The term ‘Grand Tourer’ is described as a car that can travel long distances as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Nick Ponting gets the opportunity to test out one of the best in its class, the Bentley Continental GT.
The third generation of the model from Crewe drives exceptionally whether crossing borders or driving in the city, with 542BHP from the 4-litre V8 engine, reaching 60mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and going onto a top speed of 198mph. The same engine is found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo, Audi RS6 and the Lamborghini Urus.
The original Bentley Continental was based on the Volkswagen Phaeton when first released in 2003 when Bentley first became part of the Volkswagen Group. Nearly 20 years on, and the Continental GT has evolved massively, with Nick’s particular car a very stealthy spec, with black exterior on black, 22-inch wheels.
There’s also a carbon pack, adding some rather nice parts with blue accents. Is this Bentley’s best-looking car on the road today? Inside, the black and blue theme continues, with luxurious quilted leather and an Alcantara finish around the cabin and steering wheel.
Mixing a classy, luxurious finish with sportiness, Bentley have got this model spot on with the Continental GT. It’s comfortable, sporty and eats up the miles, but who will win in the race from the South of England to the South of France? Paul and Tiff in the Sunseeker Yacht, or Nick in the Bentley?
