Because the new model has a totally new plug-in hybrid powertrain, this might change. But Bentley’s extensive development period, not to mention Porsche co-developing the system, does mean it has benefitted from some of the most exhaustive development processes in the business.
Bentley Continental GT alternatives
Bentley’s main rivals in the two-door GT space are all highly rated and come in lots of new forms, but few take comfort and refinement quite so seriously. Aston Martin, perennial British rival for generation after generation, has a new DB12, but it takes a decidedly more dynamic approach with its more focused chassis set-up. It’s also smaller inside, and doesn’t quite have the same all-round competence as the Bentley, despite weighing some 600kg less. It is far more dynamically engaging, though.
Ferrari’s Roma is one step further towards the sporting end of the spectrum, although its general ride quality is still better than the stiff-legged Aston Martin. It is even lighter, more compact and engaging to drive than the Aston, although the classic styling and elegant proportions do still make it a desirable choice for the GT buyer; so long as you don’t need to fit humans in the second row.
On the other side of the grand touring spectrum from Italy is the Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo. This is far more comfortable than both the Ferrari and Aston Martin, while offering more space inside than the Bentley and a more attainable price point. It’s also all-wheel drive, like the Continental GT, but comes with only six cylinders and with it a much lighter feeling on the road. This isn’t to say it’s underwhelming. Maserati’s balance of comfort, engagement and agility is actually outstanding – but the Italian car feels less substantial than the brutish Bentley.
The Maserati can also be specified in an all-electric Folgore variant, which offers a rare combination of traits that have no less appeal. Performance is actually more impressive than in the petrol-powered Trofeo, although its relatively limited 280-mile range challenges its status as a grand tourer.
Finally, at the very top of the class is the Rolls-Royce Spectre. No doubt a bigger and more expensive car than all ‘normal’ GTs, it’s the benchmark for comfort and quality, but doesn’t score in terms of engagement, plus it too has a limited all-electric range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fuel consumption in all plug-in hybrid cars can vary hugely in the real world, but it’s all down to how you use them. The Bentley’s relatively large 25.9kWh battery pack and 50-mile real-world range should mean the majority of day-to-day driving can be completed without the V8 ever having to be switched on, saving you lots of fuel, and money, in the process. If you do drive in ‘Sports’ mode, or utilise the full performance on offer, the opposite is true, and you’ll chew through fuel as you’d expect in a 2.5-tonne car with a V8 petrol engine.
On-paper figures are rated at 27.4mpg, which feels right if you regularly do long journeys and require the V8 petrol engine to run for stretches of motorway or A-roads. If you do shorter journeys and keep to the more efficient hybrid mode, that figure will be higher. If you rely on the V8 and drive mostly in Sports mode, it’ll go down.
