Vehicle Tested
2013 Bentley Continental GT Coupe (4.0L V8 Twin-turbo AWD 8-speed Automatic)
Driven On
11/14/2012
Ratings Summary
The 2013 Bentley Continental is the least expensive Bentley available, but with ample power, a stunning interior and world-class road manners, it's easily one of the best.
A
Performance
The Continental GT V8 is shockingly competent with a stellar V8, smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and more road-holding grip than should be possible at this weight. Truly a driver's GT car.
| Acceleration |
A
|
Effortless is the name of the game in the luxury segment and the twin-turbo V8 here does not disappoint. Simply push the go pedal and hang on. 60 mph comes up in 4.2 seconds. |
| Braking |
A
|
The Bentley throws down an impressive number braking from 60 mph with a firm pedal. Less impressive is the $13,600 it costs for the carbon-ceramic brakes. |
| Steering |
B
|
There is nothing particularly good or bad about the Bentley's steering. It's light and precise enough to not waver. Not very inspiring, but this is a luxury car. |
| Handling |
B
|
Handling isn't at the forefront of the Bentley Continental's checklist. If it were, the car wouldn't weigh 5,000 pounds. However, big tires and good suspension get the job done. |
| Driveability |
A
|
This car was built for driving. Not flat-out track driving, but long-distance, rolling roads with endless sweepers. To that end, there are few better driver's cars. |
A
Comfort
GT stands for Grand Touring and the Bentley excels at long-distance comfort.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
Stiff and supportive without being punishing, the Continental GT's seats are some of the finest thrones in the world. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
The low-profile tires can bang off big pavement irregularities, otherwise, the Continental GT V8 is controlled and comforting. |
| Quietness |
A
|
The Bentley is almost exactly as loud at 120 mph as it is at 60 and that number is quite low. |
A
Interior
Without question one of the finest interiors in the world. It's a sea of hand-stitched, quilted leather and gorgeous wood. Hugely impressive.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Perhaps the Bentley's weakest point, buttons and switches aren't as clear or easy to use as some competitors. Shift paddles are an afterthought and wheel controls are awkward. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
Part of the allure of a big coupe is the huge doors which make ingress/egress for any shape and level of physicality a breeze. Seat height is low, but doesn't require stooping. |
| Space/Room |
A
|
While rear-seat room is minimal, front-seat space and comfort is almost without peer. Almost like it was designed for tall and wide athletes. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Visibility out of the Continental is very good and is bolstered with an excellent parking-aid system and rear-view camera. |
| Cargo/Storage |
A
|
Coupes aren't generally known for their storage space, but the GT V8 has a trunk that'll swallow 12.6 cubic feet of stuff, a large center console and glovebox and good cupholders. |
A
Value
The value of a Bentley can't be calculated on a simple cost/benefit scale. As an ultra-luxury vehicle, the Continental GT V8 has the right badge, the right looks and the right quality for a very competitive price.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
You get what you pay for and in this car you pay for hand-tooled wood and hand-stitched leather from pampered cows. Some VW parts-sharing is evident if you look close. |
| Cost |
B
|
With a base price of $176,725, this won't be on any budget-concious consumer's mind, but it is the least expensive Bentley available. |
| MPG |
B
|
As the fuel-saving option, the V8 is better than the W12, but with EPA estimates of 15 city/24 highway -- and a real-world average of 14 mpg, the Continental GT is no fuel sipper. |
| Warranty |
B
|
The 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 carries a standard warranty of 3 years/unlimited miles with one year/10,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years and there is free maintenance for one year/10,000 miles. |
A
Fun To Drive
Pillarless and with more power than anyone needs, the GT V8's fun-to-drive quotient is fulfilled by effortless, long-distance cruises in the lap of luxury. A wonderful driver's car over any distance.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
Full-size coupes have a presense and stately nature about them and the GT V8 is no different. Supple ride, endless power, huge footprint. |
| Personality |
A
|
At one point during everyone's life they should arrive to a valet in a Bentley. Personality flows out of this car faster than fuel. |
