Gorgeous exterior, sumptuous cabin environs, power and handling - 2023 Bentley Continental GT Review
0Overview
We can think of few better cars in which to tackle a cross-country drive than the 2023 Bentley Continental GT. This grand touring two-door is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, both of which offer upper-class styling and sumptuous luxury worthy of their six-figure price. With either the powerful V-8 or W-12 engine under the hood—both are twin-turbocharged—the Conti hustles, and its handling deftly walks the line between comfort and cornering composure. All of Bentley’s best materials including fragrant leather, rich wood, and textured metal trim line the cabin, which is packed with luxury features designed to make the journey relaxing as well as quick. And should you want a bespoke GT outfitted like no other, Bentley can handle that for you, too, through its Mulliner coachbuilding division.
What's New for 2023?
A new S trim has been added to the Continental GT coupe and convertible lineup for 2023. The special model adds blacked-out exterior trim for a more aggressive appearance, a sport exhaust system, and unique wheel designs. The S is available only with the V-8 engine, and a host of S badges adorn the interior.
We prefer the Continental GT coupe, and we'd stick with the standard twin-turbo V-8 engine. Bentley's V-8 is a finely polished gem that gives up peak horsepower to the W-12 but makes for a coupe that's virtually as quick and agile in real-world conditions. It's only at very high speeds that the W-12 engine's increased horsepower makes a difference. And while we like the wind in our hair as much as anyone, we'd choose the coupe because the arching roofline ties together the car's style so elegantly we find it irresistible.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Updated versions of the existing V-8 and W-12 engines that powered the previous-generation Continental GT provide muscle-car performance. Our testing revealed that the 4.0-liter V-8, which makes 542 horses, can launch the 4926-pound coupe to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The more expensive 6.0-liter W-12 engine produces 626 horsepower in non-Speed models and can motivate a coupe to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The same engine has been tuned up to 650-hp in the Speed model, and we estimate it can reach 60 in as little as 3.1 seconds. Both engines work through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that snaps off quick, smooth shifts. Customers can order the coupe or convertible with either engine. And all Continental GTs come with an all-wheel-drive system standard, which helps put their prodigious power to the road absent any drama.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
When a twin-turbo V-8 is the most fuel-efficient offering in a particular model, you know that efficiency is not top of mind for the carmaker—or its customers, for that matter. The EPA rates the Continental V-8 at 16 mpg city and 26 highway. In our real-world testing, we averaged 28 mpg in a V-8 model in our 200 miles highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the Continental GT's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We expect a luxurious cabin from anything wearing the Bentley badge, and this two-door is no different. The interior is swathed in luscious, aromatic leather and fine wood veneers, and nearly everything about the Continental GT is customizable—for a price, of course. Bentley's designers thought every design detail through, and each time behind the wheel reveals a surprising detail, such as expertly knurled control knobs and double-stitched diamond-pattern seat trim. Although the Continental GT technically has seatbelts for four occupants, we'd suggest you avoid using the rear seat for hauling adult-size people since both leg- and headroom are limited. In our testing, we were able to fit five carry-on suitcases in the Continental's trunk—plenty of space for a weekend away with your favorite travel companion.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 12.3-inch infotainment display dominates the center of the dashboard. It's part of a unique, three-sided rotating unit that also includes a panel with three small analog gauges for exterior air temperature, time, and compass heading, and a third side that shows nothing but matching instrument-panel trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, as is a digital gauge display that allows the driver to manage most of the Continental GT's functions using controls on the steering wheel. The Continental GT offers two optional audio systems: a Bang & Olufsen arrangement and a spectacular Naim system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Bentley offers as options driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, a night-vision system, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection—items we'd expect to be standard, considering the steep starting price. For more information about the Continental GT's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)