Free Reads
Back to Library >
Bentley Continental GTC review
4 days ago
A Bentley convertible encourages you to sit back and relax
But this time it seemed another approach was called for. I was in the new Bentley Continental GTC and already had good experience thrashing its new 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain to within an inch of its valves bouncing after I drove a pre-production prototype GT earlier in the year. So I knew what that would be like.
And besides, a convertible Bentley seems to demand a more laid back approach and, let’s face it, I don’t see many owners hurtling around in theirs. I maintain that in this one case alone, the extra weight of the hybrid drive actually improves the car because this is the first properly balanced Conti GT in its 20-year history. It offers more at the limit than just varying shades of understeer. And then there was the location: Switzerland, famous for its cheese, chocolate, cuckoo clocks and the size of its fast driving awards. According to Guinness World Records the highest speeding fine ever issued was for £180,000 and you don’t need me to tell you where the Testarossa-toting driver was when he got nicked.
"I was reminded of something else too, a virtue of driving slowly I usually associated with the accumulation of ancient wreckage in my shed: find the speed at which you do not gain on the car in front any more than the car behind gains on you and you have the road to yourself for as long as you like"
So I did what most owners will do with these cars and just cruised about. I rumbled up one side of a mountain pass, enjoying the hybrid-enhanced low down torque and basso profundo sound of the V8 so much I found myself wondering in how many ways the W12 it replaces would be better. And came up with a big, fat zero. I then wafted down the other side, engine off because, with the electric motor to satisfy whatever minor demand for additional energy might be required, it simply wasn’t needed.
And there I marvelled at the car’s extraordinary ability to divert air flow around the cockpit, leaving what few hairs remain atop my noggin entirely unruffled. An Aston Martin DB12 Volante is both better to look at and drive than this, but when it comes to roof down wind management, the Bentley is in an entirely different world.
I was reminded of something else too, a virtue of driving slowly I usually associated with the accumulation of ancient wreckage in my shed: find the speed at which you do not gain on the car in front any more than the car behind gains on you and you have the road to yourself for as long as you like. Which enables you to do things drivers of cars configured this way have always said is one of the great joys of convertible living: you get to see the scenery. To be honest I’ve always been more than happy to take their word for it, but by the time I’d scaled my fourth pass, I was ready to concede they may have a point.
“It handles brilliantly for a 2.6-tonne convertible, which is another way of saying it handles very securely, its steering is beautifully linear and if you insist on skidding it about it has enough balance and control to humour you”
And of course I did eventually drive it fast, briefly, but enough to confirm what I thought I already knew: the powertrain is magnificent and Audi-sourced though it is, as fit for a Bentley as any this side of a 6.75-litre pushrod V8. It handles brilliantly for a 2.6-tonne convertible, which is another way of saying it handles very securely, its steering is beautifully linear and if you insist on skidding it about it has enough balance and control to humour you.
But no question the car’s age (this is the facelift of a car first seen in 2017) is showing in its interior – it probably works better than the DB12 cabin, but looks old and cluttered by comparison and if you’re looking for real driving dynamism, the Aston and Ferrari Roma Spider are streets ahead.
I did also have a quick run in its closed GT sister, enough to confirm I’d always have a coupé over a convertible, even one as structurally rigid, well-engineered and capable as this. I prefer the look, the weight saving, have no great desire to be exposed to the elements and if I want to see the scenery I’ll stop and have a proper look, not just watch it fly by.
But if you like the look and sound of the newly hybridised Bentley Continental GTC and consider yourself a real ragtop man or woman, there’ll be plenty to delight you here, and no nasty surprises at all.
Bentley Continental GTC Speed
Engine:
3996cc, V8, twin-turbo, hybrid
Transmission:
8-speed dual-clutch, 4WD
Power:
771bhp (ICE: 591bhp @ 6000rpm)
Torque:
738lb (ICE: 590lb ft @ 2000rpm)
Weight:
2636kg (DIN, estimated)
Power-to-weight:
292bhp/tonne
0-62mph:
3.2sec
Top speed:
177mph
Price:
£259,000
Does the Bentley Continental GTC Speed sound like your dream car? If you are looking to finance a Conti GTC or any comparable car, see what JBR Capital can do for you today. They are dedicated to serving car enthusiasts like you, offering personalised finance solutions tailored to your specific needs. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach – with JBR Capital, you’ll speak to them directly and they will work with you to create a finance package that fits your needs.
Find out more about Bentley finance or use JBR Capital’s Finance Calculator.
JBR Capital is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
