Used 2011 Bentley New Continental GT Review & Ratings

The 2012 Bentley New Continental GT offers a fresh design in a timeless and tasteful package of luxury and speed. While it suffers from having a few minor flaws, the GT is nearly the perfect grand touring coupe, with plenty of comforts, plenty of power and all the prestige that one needs in a vehicle that costs as much as a house.

The 2012 Bentley New Continental GT weighs in at a mere 5,100 pounds, which helps the 6.0-liter W12 engine move the car from zero to 60 mph in a quick 4.4 seconds, topping out at a speed of 194 mph. Drivers will enjoy 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is more acceleration power than most people need. The ZF 6-speed transmission handles shifting like a professional; quickly and smoothly. Meanwhile, the exhaust note is sportier. Handling is superb with full-time all-wheel drive and electronic stability control, but no amount of tweaking or tuning can hide the fact that the GT weighs considerably more than one would expect that it should have to. Fuel economy is pretty terrible, returning only 12 mpg in the city, but that number does jump considerable on the highway at 19 mpg. The GT also has Bentley's Flex-Fuel system, allowing it to run on gasoline or on E85 bio fuel.

The exterior looks suspiciously like the last model of New Continental, but Bentley representatives say that the only part that is shared between the two models is the windshield. The Bentley New Continental GT offers more daring lines and details than its predecessor, such as LED daytime running lights and wrap-around tail lights. Overall, the appearance is aggressive and refined, but still the design could appear a bit lazy to one used to driving luxury vehicles. The cabin delivers Bentley's typical ultra-luxury appeal, using enough cows to fill a barn and boasting brushed metal, chrome, or wood inlays to create a space more exquisite than most homes.

The 2012 Bentley New Continental GT should prove to be a very good option, if safety is a concern. Electronic stability control keeps the behemoth planted, while front, side, overhead, and knee airbags ensure the safety of everyone inside. There is also an anti-theft system, which prevents the car from starting without the original key. In braking tests, this vehicle was fond to be able to stop from 60 mph in only 108 feet, which is good for this size and class. If luxury and speed with a bit of flash are what you need, then the Bentley New Continental GT is the car for you. Plenty of options, classy but distinct design and loads of power make the GT a formidable competitor in the ultra-luxury market.