2019 Bentley Continental GT Makes Huge Leap Forward
The Continental GT has always been an attractive luxury coupe, but the newest model fixes one of the old model’s biggest flaws.
It may be hard to believe, but the original Bentley Continental GT came out 15 years ago. At the time, it was a transformative model that brought new customers to the storied British brand. The years that have passed since its launch have revealed both its strengths and weaknesses.
As Doug DeMuro puts it in his recent video review of the all-new Continental GT, “It sorely needed to be fully redesigned. And so, finally, it has.” The 2019 model has fresh bodywork, more power, and, most importantly, updated technology.
It also features interesting features, which DeMuro makes sure to point out. For instance, one section of the dashboard can transform with the push of a button. It can match the veneer and metal trim of the rest of the dashboard.
Or it can flip to show the screen for the infotainment system.
One more flip and it displays the outside temperature, a compass, and a stopwatch. The press of a different button and the push of a switch brings all four windows of the pillarless coupe down.
DeMuro praises the Continental GT’s materials and the infotainment system’s lag-free operation. He shows the variety of muted and vibrant ambient lighting color options. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSonic audio system offers four main settings: Bright, Energetic, Warm, and Relaxed. DeMuro gets a big chuckle out of the fact that when he hits the button to activate the night vision system, a deer appears on the screen. All of the Continental GT’s various gadgets and features convince him that the newest model finally offers modern technologies that rival those of its competitors.
Bentley paid attention to making the Continental GT function as a luxury coupe, not just a luxury car. Big two-doors like the Continental GT typically have long doors that can make getting out of them a nerve-racking experience if you happen to be parked next to another car. The doors on the ’19 model stay open and stable in a variety of positions. DeMuro says, “I’ve never seen such a great example of a door that will just stay in place exactly where you want it.”
The twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 under the hood is classic Bentley: large and powerful. It cranks out 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Flat out, the big all-wheel-drive coupe can rocket to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds.
According to DeMuro, the Continental GT as a whole is the kind of car you think of when you think of Bentley. It’s distinctive, luxurious, and powerful. It’s also sharper and more precise than its predecessor. And – finally – it’s technologically advanced.
“The reason that I like Bentley so much is because it kind of is the best of all worlds, in my opinion. You get a sporty car that isn’t too punishing. You get a luxury car that isn’t too soft. And this is just maybe the best example of that.”
Join the 6SpeedOnline.com forums now!
