Bentley Continental GT v. McLaren GT: Pure Luxury Battle
What happens when you put the front runner up against the new kid on the block?
When you think of the term grand tourer, usually the last thing that comes to mind is a McLaren. These British cars are known for putting performance before everything else, including luxury or comfort. However, the brand’s latest model, the GT, seeks to change that. The McLaren has a lot to prove in a segment dominated by companies who have built their reputations on the GT concept. These competitors include brands such as Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, and of course, Bentley. The host of AutoTrader‘s YouTube channel, Rory Reid, believes that the ultimate grand tourer is the Bentley Continental GT. He believes this car “sets the standard” for the “ultimate grand tourer.”
So what does the McLaren bring to the table that the Bentley can’t match in a segment it knows in and out? While “both have the letters GT in their name, both are very fast, both are very luxurious, and of course, gorgeous to look at”, only one can be deemed king. Who will take the title of quintessential grand tourer? Let’s go over some pros and cons of each vehicle.
Bentley Continental GT – ‘The Standard’
What is the first thing that you associate with Bentley? Luxury. These cars are as popular as ever, like Reid says, “Bentleys are ubiquitous… pretty much anywhere you go, you can find a Bentley.” People like the attention these cars bring, as without a doubt they can be considered “a status symbol on wheels.”
The interior of the GT is stunning at first glance and only gets more beautiful once you start looking at the details. The steering is light, but responsive. The seats feel like cozy beds, the controls have artisanal metalworking finishes on them and are perfectly weighted. The ride is beyond comfortable and the cabin is “whisper quiet.” We think Reid summarizes the aesthetic of the Continental perfectly with the phrase “understated, elegant, and dripping with swagger.”
The price of the car is reflective of this fact. Some of the options you can choose with your Continental cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, just luxury in itself does not make a GT. How does the Bentley actually perform on the open road? Well, according to Reid, it is “not quite as involving [as the McLaren], but easier to make the most of.” This means that although you may not feel like you’re in a performance-first supercar, you can explore the limits of the Continental far safer than in the McLaren.
Not to mention, the Continental feels quicker in the real world because of its refined AWD system and immense torque from the 4.0L twin-turbo V8. All of which is available at 2,000 RPM and continues strong all the way to redline.
McLaren GT – ‘The Revolutionary’
When compared to the Bentley, the McLaren seems a little bit of a left-field choice for a GT. The brand isn’t exactly known for lofty street cars, but rather producing spine-tingling speed by any means necessary. With a mid-engine supercar layout, there are some logistic issues concerning a GT car. The McLaren only has 2 seats and is obviously less practical overall with the engine in the back. Immediately, one will notice that the interior cannot compete with the luxury level present in the Bentley.
Not only that, but Reid agrees that it, “doesn’t seem to be quite as well suited to drive around town in comparison to the Bentley.” The seats simply aren’t as comfortable, the suspension is harsher, the cabin is louder, and you have to slow for every speed bump. The reverse camera isn’t the best, it doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, or amazing massage seats. All of these things are standard in the Bentley.
Seemingly, all of these creature comforts are sacrificed for the ultimate driving experience. As expected, the McLaren shines out on the open road. This is thanks to features like its carbon chassis, agile steering, and incredible engine performance. Unlike the Bentley’s low-end push, the McLaren demands 5,000 RPM+ to make torque. Reid agrees that “performance is the McLaren’s superpower” before anything else. Not to mention, it demands respect with the throttle or things can go wrong very quickly. With 1,500 pounds of less weight to push around compared to the Bentley, it’s no surprise this is the better of the two as a driver’s car.
However, is the McLaren’s relative lack of luxury made up by its amazing driving dynamics? Most luxury GT owners will choose the Bentley as it is the better overall package. For those that still want the best money can buy in the segment and need a little more adrenaline on a daily basis, the McLaren is the clear winner.
Screengrabs: AutoTrader UK / YouTube
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