2021 Bentley Continental GT: the Ultimate High-Performance Luxury Grand Tourer

There is nothing quite like the fanatical attention to detail and flawless craftsmanship that Bentley delivers with its vehicles and their latest 2-door masterpiece, the 2021 Bentley Continental GT, is no exception. From the lavish cabin lined with the finest materials to the unyielding thrust provided by its mighty powerplant, the British GT is gratifying on many levels. What is even more impressive is Bentley’s impeccable integration of luxury, comfort and performance. It is delightfully pronounced in many aspects, yet well-balanced and complete. This exceptional execution comes with a hefty price tag that is congruent with its grandiose character, but as they say, you get what you pay for.

Bentley’s available powerplants for the Continental GT include a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12. The 8-cylinder produces 542 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. The big 12-cylinder generates 626 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque between 1,350 and 4,500 rpm. Both engines provide swift acceleration for the two and a half ton GT. The V-8 can get to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the larger W-12 can complete the dash in 3.6 seconds.

The smaller 8 cylinder makes a strong case, as its cheaper and lighter package provides nearly the same performance as its larger counterpart. The two potent powerplants are available in both the coupe and convertible configuration. Whichever engine you choose, power is routed through a standard 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that turns all four wheels. Shifting is rapid and, as you would expect in a remarkably luxurious car, silky smooth.

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For the 2021 model, Bentley added a panoramic fixed glass sunroof that is polarized, which should help reduce glare and improve clarity. The corresponding shade is made of Alcantara, matching the surrounding headliner. Considering the price of the car, we believe that the added natural interior illumination and sky view that the sunroof provides is worth the nearly $4,000 option. Additional exterior color options on the list for the new model include Patina, Snow Quartz and Viridian. Also new for 2021 is an updated steering wheel that is integrated with sensors for the driver assistance program. The new steering wheel is also wrapped in more durable leather that should provide more years of use.

Inside, Bentley’s century-old expertise in handcrafted design is on full display. The carefully selected grade-A leather from Northern European cows is flawless and covers the seats, dashboard, door panels and center console. For those interested in even more indulgence, super-soft semi-aniline leather can be ordered. Both single and dual veneer surfaces are available across sixteen different options and perfectly flow around the entire cabin. The polished chrome surfaces on the control dials, steering column stalks, air vents and clock bezel are diamond-knurled, providing a unique texture and pleasing detail.

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The 12.3-inch center touchscreen infotainment display can be integrated with the optional Bentley Rotating Display. This unique feature encompasses a rotating center panel that allows you to choose between three panels. The digital display, a veneered panel with a compass, temperature gauge and chronograph timer or a veneer-only panel can be rotated into view at the push of a button. The Front Seat Comfort Specification adds electrically adjustable headrests and side bolsters, heated armrests, ventilated front seats with massaging function and, for the convertible configuration, neck warmers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The optional Bentley City Specification package includes high-tech features, such as a top view camera, traffic sign recognition and a night vision camera.

The Bentley Continental GT leaves no luxury feature or detail unanswered. The car can be customized with every option you could ever want in an extravagant grand tourer along with those that you don’t. That is what this British two-seater offers, pure excess in a brilliantly executed package.

2021 Bentley Continental GT

SPECIFICATIONS