Bentley Continental GTC Review

2007 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible Shown

Some might find it hard to believe that Bentley actually competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race a few years ago -- and won. But with the help of its parent company, Volkswagen, Bentley has recently done a remarkable job in shedding its stuffy image and establishing itself as a contemporary luxury coachbuilder.

In that fashion, the Bentley Continental GTC is more than just a posh convertible. It's a high-performance drop top that manages to provide every bit of luxury you'd expect in a traditional Bentley, only now with more attitude and agility.

As its name suggests, the GTC is the convertible version of Bentley's successful four-seat Continental GT coupe. Like the coupe, the GTC has a powerful turbocharged W12 engine, all-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension. To make up for lost body stiffness due to the lack of a fixed roof, Bentley has fitted the GTC with additional structural reinforcements. Curb weight is a couple hundred pounds more than the coupe.

It's true that a couple of other high-end convertibles are a bit more agile in terms of handling. But for those financially fortunate souls just wanting a luxury-focused grand touring four-seater, it doesn't get any better than Bentley's new GTC.

Current Bentley Continental GTC

The Bentley Continental GTC is a two-door luxury convertible with seating for four. With the push of a button, the convertible fabric top opens or closes in about 25 seconds and will even operate while the car is moving (at speeds up to 20 mph). Thanks to a modified version of the coupe's rear suspension, the top folds completely flat and maintains a sleek profile. If the rear seats are unoccupied -- likely a frequent occurrence given their middling size -- a chrome and aluminum wind blocker can be raised over them to streamline the airflow.

Considering it's a Bentley, we'd be wasting our time talking about air-conditioning and stereo systems. Just expect the best that money can buy, and you won't be disappointed. The GTC's interior goes way beyond features and amenities and is fitted with the finest wood and leather.

The options are virtually limitless (though you'll pay handsomely for them). Buyers can choose between different colors for the convertible top and styles of wood trim. There are a variety of lambswool rug choices, 17 colors for the interior and 15 for the exterior.

When you generally talk about this kind of opulence, it inevitably equates to heaviness. And the Bentley Continental GTC is no exception. No matter. This luxury convertible is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that's capable of 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and takes the GTC from zero to 60 in 5 seconds. Top speed is just a tad below 200 mph. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is all-wheel drive.

In road tests, our editors found the Bentley Continental GTC to be a tremendously dynamic drive, while remaining buttoned down throughout. Acceleration is thrilling. Body roll can be eliminated with the firmest suspension setting, allowing this 5,500-pound luxury car to handle like a much smaller car. With the top down, expect noise to pick up considerably above 50 mph. Raising the windows buys you more quiet, and you can enjoy civilized conversation up to 80 mph before having to speak loudly in order to be heard.

SELECT A SPECIFIC BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.