We were a little bit confused when we heard about the Bentley Continental GT V8. We already saw the W12-version very often on Autogespot and a cheaper version of this beautiful Bentley would maybe mean the stereotype of a Golf. But some months after the introduction we still see it as a proper Bentley and the Continental GT is still seen very often. We drove the Continental GT V8 for a few days to decide if it’s a proper Bentley or just a cheap-ass version of the W12.
The Bentley Contintal GT is introduced in 2003 and from them on, thousands of copies are sold. It only was until this year only available with the W12 engine. Bentley also goes downsizing but widens its market supply at the same time. This model is very timeless, that is what makes this car so successful. That’s also the reason the facelift includes only mimalistic changes. Still though the car is designed over completely, with the Belgian Dirk van Braeckel as chief designer.
The first miles with the V8, it just was like there’s a W12 under the bonnet, even the sound is very similar to the W12. That’s a good point, so good we soon forgot that this is a ‘cheaper’ version of the W12. Soon we turn up the highway, with three people in the car. We don’t have to complain about comfort. The Bentley is smooth and comfortably as always. The Belgian roads we drove on turned so smooth as a pool table, an oiled one. It seems very logical why this car is such a success. Simply everything is right: the comfort, the looks, the performance, simply everything. If you are tired of the comfortable character of the car, you can easily adjust the chassis’ settings with the superbly working touchscreen. Everything works very simple and good, from the navigation to the multimedia system. The people in Crewe are real craftsmen and together with VW they reach perfection in every car. The finishing with all the materials is from such a good quality. The person(s) in the back of course will experience all this a bit different than the passengers in the front, because the coupé doesn’t have proper rear seats.
The Bentley Continental GT V8 isn’t a sports car. Despite that, the car is very agile and a topspeed of more than 180 mph is even possible. The sprint to 62 mph is done in 4.6 seconds thanks to 507 bhp and 660 Nm. Combine that with the lovely sound from the exhausts and the sensation will be very big. The sensation will be even bigger when you realize that the V8 is 40 percent more economical than the W12. One of the factors which helps this is the eight-speed gearbox, which is responsible for 6% of the total reduction. A supersmooth gearbox which is a sensation on its own. It fits perfectly at the relax driving style of the Continental GT V8. Of course we didn’t do this, that days. We putted down the throttle deeper and deeper, what a sensation. The V8 starts to roar and the car accelerates to illegal speeds in just a moment. The steering is very communicative despite its weight. Cornering is very easy and smooth and the limit of grip is very far away. The permanent four wheel drive keeps the car perfectly straight. The power is divided to each wheel individual for the best cornering.
The Continental GT V8 isn’t that much different from the past model, but it is improved very much. The copy we drove was in Dragon Red. A color which was introduced specially for this year, the year of the dragon. This because of the growing market of Bentley in China. It surely looks stunning when the sun shines on it. When you combine this with some new 20 inch six-spoke wheels and you simply got a fabulous looking car. How good should the Supersports of this Continental generation look?
Last year Bentley sold more cars in China than in England. Not suprising that China’s economy is growing every day. The V8 can be recognized by the three-part grill, the eight-shaped exhausts and the logo which is red instead of chrome. In the UK the difference regarding the price is ‘just’ 13.000 pounds but in countries like the Netherlands you will almost save 80.000 pounds due to all the environment taxes. That’s what brings us to the point of choosing the V8 instead of the W12.
Bentley drivers who have always driven the W12, will never take a step back. It’s like giving an enjoyer of Chardonnay a glass of Pinot Noir wine. In terms of specifications it doesn’t matter very much and the price won’t make the difference either. When you can afford this car you just shouldn’t argue about the high price. But what are the pros of the V8 and which are the cons at the W12? About that, you can discuss for hours and hours. It’s just different per person. The ones who are new with the brand and care about emission surely will take the V8. The V8 has got an E-label where the W12 has got a G-label. The Bentley Continental GT V8 is on sale for 122.000 pounds in the UK, without options which are present in high numbers on the list of optional extra’s. The Bentley GT V8 has proved that you can better keep that 80.000 pounds and get the V8. The V8 is very good for daily use, also because it is way more economical. Only those four cylinders, maybe we will miss them one day…
Video: Christian Kalse
