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Bentley Continental GT V8 2020 Review

Bentley enjoyed great success with its first Continental GT which, with a rather gentle mid-life facelift, spanned 15 years. The new model, first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017, transformed the appearance of this fine grand tourer. And now, alongside the mighty six-litre W12 engine, is the eagerly-awaited four-litre V8. The V8 transformed the first generation cars; time to see if it can still work its magic in the new model.

Visuals & exterior

Perhaps the most dramatic area of change in the latest Continental GT is the exterior. Lower and wider-looking with a broader-face, it hunkers down on the road and its curves seem to flow more fluidly along the car’s length, especially over the rear arches. The whole shape has evolved from upright to sleek and it works well.

Interior design & features

Inside, the new coupé has a far more coherent and contemporary facia design. I have always found Bentley interiors pleasing, from the winged ‘B’ badging to the knurled knobs and switches. There’s nothing fiddly or flimsy; the controls have a pleasing weight and substance. The sizeable fascia means there’s no overcrowding of the instruments and switches; it all adds up to create a restful space. And if the modern infotainment screen is too much, at the press of a button it revolves - James Bond style - replaced by three elegant dials, a nod to simpler times.

The cabin is beautifully crafted. Leather is finished in Italy and the veneers are polished to a deep sheen. Seating is fabulously designed for comfort - perfect for the long haul to the south of France

On the move

Driving the Continental GT is a pleasure. There’s a reassuring thickness to the steering wheel and it’s a satisfying forward view over the clean, digital dials. All-wheel-drive allows the application of the car’s 770Nm of torque without fuss - even on the wet Cheshire roads of our test - and the twin turbocharging ensures there is plenty of shove from low revs, exactly what’s needed for a relaxed tourer. Even in the poor weather, there is no drama; the Continental GT manages to cocoon and cosset, exactly as you would expect.

Under the bonnet

Is the V8 any lesser an engine than the mighty W12? There are some who perhaps crave the opulence or the distinctive sound of those extra four cylinders. None of that actually matters for me: I have always considered the V8 to be the superior engine. Sure, there’s 0.3 extra seconds in the 0-62mph sprint but unless you have a drag race with another Continental GT - how vulgar! - you’d never know. Both arrive at 62mph in less than four seconds. The V8 also feels more agile, seemingly revving a little more freely. It is still wonderfully sonorous, just different to the W12.

And as a grand tourer, the V8 continues to make sense. It’s not about the economics of fuel costs, nor even the environmental considerations (although perhaps it should be). Delivering mpg in the 20s rather than the teens means less time spent at filling stations which is a bonus when crossing continents.

Summary

The Continental has taken a significant yet careful leap forward and remains at the top of the GT game. And the V8 is the engine to pick. A little bling, a spadeful of presence and 2.2 tonnes of luxurious capability.