Used Bentley Continental GT for sale: everything you need to know
Bentleys used to be a pretty rare sight. The original Bentley Continental GT of 2003 was the car that changed that almost overnight, selling in, by Bentley standards, huge numbers, and just over 20 years on and now in its third generation, the brand is getting close to making its 100,000th example of the car.
Along with used buyers then, comfortably more than 100,000 people have experienced this fabulous prestige grand-tourer, its performance, its luxury, and its sense of wellbeing. We’re covering the third-generation car launched in 2018 here, which is even more capable and imposing than its predecessors. Read on to find out more on the car’s specifications and trim levels.
Should you buy a Bentley Continental GT?
The Bentley Continental GT is one of the definitive modern grand touring cars, built by one of the most prestigious brands in the business and offering true luxury and effortless performance whichever model you opt for - and with a level of customisation and personalisation on offer that would make some architects and interior designers blush.
If you’re buying a pre-owned Continental GT then sadly this personalisation is one thing you don’t get to indulge in yourself, but the tradeoff is being able to save significant sums compared to a brand new car. Drive a GT and it won’t feel like a hardship either, especially as these 2018-on third-generation cars aren’t yet old enough to be showing any real signs of age. From their powertrains to their beautifully-trimmed cabins, they should still feel almost like they did when new.
As with previous models Bentley offers V8 and W12 engines, both turbocharged and hooked up to automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive systems as standard. Both offer massive performance, incredible refinement, and truly effortless performance, while each engine has its own unique engine and exhaust note to enhance the experience. Handling is incredibly capable for a car so large and heavy and naturally the ride is cosseting too, something only enhanced by the levels of interior comfort, quality and equipment. Only relatively tight rear quarters and a modest boot take away from its GT credentials for any more than two passengers.
It’s always been a little difficult to think of direct equivalents for the Continental GT. The BMW 8-Series lacks the Bentley’s prestige, and while the Mercedes S-Class Coupe arguably gets close, it’s far more of a cruiser than a GT. Conversely, cars like the Aston Martin DB11 and Ferrari Roma trade some of the Bentley’s refinement for more sporting appeal. If you want a luxury GT, there’s really nothing quite like it.
What’s the best used Bentley Continental GT model to buy?
It’s fair to say that choosing between the Continental GT’s V8 and W12 engines is as much about experience as anything else. There’s not a great deal between them in terms of performance - what’s three tenths from 0-62mph between friends? - and the difference between the V8’s 23mpg and the W12’s 20mpg is going to matter little to most owners too. But they do sound and feel quite different, the V8’s lighter weight making it slightly more of a driver’s car, and the W12 offering the kind of culture and refinement that only twelve cylinders can. As for specification, take your pick; all are magnificent in their own way.
Used Bentley Continental GT fuel economy and performance
- Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8: Consider the V8 less ‘entry level’ and more an alternative to the W12 - it still has 550PS, and gets from 0-62mph in four seconds despite all that weight to pull. Combined economy is 23.3mpg.
- Bentley Continental GT 6.0 W12: The W12 is still the ultimate Continental GT experience, with 650PS from that unusual engine layout, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, and a taste for unleaded at 20.6mpg.
What used Bentley Continental GT trim levels are available?
- The Bentley Continental GT is as comprehensively equipped as you’d expect from a Bentley, with everything from air suspension to matrix LED headlights and seven standard paint colours - plus enormous potential for customisation when new.
- The Bentley Continental GT Azure adds luxury to an already luxurious car, with extra chrome exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, and Azure badging throughout.
- The Bentley Continental GT S takes some cues from the Speed model, including dark-tinted trim for the headlights, gloss black 22-inch alloy wheels and other exterior details, and piano black interior wood trim.
- The Bentley Continental GT Speed comes only with the W12 engine, and gets several styling tweaks and bespoke interior finishes, as well as cornering-enhancing four-wheel steering.
- The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner is the ultimate Continental GT, available with either engine, and getting unique interior and exterior details, quilted leather upholstery, and a head-up display, plus a bespoke interior clock.
Used Bentley Continental GT dimensions and boot size
The Bentley Continental GT’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,850mm
- Width: 2,187mm
- Height: 1,405mm
- Ground clearance: 142mm
The Bentley Continental GT’s boot space is:
Used Bentley Continental GT road tax
With a list price many times the government’s £40,000 threshold for a higher vehicle tax rate, the £600 annual VED bill shouldn’t be too much of a shock to Continental GT buyers. The fact that from the car’s seventh year on the road it drops to a lower rate, with no surcharge, will still be welcome though.
How much is it to insure a Bentley Continental GT?
As unsurprising as the GT’s tax costs is the fact that every model in the range sits in the maximum insurance group 50 - and given the car’s expense, premiums will surely cost a little more than some ‘lesser’ cars in the top group too. All models are safe and secure though - GPS tracking is standard, for instance.
