Is it a grand tourer? A status symbol? Or a rocket with massaging seats? Well, put short, the 2010 Bentley Continental GT is all of the above. With a throbbing W12 for its heart that beats at 552 horsepower, the Conti GT packs enough straight-line performance to leave so-called supercars sputtering in its dust. Regardless, though, the Conti GT does it in style, boasting a figurine that turns heads like a runaway model. Meanwhile, inside, a symphony of knurled knobs, mirror-polished wood, and hand-stitched leather cradle you as you whiz past the 60-mph barrier (from a standstill) in 4.7 seconds before it maxes out at an 'extravagant' 198 mph. However, what’s also extravagant are the prices, with base models fetching a handsome $182,800. Still, option it out, and you'll be treading north of $200,000.
Bentley’s Continental GT kicked off its life as a Concept called the Java that was brought into life at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. The first-generation Continental GT (2003 – 2011) was more than just a performance-oriented, luxury grand tourer – it was a leap forward for the luxury British automaker, marking its first-ever mass-produced Bentley under the VW Group ownership. Design-wise, the Conti GT drew inspiration from the iconic Continental T and R but with a hint of modernity. Performance-wise, though, all first-gen Continentals came equipped with a mighty 6L twin-turbo W12 engine. Eventually, several Continental GT variants joined the Bentley lineup, including a soft-top convertible – called the GTC (in 2006) – and the even more potent, performance-focused Conti GT Speed, upping the ante in the luxury grand touring segment. Finally, Bentley went all stakes in, queuing in the track-focused Continental GT Supersports for those who wanted to channel their inner Lewis Hamilton while still enjoying the comfort of their apartment.
The Continental GT sports a thundering 6-liter W12 engine, churning out a beastly 552 horsepower and enough torques to spin the earth’s axis (650 Nm). The twin-turbo-fed engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, channeling the power to all four wheels via an intelligent, quite civilized AWD drivetrain borrowed from its VW counterpart. Eventually, a 0 – 60 mph run is clocked in at a blistering 4.7 seconds. And, flat-out, the 5,180-pound palace-on-wheels tops out at a wind-slicing 198 mph (318 km/h). Meanwhile, the (optional) carbon-ceramic brakes pair with ABS to ensure the Continental GT's brute force remains in check.
Perhaps the core highlight of any Bentley is its sumptuously cocooned interior laced with exquisite, soft-touch leather handstitched in an opulent orchestra of craftsmanship. Inside, throne-like leather-upholstered seats invite you before embracing you in a warm, pillowy clasp. Luckily, the leather symphony continues throughout, gift-wrapping the cabin from top to bottom in a tapestry of tactile pleasure. Meanwhile, the presence of chrome knurled knobs and switches add a touch of timeless elegance amidst the ‘cow graveyard.’ Eventually, the inside transforms into a forest of finesse, gracing flashy wood accents that dominate the central fascia, dash, and upper door trims in an array of distinct and technical veneer finishes, ranging from rich-grained Burr Walnut to gloss-black Piano Black trims. A classic Breitling timepiece studs atop the center console, completing the pantheon of classy, elegant aesthetics. However, the cabin is abuzz with cutting-edge tech (at least, at its time) that includes a high-resolution infotainment screen, allowing convenient controls for sat-nav and a multimedia sound system that pairs an (optional) NAIM sound system that transforms the cabin into a personal concert hall.
The symphony of elegance resumes towards the outside, where a visual concerto resides, featuring a muscular yet sleek stance. The front sculpts a very Bentley-esque appeal, embracing a swooping, bellowing hood leading up to Bentley's trademark matrix grille. The signature grille is later flanked by round-shaped jewel-like LED DRLs and a set of elliptical headlights that dazzle the road ahead with a celestial glow. Meanwhile, the side while arches emerge as bulging biceps that house elegant 21-inch multi-spoke alloys, adding a hint of class to the overall profile. Eventually, the sleek, quite slippery roofline sets at the back, revealing a pair of LED taillights and quad exhaust tips that leave a trail of sonic crescendo wherever they go.
The 2010 Bentley Continental GT is more than just wood and leather – it’s a technological marvel that bridges the gap between old-school, classic elegance and cutting-edge technology. So, the interior incorporates heated/ventilated seats that offer powered and memory settings for unparalleled comfort. Meanwhile, a crisp infotainment screen dominates the center stack, allowing access to various in-car settings and functions, including sat-nav, multimedia, and radio, creating an intuitive, user-friendly command center. Luckily, this grand tourer doesn’t shy away from adopting safety features, including parking sensors, airbags, rear-view camera, cruise control, and ABS, offering a reassuring cloak of security within an opulent embrace.
Of course, such (or, in fact, any) exclusivity doesn't come cheap. With prices fetching a cool, 'entry level' $182,800 and upwards, the Continental GT positioned itself in the ‘lottery-win-or-marry-rich’ territory. However, fast forward to 2024, depreciation has had its toll with this 14-year Bentley. So, used models can be picked up for a low $16,000 and a high $26,000, depending on factors like mileage, condition, and prior ownership. Looking ahead to owning a slice of British luxury and prestige without breaking the bank? The comprehensive Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader might be the perfect starting price for your exotic car dreams.
Undoubtedly, the 2010 Bentley Continental GT prides itself on relying on refined power and unparalleled craftsmanship, representing cutting-edge tech and timelessly elegant looks – both inside and outside – that fail to age. Exotic Car Trader is an online solution for your luxury and exotic automobiles. It promotes a user-friendly interface that makes the car-buying process (and experience) effortless and enjoyable. Additionally, it outlines a straightforward car-selling process to guarantee a safe and secure dealing, free from any unnecessary complications – and hidden fees.
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