and even with huge 21-inch alloy wheels specified, the ride comfort is excellent. The adaptive damping system can be adjusted minutely between two extremes, so you are always likely to find the perfect compromise for the road surface. Noise levels are low too, although wind rush does begin to pick up beyond 80mph.
Most of the Continental GT's rivals either offer more in the way of comfort or dynamism, so the combination of crushing performance with cosseting luxury is an appealing one. As long as the looks don't offend, the GT offers a true Bentley experience and the kudos that goes with it.
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STYLING
The subtle changes have created a GT much closer to the designer's fantasy, and the sharp creases give it a pleasing tautness. However if you didn't like the shape before then it's unlikely you'll feel differently now.
HANDLING
Where the old car never left you in any doubt of its considerable mass, the second-generation version is happier playing the sports car. The steering is consistent if not super-sharp, but the four-wheel drive now has the right torque split to allow you to punch out of bends with real alacrity.
COMFORT
Even riding on massive alloys the Continental GT soothes away road imperfections and keeps its occupants in a state of perpetual calm. The cabin is a wonderful place and works much better now, while the optional ventilated massage seats will keep pampered behinds comfortable.
QUALITY & RELIABILITY
VW Group parentage pays dividends here, so expect near-bulletproof reliability and savour the cabin quality. Superb materials are put together with faultless consistency, greatly adding to the ownership experience.
PERFORMANCE
Even with 2.3 tons to haul about, the 567bhp W12 just keeps on pulling. At low speeds initial acceleration might even seem a little languid, but once rolling the GT accelerates with a relentless shove that continues well into three-figure speeds. The quicker upshifts from the gearbox help to cut acceleration times too.
ROOMINESS
Those up front have nothing to complain about with plenty of head and legroom. The wide transmission tunnel gives a cosy feel too. Legroom is improved in the back by nearly 5 centimetres thanks to the slimmed-down front seats, but it's still not somewhere you would want to sit for more than a couple of hours.
STEREO / SAT NAV
The old GT's system was a little clunky for a car in this class, but the latest car has an up-to-date unit with features like Google Maps and can find destinations using geo-tagged pictures. The controls system is much more intuitive too, while the optional Naim audio system brings epic-quality sound to the cabin.
RUNNING COSTS
If you have to ask then you can't afford it. With a combined fuel consumption figure only just creeping into the 17s and 384g/km of C02, the Continental GT can't be run on a shoestring. Expect to pay a great deal for insurance too.
VALUE FOR MONEY
There's no question that you get a lot of car for the money. The specification is comprehensive and the fit and finish is superb. Yet most crucially the GT is arguably more capable than its rivals which can cost as much as £20,000 more.
Credit: Fifth Gear (http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear)
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