A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.7/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
5
Running Costs
2.5
Practicality
3.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for the ultimate grand touring experience with genuine British luxury credentials? The Bentley Continental represents the pinnacle of premium GT cars, combining handcrafted opulence with surprising everyday usability. This flagship model has defined the luxury coupe segment for decades, offering a unique blend of Rolls Royce refinement and genuine sports car performance. The Continental stands apart from rivals like the Aston Martin DB11 or Ferrari Portofino with its emphasis on long distance comfort rather than track focused dynamics.
What makes the Continental special is its ability to deliver supercar performance wrapped in sumptuous luxury. The twin turbo W12 engine provides effortless acceleration while the cabin cocoons you in the finest leather and wood veneers money can buy. This isn’t just about show either, as the Continental proves surprisingly practical for such an exclusive machine. Boot space is generous enough for weekend trips, while the refined ride quality makes it genuinely comfortable for daily driving.
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated weekend escape machine or a statement piece that reflects success, the Bentley Continental delivers an ownership experience few cars can match. Yes, running costs reflect its premium positioning, but flexible car finance options make this automotive icon more accessible than you might expect. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Continental offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and British heritage that’s hard to resist.
How Does the Bentley Continental Drive?
The Bentley Continental is designed to be the ultimate grand touring machine. The standard W12 engine produces an impressive 626 horsepower, delivering 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. This massive power output is delivered with remarkable smoothness and refinement. The engine barely whispers at idle yet transforms into a thunderous symphony when you press the accelerator. For those seeking even more performance, the GT Speed variant pushes power to over 650 horsepower with enhanced aerodynamics and sharper handling.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo
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Power Output
626 - 650 bhp
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0-60 mph
3.7 seconds
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MPG Combined
18 - 22 mpg
- Boot Space
- 358 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Bentley Continental: Comfort & Features
Step inside and you’re immediately surrounded by an interior that represents the finest automotive craftsmanship available today. The dashboard features real wood veneers cut from single trees, hand-stitched leather surfaces, and knurled metal controls that operate with bank vault precision. The diamond-quilted seats are supremely comfortable and offer extensive electrical adjustment to find your perfect driving position. Every surface you touch feels substantial and luxurious, from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the crystal gear selector.
Effortless power, exquisite craftsmanship, and a cabin that redefines luxury – the Continental remains the definitive grand tourer, a statement of arrival and unwavering indulgence.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Bentley Continental?
As a ultra-luxury grand tourer, the Bentley Continental comes with appropriately premium running costs. Fuel economy ranges from 18-22 MPG in real-world conditions, which means frequent visits to petrol stations during spirited driving. Insurance costs are substantial due to the high purchase price, powerful engine, and expensive replacement parts. Annual road tax is also at the highest band due to CO2 emissions and the luxury car supplement.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Bentley Continental
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Mercedes S-Class Coupe
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BMW 8 Series
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| Starting Price | £180,000 | £120,000 | £110,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 6.0L W12 626hp | 4.0L V8 469hp | 4.4L V8 523hp |
| Power | 626 bhp | 469 bhp | 523 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 358 litres | 400 litres | 420 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Handcrafted interior, W12 engine, British luxury | Advanced technology, Comfort suspension, German engineering | Sporty handling, Digital cockpit, Driver focus |
Is the Bentley Continental Practical for Everyday Use?
For a luxury grand tourer, the Bentley Continental offers reasonable practicality for everyday use. The 358-litre boot provides adequate space for weekend luggage or several golf bags, though the sloping roofline limits the height of items you can carry. The rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when needed for longer items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find well-designed storage compartments for personal items, though space is naturally limited compared to a luxury saloon.
Absolutely magnificent car that exceeds every expectation. The build quality is extraordinary and the performance is intoxicating. Every journey becomes an event. The only downside is the fuel consumption, but that’s a small price for such automotive perfection.
The Bentley Continental represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury grand touring. It combines handcrafted British elegance with modern performance technology to create something truly special. The attention to detail in every aspect, from the hand-stitched leather to the precisely engineered W12 engine, demonstrates why Bentley remains the ultimate luxury car manufacturer. While running costs are substantial, the ownership experience is unmatched in the automotive world.
