Bentley Continental

Coupe / Convertible 2003–present 507–659 hp Petrol (W12 / V8)

The Bentley Continental GT is the definitive modern grand tourer — a hand-built British masterpiece combining 6.0L W12 power with unrivalled craftsmanship for effortless high-speed travel.

659

Max Horsepower (W12 Speed)

335

Top Speed km/h

3.6s

0–100 km/h (Speed)

2003

Year Launched

Overview

The Bentley Continental GT, launched in 2003, fundamentally redefined what Bentley could be in the modern era. Built at Crewe on the Volkswagen Group's MSB platform, it introduced the iconic W12 engine to a grand tourer that could genuinely challenge Ferrari and Porsche on the track while offering Rolls-Royce-level interior opulence. The Continental GT has been the best-selling Bentley model of all time and the cornerstone of the brand's revival under VW Group ownership.

In Azerbaijan, the Continental GT and GTC are among the most prestigious car choices available. The combination of British heritage, unmistakable presence, and genuine performance credentials appeals strongly to senior business figures, government officials, and luxury enthusiasts in Baku who want a sports car with the refinement of a state car. Both coupe and convertible variants are prominent on Baku's boulevards.

The current third-generation Continental GT (2018+) features an updated W12 or V8 engine, an active all-wheel-drive system, electronically controlled air suspension, and Bentley's most advanced interior — including the rotating three-position instrument panel. Buyers should distinguish between the standard Continental GT, the V8 variant (lighter, sharper), and the Speed (659 hp, 335 km/h flagship).

Continental in Pictures

Visual references for exterior styling, cabin design, and key details. Images fall back gracefully on load error.

Continental GT W12 – Gen III flagship

Continental GTC V8 – Open-top grand touring

Continental GT Speed – Performance flagship

Key Specifications

W12 Engine: 6.0L twin-turbo W12, 635 hp (standard) / 659 hp (Speed)
V8 Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8, 550 hp — lighter, sharper character
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic
Drive: All-wheel drive (rear-biased via torque split)
0–100 km/h: 3.6 sec (Speed) / 4.0 sec (W12) / 4.1 sec (V8)
Top speed: 335 km/h (Speed W12)
Active air suspension: 3-chamber system with body-level control
Torque: 900 Nm (W12) / 770 Nm (V8)
Interior: 15+ hide types, diamond-quilted leather, veneer inlays
Production: Crewe, Cheshire — 130 man-hours of hand-finishing per car

Variant Comparison

Variant	Engine	Power	Drive	Best For
Continental GT V8	4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo	550 hp	AWD	Lighter, sharper GT experience
Continental GT W12	6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo	635 hp	AWD	Ultimate torque and refinement
Continental GT Speed	6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo	659 hp	AWD	Maximum performance — 335 km/h
Continental GTC	V8 or W12	550/635 hp	AWD	Open-top luxury and presence

Competitor Snapshot

Model	Strength	Compromise
Rolls-Royce Dawn	More opulent, more exclusive brand name	Heavier, less focused driving dynamics
Aston Martin DB12	More driver-focused, lighter weight	Less interior luxury and craftsmanship depth
Ferrari Roma	Far superior track performance	Minimal practicality, no AWD option
Porsche 911 Turbo S	Sharper, more accessible, reliable parts network	No Bentley craftsmanship or presence

Cost-of-Ownership Estimator (Azerbaijan)

Annual distance (km)Fuel consumption (L/100km)Fuel price ($/L)Annual service budget ($)Annual insurance ($)Annual tires ($)

Annual fuel use: 2100 litres
Annual fuel cost: $1365
Total yearly estimate: $11865
Monthly average: $989

W12 service intervals require Bentley-approved 10W-60 oil — budget $600–900 per service in Baku specialist workshops.
Dual-clutch gearbox fluid service recommended at 60,000 km — essential for long-term reliability.
Convertible roof mechanism on GTC requires periodic lubrication and alignment check.

Maintenance & Service in Azerbaijan

Annual service at certified Bentley workshop — oil, filters, and electronic calibration required.
Air suspension compressor and valve-block inspection every 40,000 km.
Brake pads and discs: large callipers require Bentley-spec compounds — budget $1,500+ for front axle renewal.
Timing chain and cam-follower inspection at 80,000 km on W12 engines.
Check roof seals and drain channels on GTC variants at each service.

Used Continental Buying Checklist

Verify W12/V8 engine oil level, colour, and service stamp before purchase.
Test all four adaptive suspension modes and check for uneven ride height.
Inspect leather and veneer surfaces for cracking, fading, or improper repair.
Check all electronic features — rotating display, massage seats, keyless entry.
Test the convertible roof (GTC) through full open and close cycles.
Request full service history and confirm recall completion through VIN check.
Inspect wheel wells and sill areas for corrosion or prior repair signs.

Continental FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers

Q: Is the V8 or W12 Continental GT better for Baku buyers?

The V8 is lighter, more agile, and slightly cheaper to run — ideal for mixed city/motorway use. The W12 provides exceptional torque and the ultimate Continental GT experience. Choose V8 for driving involvement, W12 for effortless power.

Q: Can the Continental GT be serviced in Baku?

Routine maintenance including oil service, brake work, and tyre replacement can be handled by premium European car specialists in Baku. For major repairs or electronic recalibration, some owners use authorised centres in nearby countries.

Q: What is the real fuel consumption in Baku traffic?

Expect 17–22 L/100km in Baku city driving with the W12. The V8 returns approximately 14–18 L/100km. Motorway driving drops consumption significantly — the W12 can achieve 13 L/100km at steady cruise speeds.

Q: Is a used Continental GT (Gen I or II) worth buying?

Gen I (2003–2011) offers exceptional value but requires thorough pre-purchase inspection of the W12 engine, gearbox, and electronics. Gen II (2011–2017) is more refined. Gen III (2018+) is the most capable and technology-rich — the clear recommendation if budget allows.

Should You Buy the Bentley Continental?

The definitive Bentley for those who want to drive, not just arrive.

The Continental GT delivers a combination that no other car matches: genuine high-speed grand touring capability, a hand-crafted British interior, and the unmistakable presence of the world's most recognised luxury GT badge. In Azerbaijan, it remains the aspirational choice for successful buyers who want performance and luxury without compromise.