Bentley

Continental

The Continental range is inspired by the grace and power of Bentley’s thoroughbred bloodline, and boasts incredible performance, eye-catching looks and craftsmanship of the highest standards. And latest models even feature impressive fuel efficiency too.

Test Drive

Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible

Few cars actually need a speedo that goes up to 200mph – the Bentley Continental GT V8 does.

That’s because this stunning two-door, four-seater convertible that rolls in at a little over £171k, including a whopping £41k in optional extras – boasts a top speed of 187mph.

The 60mph target is reached in a blistering 4.7 seconds from a standing start and the 100mph is achieved in just 11.4 seconds.

But there is so much more to this convertible than speed.

The pure, unadulterated levels of on-board luxury cannot fail to impress and it’s the sort of car you can walk around admiring until you feel dizzy.

With its low-slung, ready-to-pounce stance, unique chromed figure-eight tailpipes, black tinted 20-inch alloys, bi-xenon projector headlamps, LED daylight running lights, LED rear lamps and a black matrix grille that beams a grin at you, this car has every reason to be pleased with itself.

Take your seat – which is 14-way adjustable, heated and with massage function plus neck warmer – and it’s impossible not to be impressed with the sheer build quality and seemingly endless number of creature comforts that surround you.

Supercars come with a super price-tag and they have plenty to live up to. The Bentley Continental exceeds all expectations. Even the door panels are created using the very finest padded leather and there are deep pile mats front and rear.

Every switch, dial or control is perfectly positioned for ease of use and comfort levels are exceptionally high.

There is an 8-inch colour touchscreen interface, an 11-speaker sound system with 6-disc CD changer, SD card reader, iPod connectivity, DVD player, a brilliant sat nav guidance system, Bluetooth connectivity, a TV tuner, cruise control and even the three-spoke hide-trimmed steering wheel has heat settings.

But the second you fire up the 4.0-litre engine then the power at your disposal becomes instantly apparent. The roar of this V8 model could be heard in neighbouring counties and beyond!

The automatic transmission is smooth but very rapid when required and the power at your disposal seems unlimited.

Road-holding is incredible and the Bentley has a concealed rear aerofoil with automatic deployment for maximum aerodynamics.

The roof can be lowered or raised at the press of a button and on the move which is bonus considering our very unpredictable climate.

Storage is good enough and the boot features powered opening and closing functions.

One factor that will definitely make rivals sit up and listen is the car’s surprisingly impressive fuel efficiency. For this model can deliver a combined 25.9mpg which means less trips to those petrol pumps.

Bentley has packed the car with safety specifications such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, hydraulic brake assistance, aquaplane detection, two-mode electronic stability programme, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

All it takes me to say now is roll on the lottery and pray for my six numbers.