New Bentley Continental GT is Night and Day Different from Predecessor

Styling

Probably the most shocking difference between the previous continental and the 2018 version is its styling. The 2018 and the subsequent 2019 models still have the classic Bentley styling cues such as the front grille, the circle headlights, and classic rear haunches. Besides those similarities, the new Continental is worlds away from the old. A new sleek silhouette, rear taillights, and an improved interior cabin are just some of the differences that will instantly pop out.

Of course, the Bentley comes in a myriad of colors, with a collection of wheels to choose from, and can be completely customized inside to give you that bespoke feeling. If this Continental is going to stay as long as the last model, then it will need timeless styling. Luckily, it has just that.

Engine

The Continental is powered by the same engine that's inside the Bentayga except it makes even more power and has been calibrated to be even smoother. In the front, you'll find a twin-turbocharged W12 making 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft torque. That helps this 5,050-lb bruiser get to 60 in just 3.3 seconds! It gets there with the help of a dual-clutch gearbox and four-wheel drive.

Those numbers may seem supercar-like but the Bentley is not intended to be a quarter-mile monster or a canyon carver, its main objective is to be a comfortable grand tourer. A V8 variant is available as well, capable of producing 500 HP, but with only an $18,000 price difference, the W12 might be the way to go. There will definitely be more hardcore versions of the Continental such as the GT3 which will be more lightweight and more sport-focused.

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Interior

The Bentley's interior is all new. It is more luxurious, prim, and well put together. The center console can be had with a variety of different wood or painted finishes. Above that is the high-resolution infotainment system. Don't like a screen to fill your dashboard? No problem. Opt for the Bentley Rotating Display ($6270) and the dash will rotate between a set of analog clocks or a clean wood finish.

The entire interior is covered in beautiful woven leather. Every material used in the cabin has a tactile aspect to it. No cheating or cut corners in here.

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Comfort

As stated before, the Continental is all about comfort. It is a GT thoroughbred, first and foremost. It's meant for long trips or sumptuous rides through your everyday commute. With the help of its super-smooth W12 engine, fast-shifting dual clutch, and its advanced dampers, the Continental is one of the smoothest cars on the road today. Flip it into Comfort Mode and everything softens up for the most supple ride possible. Pop it into Sport Mode and the shocks stiffen, engine awakens, and the exhaust valves open up. So basically, this car has two personalities. Compared to the old Continental, the new model rides much softer and can deal with much more aggressive driving. the bar for performance and comfort has risen quite a bit.

>>Join the conversation about the Bentley Continental GT here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!

Competition

The Bentley Continental has a few competitors in its class. Now that its base price is past the $200,000 mark, it has entered a whole new pool of enemies. Its closest rival is probably the Aston Martin DB11. Another competitor is the new Ferrari Portofino which boats a similar power output but doesn't have the comfort pedigree that the Bentley has. And of course, the Mercedes-AMG S63 which makes similar power and has similar build quality but lacks the theater of the Bentley and the looks.

In the end, the Bentley beats out all of the competitors with a swift, elegant kick.