Acceleration

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
9	10	9.2

The GT and GT Speed are the only Continentals that have been made available for testing so far. Ample, smooth power is available immediately from a stop, and the standard all-wheel drive maximizes traction under all conditions. Bentley claims the GT will run the 0-60-mph dash in 4.6 seconds, the GT Speed in 4.3; both figures seem credible to us. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly in normal driving and more sharply under heavy throttle. There's a bit of a delay before it downshifts for passing, but power arrives in abundance once it does, particularly in the GT Speed.

Fuel Economy

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
3	3	2.4

No opportunity to measure a Continental GT. A similar Continental Flying Spur sedan averaged 14.1 mpg in Consumer Guide testing. All models require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
9	8	5.7

Luxurious, but with sufficient firmness to maintain a sporty character. GT Speed has slightly stiffer suspension tuning than the GT, but still glides over bumps with little fanfare.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
8	9	8.8

Sporty--particularly the GT Speed--despite the fact these big cruisers weigh more than 5000 lb. Steering is very light at low speeds, yet provides fine feel once underway. There's excellent grip in aggressive cornering, and body lean is kept well in check. Powerful brakes have reassuringly firm pedal feel. The suspension can raise the car one inch to increase ground clearance for snow and steep driveways.

Quietness

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
9	9	5.6

Womb-like silence is broken only by occasional patter of huge tires over patchy pavement and the engine's refined purr during acceleration. For the most part, wind noise is virtually nonexistent, though a test GT Speed suffered minor wind rush from around the driver-side window.

Controls

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
8	8	6.4

Large, classy-looking gauges are easy to read at a glance. Most controls are within arm's reach, and though some are mounted low on the dashboard, Bentley manages to group them logically without resorting to the "one-knob" systems that plague Audi, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles.

Details

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
10	10	8.2

Rich leather and furniture-quality wood line these Bentleys' clubby cabins, though the overall richness is closely rivaled by the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
8	8	6.8

Entry and exit are complicated by a low seating position. Once inside, these Bentleys coddle with large, supportive seats. Visibility over the long hood might be an issue for shorter drivers, while the coupe's slanted rear roof pillars compromise the view to the back corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
3	3	3.2

Small adults will fit, but won't be very happy about it. Headroom is adequate for those up to about 5'8", but there's scant foot space, and kneeroom is very tight behind a 6-foot driver. Front seats power forward for surprisingly easy access, but small rear windows and a low-set seat contribute to a general "closed-in" feeling.

Cargo Room

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
3	3	2.3

Small opening and a narrow cargo area limit the size of items that can be squeezed into the trunk, although total volume is sufficient for weekend trips. In-cabin storage includes only a modest center console, smallish door pockets, and a midsize glovebox.

Value within Class

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
5	5	6.4

Bentley has found success selling cars priced between top-line Mercedes-Benz products and offerings from Rolls-Royce. Few four-seat rivals can match the Continentals' impressive performance, and their all-wheel drive is a distinguishing feature in this class. While these regal sportsters are a poor value by absolute standards, they make some sense as near-ultra-luxury cruisers--not that buyers in this class are looking for practical rationale. If Mercedes' outstanding CL-Class coupes seem a bit too common, these remarkable Brits may be your cup of tea.

Total Score

Continental GT	Continental GT Speed	Class Average
75	76	65

Scores for all Exotic Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		65
High Score		84