Bentley Continental GT Convertible 4.0 V8 (A) First Drive Review
28 Jun 2019|17,521 views
What We Like
It looks stunningly good
It is aggressively fast
Exquisite cabin
Dynamically sound around twisty roads
Carry and maintain speeds across long distances
What We Dislike
It will be pricey when it comes to Singapore next year
The third iteration Bentley Continental GT Convertible now comes in a downsized V8 guise.
A word like 'downsized' is arguably relative when it comes to Bentley, since the car is still armed with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant that is good for 542bhp and a whopping 770Nm of twisting force.
Engine has been downsized to a 4.0-litre V8, which is good for 542bhp and 770Nm of torque
Still, these figures are nowhere near those from the top-of-the-range 12-cylinder model, which comes equipped with a mind-boggling 626bhp and 900Nm of twisting force. It does, however, have a power boost of 42bhp over its predecessor.
It is impressive, and then some...
Thus, the new GT V8 Convertible still manages to impress with its performance.
Thanks to its said output figures that are sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission from the word go, the drop-top beauty completes the century sprint in just 4.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 318km/h.
Floor the right pedal and the convertible will smash the century sprint in 4.1 seconds
The fact that it weighs 50kg lighter than the W12 variant further helps in its performance.
Touring grandly with a grand tourer
On the move, it doesn't take long for you to get well-acquainted with the car. Despite measuring close to two metres wide, you'll never find yourself having problems placing the GTC on the road.
That's always a good thing, especially when we're talking about a car that will set you back over $800,000 when it comes to Singapore in the second half of 2020. With that much money involved, you'll want to be driving the car with certainty instead of anxiety.
The car is poised and well-balanced even as you push it to the limits
And, the Bentley gives you just that - confidence and certainty. You do not feel its sizeable proportions on the road, even as you man-handle the car around the curvy sections. This is largely credited to its lighter front-end that provides ample grip, the lack of body roll and its ability to react swiftly to sudden directional changes.
During my time with the GTC, the car reacted according to my every intention. Regardless of what was thrown at the car - from carving corners on broken bitumen to sudden hard braking from high speed driving - it managed to maintain a very poised and well-balanced disposition.
A word like 'downsized' is arguably relative when it comes to Bentley, since the car is still armed with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant that is good for 542bhp and a whopping 770Nm of twisting force.
Still, these figures are nowhere near those from the top-of-the-range 12-cylinder model, which comes equipped with a mind-boggling 626bhp and 900Nm of twisting force. It does, however, have a power boost of 42bhp over its predecessor.
It is impressive, and then some...
Thus, the new GT V8 Convertible still manages to impress with its performance.
Thanks to its said output figures that are sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission from the word go, the drop-top beauty completes the century sprint in just 4.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 318km/h.
The fact that it weighs 50kg lighter than the W12 variant further helps in its performance.
Touring grandly with a grand tourer
On the move, it doesn't take long for you to get well-acquainted with the car. Despite measuring close to two metres wide, you'll never find yourself having problems placing the GTC on the road.
That's always a good thing, especially when we're talking about a car that will set you back over $800,000 when it comes to Singapore in the second half of 2020. With that much money involved, you'll want to be driving the car with certainty instead of anxiety.
And, the Bentley gives you just that - confidence and certainty. You do not feel its sizeable proportions on the road, even as you man-handle the car around the curvy sections. This is largely credited to its lighter front-end that provides ample grip, the lack of body roll and its ability to react swiftly to sudden directional changes.
During my time with the GTC, the car reacted according to my every intention. Regardless of what was thrown at the car - from carving corners on broken bitumen to sudden hard braking from high speed driving - it managed to maintain a very poised and well-balanced disposition.
The only setback I experienced with the car was its tendency to let noise intrude, but that's only to be expected with a convertible. Lose the top in 19 seconds and at up to speeds of 50km/h, and the problem is pretty much solved.
With a flick of a button, the car will lose its top in just 19 seconds
Inner beauty
However, it might not be such a bad thing should you decide to have the roof up and bask in the car's luxurious cabin.
If you are one to enjoy impeccable attention to detail, you will appreciate the exquisite wood veneer, expensive leather and exclusive high-tech features.
For instance, a rotating display that takes centre stage unveils itself at a touch of a button. On one side you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen while, on the other, a trio of dazzling dials that display the outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronograph timer presents itself.
Impeccable attention to detail can be seen in the cabin of the Bentley
More than the material stuff is the functional aspect of the car. The GTC comes with 235 litres of boot space, which is sufficient for two luggages and one hand carry bag, as what I experienced.
However, while space is excellent for two front occupants, the rear two is best left for kids or, at best, adults over short distances - even with an increased wheelbase over its predecessor of 2,849mm.
Still, buyers of grand tourers such as this Bentley are most likely to travel with just a partner. Logically speaking, if a cross country driving is arranged with kids, a Bentayga or perhaps a Porsche Cayenne should be their choice of weapon instead.
This lovely car will undoubtedly put a smile on your face
Sounds like it's exactly the car I desire
Whichever the case, the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible isn't the sort of car for any Tom, Dick or Harry. It's the kind of vehicle that's suited for the well-heeled and cultured driver that appreciates humility and mechanical magic between man and machine.
With this V8, not only do you get to cover huge distances at remarkable speeds, with wind blowing through your hair and sun shining on your skin, you'll also get to do it with style while enjoying the crackling percussion and lovely bass from the exhaust that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
Inner beauty
However, it might not be such a bad thing should you decide to have the roof up and bask in the car's luxurious cabin.
If you are one to enjoy impeccable attention to detail, you will appreciate the exquisite wood veneer, expensive leather and exclusive high-tech features.
For instance, a rotating display that takes centre stage unveils itself at a touch of a button. On one side you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen while, on the other, a trio of dazzling dials that display the outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronograph timer presents itself.
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More than the material stuff is the functional aspect of the car. The GTC comes with 235 litres of boot space, which is sufficient for two luggages and one hand carry bag, as what I experienced.
However, while space is excellent for two front occupants, the rear two is best left for kids or, at best, adults over short distances - even with an increased wheelbase over its predecessor of 2,849mm.
Still, buyers of grand tourers such as this Bentley are most likely to travel with just a partner. Logically speaking, if a cross country driving is arranged with kids, a Bentayga or perhaps a Porsche Cayenne should be their choice of weapon instead.
Sounds like it's exactly the car I desire
Whichever the case, the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible isn't the sort of car for any Tom, Dick or Harry. It's the kind of vehicle that's suited for the well-heeled and cultured driver that appreciates humility and mechanical magic between man and machine.
With this V8, not only do you get to cover huge distances at remarkable speeds, with wind blowing through your hair and sun shining on your skin, you'll also get to do it with style while enjoying the crackling percussion and lovely bass from the exhaust that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
What We Like
It looks stunningly good
It is aggressively fast
Exquisite cabin
Dynamically sound around twisty roads
Carry and maintain speeds across long distances
What We Dislike
It will be pricey when it comes to Singapore next year
The third iteration Bentley Continental GT Convertible now comes in a downsized V8 guise.
A word like 'downsized' is arguably relative when it comes to Bentley, since the car is still armed with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant that is good for 542bhp and a whopping 770Nm of twisting force.
Engine has been downsized to a 4.0-litre V8, which is good for 542bhp and 770Nm of torqueStill, these figures are nowhere near those from the top-of-the-range 12-cylinder model, which comes equipped with a mind-boggling 626bhp and 900Nm of twisting force. It does, however, have a power boost of 42bhp over its predecessor.
It is impressive, and then some...
Thus, the new GT V8 Convertible still manages to impress with its performance.
Thanks to its said output figures that are sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission from the word go, the drop-top beauty completes the century sprint in just 4.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 318km/h.
Floor the right pedal and the convertible will smash the century sprint in 4.1 secondsThe fact that it weighs 50kg lighter than the W12 variant further helps in its performance.
Touring grandly with a grand tourer
On the move, it doesn't take long for you to get well-acquainted with the car. Despite measuring close to two metres wide, you'll never find yourself having problems placing the GTC on the road.
That's always a good thing, especially when we're talking about a car that will set you back over $800,000 when it comes to Singapore in the second half of 2020. With that much money involved, you'll want to be driving the car with certainty instead of anxiety.
The car is poised and well-balanced even as you push it to the limitsAnd, the Bentley gives you just that - confidence and certainty. You do not feel its sizeable proportions on the road, even as you man-handle the car around the curvy sections. This is largely credited to its lighter front-end that provides ample grip, the lack of body roll and its ability to react swiftly to sudden directional changes.
During my time with the GTC, the car reacted according to my every intention. Regardless of what was thrown at the car - from carving corners on broken bitumen to sudden hard braking from high speed driving - it managed to maintain a very poised and well-balanced disposition.
A word like 'downsized' is arguably relative when it comes to Bentley, since the car is still armed with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant that is good for 542bhp and a whopping 770Nm of twisting force.
It is impressive, and then some...
Thus, the new GT V8 Convertible still manages to impress with its performance.
Thanks to its said output figures that are sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission from the word go, the drop-top beauty completes the century sprint in just 4.1 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 318km/h.
Touring grandly with a grand tourer
On the move, it doesn't take long for you to get well-acquainted with the car. Despite measuring close to two metres wide, you'll never find yourself having problems placing the GTC on the road.
That's always a good thing, especially when we're talking about a car that will set you back over $800,000 when it comes to Singapore in the second half of 2020. With that much money involved, you'll want to be driving the car with certainty instead of anxiety.
During my time with the GTC, the car reacted according to my every intention. Regardless of what was thrown at the car - from carving corners on broken bitumen to sudden hard braking from high speed driving - it managed to maintain a very poised and well-balanced disposition.
The only setback I experienced with the car was its tendency to let noise intrude, but that's only to be expected with a convertible. Lose the top in 19 seconds and at up to speeds of 50km/h, and the problem is pretty much solved.
With a flick of a button, the car will lose its top in just 19 seconds
Inner beauty
However, it might not be such a bad thing should you decide to have the roof up and bask in the car's luxurious cabin.
If you are one to enjoy impeccable attention to detail, you will appreciate the exquisite wood veneer, expensive leather and exclusive high-tech features.
For instance, a rotating display that takes centre stage unveils itself at a touch of a button. On one side you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen while, on the other, a trio of dazzling dials that display the outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronograph timer presents itself.
Impeccable attention to detail can be seen in the cabin of the BentleyMore than the material stuff is the functional aspect of the car. The GTC comes with 235 litres of boot space, which is sufficient for two luggages and one hand carry bag, as what I experienced.
However, while space is excellent for two front occupants, the rear two is best left for kids or, at best, adults over short distances - even with an increased wheelbase over its predecessor of 2,849mm.
Still, buyers of grand tourers such as this Bentley are most likely to travel with just a partner. Logically speaking, if a cross country driving is arranged with kids, a Bentayga or perhaps a Porsche Cayenne should be their choice of weapon instead.
This lovely car will undoubtedly put a smile on your face
Sounds like it's exactly the car I desire
Whichever the case, the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible isn't the sort of car for any Tom, Dick or Harry. It's the kind of vehicle that's suited for the well-heeled and cultured driver that appreciates humility and mechanical magic between man and machine.
With this V8, not only do you get to cover huge distances at remarkable speeds, with wind blowing through your hair and sun shining on your skin, you'll also get to do it with style while enjoying the crackling percussion and lovely bass from the exhaust that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
Inner beauty
However, it might not be such a bad thing should you decide to have the roof up and bask in the car's luxurious cabin.
If you are one to enjoy impeccable attention to detail, you will appreciate the exquisite wood veneer, expensive leather and exclusive high-tech features.
For instance, a rotating display that takes centre stage unveils itself at a touch of a button. On one side you get a 12.3-inch touchscreen while, on the other, a trio of dazzling dials that display the outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronograph timer presents itself.
However, while space is excellent for two front occupants, the rear two is best left for kids or, at best, adults over short distances - even with an increased wheelbase over its predecessor of 2,849mm.
Still, buyers of grand tourers such as this Bentley are most likely to travel with just a partner. Logically speaking, if a cross country driving is arranged with kids, a Bentayga or perhaps a Porsche Cayenne should be their choice of weapon instead.
Sounds like it's exactly the car I desire
Whichever the case, the Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible isn't the sort of car for any Tom, Dick or Harry. It's the kind of vehicle that's suited for the well-heeled and cultured driver that appreciates humility and mechanical magic between man and machine.
With this V8, not only do you get to cover huge distances at remarkable speeds, with wind blowing through your hair and sun shining on your skin, you'll also get to do it with style while enjoying the crackling percussion and lovely bass from the exhaust that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.
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