Vehicle on test

Bentley Motors Continental

Overall:

Bentley - a name which conjures up the very image of luxury and performance. The Continental GT, Bentley’s first all-new design in over 70 years, is the world’s fastest four seater coupe and encompasses both these ideals.

Utterly relaxing and enjoyable to drive and at the same time exhilarating thanks to the 552bhp turbo charged, 48 valve, compact six litre W12 engine. It can spur the GT on to a knee trembling 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and onwards to a potential 200mph. The engine sound is unique - a mix between hushed, executive burble and sporty roar.

This is the first all wheel drive Bentley and is equipped with ABS, hydraulic brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and an electronic stability programme. It even has a control which cuts in before all these systems to modulate engine braking ensuring deceleration is consistent and swift.

It’s driven through a Tiptronic gearbox with manual or auto six speed transmission. And offers the option of using F1 style steering wheel mounted paddles.

Brakes, which are the largest ever fitted to a standard production car, are instantly responsive and occupants are well protected with two front and four side airbags and two side curtain bags that, unusually for a coupé, run along the full length of the cabin.

Controls adjust the suspension while on the move, from soft comfort to harsher sport. It also adjusts automatically firming up rounding a corner rather than letting you wallow through the bend at speed. And the rear spoiler can be raised at the touch of a button but is raised automatically at speeds of over 70kph.

Whisper level conversations are audible in the hushed, leather clad interior with its perfect walnut veneer dash which houses a myriad of buttons and switches. Shiny tactile silver knobs adjust the aluminium trimmed heating vents. There’s even a back massager for the driver.

The pillarless design with its wide expanse of glass creates a light and airy interior benefiting rear passengers as they don’t get that hemmed in feeling which often comes with sloping roof coupes.

But all this bliss on wheels comes at a price - a stonking £117,000. But you don’t get nought for ought.

Report by Claire Bowen