2019 Bentley Continental GT W12

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT is lighter, has a stiffer chassis and an even well-balanced weight distribution. Consequently, the third-generation GT pumps out 626 hp and the W12 motor seems more engaging than ever before. So, it is easily as sporty as it is luxurious.

This all-wheel driven coupe-like Gran Tourer ranks up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 and the Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe. However, neither seem to fair well against it as the GT matches the AMG S65’s sportiness and Wraith’s grandeur. At a starting price of $200,000, it is also less expensive than both.

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT is one of its kind. There are no substitutes of this luxurious Gran Tourer. For the year 2019, this Bentley has received some much needed upgrades that make it a much better all-round package than ever before. Like it borrows its underpinnings from Volkswagen’s MSB architecture.

The iconic Porsche Panamera shares the same platform. Other than that, the new Continental GT features a new Superformed aluminum bodywork for weight reduction. Though the engine, transmission and drivetrain options remain unchanged.

The 2019 Bentley Continetal GT is powered by the same dual-spiral twin-turbocharged W12 engine that makes 626 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque. Also standard on this Bentley are an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive unit.

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The Bentley Continental GT is highly recommended keeping in mind the fact that you have that kind of money to throw around. It drives and handles like a much smaller sports car. At the same time it offers the kind of luxury and exclusivity you’d expect from a Bentley. Prices for this year’s Continental GT start at $200,000. There are several other additional packages on offer too that cost extra.

"The 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine may be similar in size and configuration to the old engine, but it's actually all-new." - Carbuzz

Engine and Transmission:

Beneath the neverending hood of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Coupe lies the same 6.0-liter dual twin-scroll turbocharged W12 engine that makes 626 hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque. All that power translates from the engine to all four corners of this big coupe with the help of an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sourced from ZF.

The all-wheel drivetrain is rear-wheel biased. So power from the engine is sent mostly to the rear two wheels of this Bentley. The engine sends power to all the wheels only in scenarios where it is extremely needed to do so.

All other Gran Coupes in this segment get more or less equally powered engines. However, the Mercede-Benz AMG S65’s engine makes the most torque.

Acceleration:

The present day Bentley Continental GT unlike its predecessor is lighter and has a better weight balance. So even though on paper it might appear that the 2019 Bentley Continental GT makes the same amount of power, in reality that makes a world of difference.

The engine provides peak low-end torque, and there’s an abundance of power throughout the rev range. Pair that with an all-wheel drive unit which favors the rear wheels, and what you get is instant acceleration as soon as you foot your foot down on the accelerator.

As soon as you press down on the pedal the entire weight of this heavy coupe, which is now less than before, shifts to the back. The 8-speed ZF automatic shifts with urgency and the rear-wheel biased drivetrain thrusts the 2019 Bentley Continental GT ahead of its rivals.

With peak torque available from as low as 1,350 rpm, and a rear-wheel biased drivetrain, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT is the quickest of the lot.

Braking:

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT gets the largest disc brakes one can find on any passenger car, which is only sensible considering its hefty demeanor. The large 16.5-inch cast-iron brakes feature ten piston-callipers, while the other 15-inch ones at the back get four.

These chunky rotors do a great job bringing the 2019 Bentley Continetal GT to a halt, even in emergency situations. Also, brake-fade is never an issue on this Bentley. However, there's a severe amount of nose-dive while going down hard on the brakes. A downside of this Continetal GT’s size and weight.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe is the lightest of the lot. As a result, it stops much quicker than the rest.

Ride and Handling: 

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT’s sporty exterior is not just for show. This Continental GT from Bentley handles and drives much better than the old one. For starters, the 2019 Continental GT is lighter than before. For the year 2019, Bentley has moved the front wheels forward by 135mm. Also, the engine has been shifted further back. As a result, only 55% of its mass now sits at front wheels as compared to the old GT’s 58%.

Then to further improve stability, there’s a 48-volt Active Roll control system to manage the suspension. This system now uses three-chamber air springs instead of two. Then are the active anti-roll bars to further improve the Continental GT’s stiffness. As a result, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT stays perfectly balanced and planted on the tarmac.

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT also carries forward the old Supersports’s brake-base torque vectoring system, which helps this brute in gliding in and out of corners like a sportscar half its size. On the highway, the 2019 Continental GT makes up for an even more involving ride. With heaps of torque, a quick-shifting gearbox and improved weight balance, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT instantly springs ahead and keeps ongoing as long as you don’t decide to let your foot off the throttle.

There are several driving modes to choose from too, which include Comfort, Bentley, Sport and Custom. These modes alter engine, transmission, suspension and steering response with the help of a rotary knob. But no matter what mode you’re in, this Bentley never fails to remind you of its capabilities.

Fuel Economy:

The continental-crushing, fire-breathing W12 of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT isn’t just about raw power. It is very sensible too. The all-wheel drive unit of this Bentley favors the rear wheels in most situations, sending power to all the wheels only in scenarios that ask for it.

What this does is make the twin-turbo W12 powerhouse of the 2019 Continetal GT be a lot more fuel efficient at the same time. However, officials are yet to confirm this Bentley’s range and MPG figures.

The light-weight Mercedes-Benz AMG S65’s torquey motor is the most fuel efficient in this stand-off.

"Other cars of this ilk may look luxurious, but the Continental feels uber-sophisticated, cosseting the occupants in lavish environment as timelessly classy as it is loaded with latest technology." - Carbuzz

Seating and Comfort:

For a car that costs as much as the 2019 Bentley Continental GT, you would not be wrong to expect it to be uber-sophisticated on the inside, and the 2019 Bentley Continental GT does not disappoint. All the thrones of this Continental GT features massaging function and are 12-way power adjustable, but that’s just the beginning.

Availability of legroom is plenty in both the rows. However, headroom in the second row is a bit compromised due this Bentley’s Coupe like design. Cutting-edge, handcrafted elegance covers the cabin. Even the tiniest of buttons and knobs come together to act as one cohesive unit.

The large windows provide a great view of the world outside, while the levels of insulation on the cabin forms a perfect bubble of bliss to heighten the cabin experience.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe despite its large footprint, the largest in this comparison, has the least amount of room on the inside.

Infotainment:

A rotating 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage on the inside of this Continental GT. The knobs all feel “oily” and the buttons are every bit as soft. The response from the touchscreen is also just as smooth. All the various features aboard the 2019 Bentley Continental GT are:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• 1,500-Watt 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Bluetooth
• Satellite radio
• Smart device integration
• MP3 player
• Head-up display
• Navigation system

Cargo Volume:

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT greatly satisfies as a gran Tourer. Not only does this Bentley provide enough space for its occupants, it also provides enough storage space inside the cabin and in the deep, square trunk.

However, the trunk, and the cabin as well, is lined with plush material. So you’d have to be extremely cautious about what you decide to put in it. Also, if you want, there’s an optional feature that allows you to pop the trunk’s lid without using your hands.

On the downside, the rear seats can’t be folded in this coupe. So you’d have to make do with what you got. Thanks to this Bentley’s well laid-out and spacious cabin, there’s no shortage of storage.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith benefits from its comparatively longer wheelbase. It has the largest trunk in this comparison.

"The aluminum bodywork is wrought with sharper creases thanks to a new process of Superforming, while the overall shape is a little sleeker, a little slimmer, and a little more sporting than before." - Carbuzz

Dimensions and Design:

For the year 2019, Bentley has done more than just reduce the weight of the already hefty Continental GT. They have also given this coupe several exterior upgrades. However, those changes are so subtle that it’s going to take you a while before you realise you’re looking at the third generation Continental GT.

Looking closely, you'll notice the aluminum bodywork is now a lot more chiseled and the overall appearance is even more sleeker. At the front, the Bentley mesh grille is wrapped in chrome. Even the windows and the full LED matrix headlights have been finished in chrome.

At the sides, large wheel arches and fender vents give this Bentley its own character. The smooth and clean sculpts follow all the way to the back which houses dual tailpipes, again in chrome trim, in the rear diffuser. There’s no denying that the 2019 Bentley Continetal GT is significantly slimmer and looks a lot more sporty than ever before.

The Roll-Royce is the heaviest of the lot. It also has the longest wheelbase, and is the longest in general. 

Exterior Features:

The most noticeable exterior features of the refreshed Bentley Continental GT Coupe are:

• Chrome meshwork grille
• Elegantly cut whiskey-glass full LED matrix headlights
• Chrome fender vents
• 21/22-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels
• Sloping roofline
• Coupe design
• Chrome dual-tailpipes

Safety Features:

The 2019 Bentley Continental GT has not yet been tested by either NHSTA or IIHS so far. But Bentley assures the highest level of safety for all its occupants. The standard safety features include:

• Airbags
• ABS
• DRLS
• Traction control
• Heads-up display
• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking aid
• Back-up camera
• Stability control
• Side impact beams

Bentley Continental GT v Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe

The Bentley Continental GT and the Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe are similar to each other in more than one way. Both offer extreme levels of elegance and sophistication. Both cars have just as extreme street presence. Lastly, both these coupes cost more than a fortune. However, as an overall package, the Bentley is a much better Gran Tourer. Except for the Wraith’s bigger trunk, the Continental GT is better than the former in all comparable aspects.

Bentley Continental GT vs. Mercedes-Benz AMG S65

There are certain things that the Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 can do which the Bentley Continental GT just can’t. For starters, the AMG S65 has a more potent and efficient engine. At the same time the AMG S65 has a larger boot and more space for occupants as well. Then again, the Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 costs a lot more than the Bentley Continental GT. While the latter offers the kind of exclusivity that the former just can’t.

With the kind of performance and the level of elegance that the third generation Bentley Continental GT offers, there’s no doubt that it is easily one of the best Gran Tourers you can find in the market today. It is a whole lot more practical than the Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe, and offers the kind of exclusivity the Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 strives hard for. If you are willing to spend over $200,000 on a car, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT should definitely be on your list.