In the exclusive high-end world of luxury Grand Tourers, the Bentley Continental GT has been the undisputed king of the hill since its inception in 2003. The Continental GT has proven to be the British brand’s cornerstone, and is by far their best-selling model in many markets across the world. Now, the all-new third-generation Continental GT is here and is set to carry the success of its much loved predecessors into the future. It now shares much of its underpinnings with the VW Group’s MSB platform, which can also be found in the new Porsche Panamera. This new architecture has helped the Grand Tourer shed some of its unnecessary bulk. That’s pretty useful for a two-door GT that tips the scales at over 2.2 tons!
The new Bentley Continental GT also brings with it marked improvement in performance, driving dynamics, and slight increments in fuel efficiency. As for its competition in the UAE, the 2019 Continental GT goes up against the Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari GTC4Lusso V12, Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe, and Rolls-Royce Wraith.
Exterior
In terms of its overall design and appearance, the new Bentley Continental GT doesn’t look radically different from its predecessor. The design update is more evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Having said that, it’s impossible to ignore this new model as it exudes a sense of effortless sophistication and class, and cannot be mistaken for anything but a Continental GT. More importantly, the new Conti is now longer (4.850 meters), wider (1.954 meters), and sports a larger wheelbase (2.851 meters) than the model it replaces. It’s irrefutably more elegant than ever before. The long, sweeping hood looks taut as it gently merges at the low-set nose. The wide, chrome covered front grille is accompanied by the Bentley-trademark headlights which now house modern LED Matrix elements. Below that, you’ve the Continental GT’s sporty bumper which incorporates large air intakes and a subtle front splitter.
Other highlights include a sloping roof, massive 21-inch rims, protruding wheel arches, massively flared rear haunches, and an extensive chrome garnish that runs from the front fenders all the way to the rear bumper. Meanwhile, at the back, the new LED taillights get a “crystal-cut effect” and their oval shape is mimicked by the twin exhausts as well. There’s also a diffuser here to improve air flow. It’s truly a sensational-looking car, the new Continental GT.
Interior
The interior of the Bentley Continental GT has come a long way, and it now looks thoroughly modern. It still retains its classy charm and appeal, but with an added sense of contemporary packaging and new-age technology. And thanks to its longer wheelbase, the cabin also feels roomier than before, which is certainly a boon. Of course, the small rear seats and sloping roof make sitting at the back still a farce. What’s not a joke is the level of opulence and comfort, which the new Continental GT continues to excel at. I also can’t really fault the fantastic build quality, astute attention to detail, and the exceptional fit-and-finish.
As standard kit, you get radar cruise control, adaptive dampers, heated & cooled seats with memory, a 12.3-inch touch-display with navigation and Apple CarPlay, and a fabulous 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Safety gadgets include a deluge of airbags and a vast array of electronic wizardry.
Engine and performance
Under the hood of the new Continental GT is a monstrous 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 that packs a 626 hp and 900 Nm punch. Utilizing a smooth 8-speed auto ‘box and an intelligent all-wheel drive system, it takes this coupe just 3.7 seconds to hit 100 km/h, while you’ll eventually be knocking at 333 km/h.
Verdict
The 2019 Bentley Continental GT can be yours for just AED 1,650,000. You can also get financing for the new GT, starting at AED 25,718, only.
