Bentley Continental GT Coupe (03 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 10 January 2012
Any fears that new owner Volkswagen wasn't going to deliver a proper Bentley with its first model in charge were instantly dismissed with the arrival of the Continental GT. This opulent coupé offers real 200mph performance and room for four at a pinch for just over £100,000. Not cheap, but less than half what Bentley had been asking for the old V8 Continental. The four-wheel drive chassis and W12 engine are actually shared with the Phaeton, Volkswagen’s attempt at a BMW 7-series rivalling saloon, but the two cars are certainly not clones and the Bentley is far more opulent, faster and more satisfying to drive. A four-door saloon version, the Flying Spur, appeared in 2005 and the GTC convertible a year later. Then in 2007 Bentley added the GT Speed, a more powerful version of the coupé, to combat the onslaught of more recent rivals, but the ordinary coupé continues also.
4.5 out of 5

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1.5 out of 5

Running costs

Compared to older Bentleys, the GT was comparatively affordable at launch and is even more so now used cars are available for the price of a more mainstream luxury coupé. The sheer number produced means residuals are strong but not rock solid. However any 200mph car is going to be expensive to run and the Bentley is no different, regardless of whether you bought it for £130,000 new or half that used. Group 20 insurance and a 17mpg thirst will put a dent in any pocket but at least the GT only requires servicing every 10,000 miles.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage.

Road tax (12 months)

£475.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

0.5 out of 5

Green credentials

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    410

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Continental GT is high-emission model and with an average of 410g/km of CO2 across the range, its emissions are extremely high for a luxury coupé, although low-emissions isn't a priority for buyers in this sector of the market. The range is very thirsty too, averaging 16 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2