2015 Bentley Continental GTC V8 S Convertible Review
What’s Hot: Fabulous powertrain and sound, excellent ride, dripping with sumptuous quality.
What’s Not: Back seats a bit tight for adults, not exactly affordable luxury.
X-FACTOR: An ultra-luxury convertible for the 'high net worth' buyer; fast, but cosseting, a drop-top that just does everything right.
Vehicle Style: Luxury convertible
Price: $446,000 (plus on-roads) | $598,236 (as tested, on-road)
Engine/trans: 389kW/680Nm 8cyl turbo petrol | 8spd auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 11.1 l/100km | tested: 14.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
For a car that was first launched in 2003, the Bentley Contintental GT still holds up pretty well.
Sure, it had a refresh in 2011, but the general architecture is the same and the interior hasn’t really progressed apart from a few infotainment tweaks.
But there was one change that really made the Conti stand out. While the original W12 engine is a power-house that fits the Bentley requisites of torque and power, it’s a bit characterless.
A twelve-cylinder engine that sounds like a V6? No thanks.
But when Bentley shoe-horned a twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet, the Continental GT took on a whole new appeal. And what better way to access its thumping soundtrack than to slot yourself into the droptop version.
Bentley arranged for us to take possession of its top-rung V8 S model, differentiating itself from the V8 with 10mm lower suspension, a different body kit, red brake callipers and unique badging. More importantly, it has more power and torque.
Keys in hand, it was time to drop the top and enjoy the winter chill.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4/5