The 2023 Bentley Continental GT isn't just a pretty face. It's a refined, modern-day, grand touring luxury Bentley with athletic finishing and two powerful engines: a twin-turbo V8 or a W12. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting transmission and all-wheel drive for confident handling in any condition. The interior is as luxurious as you'd expect and doesn't fall short in any way. The starting price tag reflects the exclusivity of the 2023 Continental GT, coming in at $238,325 and climbing even higher with options. So, while it may not be for the faint of wallet, it delivers an excellent combination of power, luxury, and sophistication. Is it a luxury car you should consider? Let's find out in this 2023 Bentley Continental GT review.
The Continental nameplate has been around since 1953, when the original Continental R debuted with a focus on powerful engines and comfortable travel. It evolved and morphed into the present-day Continental GT, which, with each generation, offers more power, refinement, and cutting-edge technology. The 2003 model year marked a turning point for the Bentley Continental lineup. A W12 engine powered it into a runaway success, as it sold in significantly higher volumes than its predecessor. It cemented the Continental GT's reputation as the ultimate luxury coupe. The 2023 iteration builds upon this rich heritage. While exact production figures are not yet available, Bentley is likely aiming to maintain (or even surpass) the strong sales figures of previous generations. This latest Continental GT boasts a design incorporating classic Bentley cues with contemporary influences. The interior remains as luxurious as ever, featuring premium materials and meticulous attention to detail.
The 2023 Bentley Continental GT is good in terms of engine and performance. As mentioned, Bentley offers two heart-throbbing options: a powerful V8 and a monstrous W12. The twin-turbocharged V8 produces an impressive 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a thrilling 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds, surprising for a car in this luxury class. The surge of torque pins you to your luxurious seat as you accelerate, and the smooth-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures seamless gear changes. For those seeking even more muscle, the W12 engine is a force to be reckoned with. Standard models offer a staggering 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in under 3.3 seconds. The top-of-the-line Speed variant ups the ante to a monstrous 650 horsepower, making it one of the fastest luxury coupes on the market. Bentley engineers undoubtedly did a fantastic job building the 2023 Continental GT. Compared to its rivals, the Continental GT holds its own. The Aston Martin DB11 offers a similar V8 option with slightly less horsepower, while the Rolls-Royce Wraith prioritizes ultimate comfort over outright speed. Within the Bentley lineup, the Continental GT sits between the even more powerful Continental GT Speed and the slightly less powerful Flying Spur.
One of the most noticeable changes lies beneath the hood. The 2023 Continental GT sees the introduction of a new, twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the standard option. This powerhouse delivers a delightful balance of power and everyday drivability, making the Continental GT even more appealing to a broader range of drivers. On the technological side, it receives a significant upgrade as well. The interior now features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with improved graphics and a more intuitive user interface. Additionally, a suite of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, are now available (though some require opting for specific packages). Subtle tweaks have also been made to the exterior design. The front grille was slightly refreshed, while new wheel options allow for even greater personalization. Overall, the 2023 Continental GT retains the classic Bentley silhouette but with a touch of contemporary flair.
The interior retains the classic Bentley design language and quality. High-quality leather is the show's star, swathing every surface you touch. Bentley offers a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to personalize your cabin to match your taste perfectly. Meticulous double-stitching adorns the seats, door panels, and dashboard. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently on the center console, offering crisp graphics and an intuitive user interface. Press the screen button to rotate and replace the screen layout with classic dials. As with every luxury car and every Bentley, the comfort level in the 2023 Bentley Continental GT is excellent. The heated and ventilated seats are incredibly supportive, ensuring a fatigue-free journey on even the longest road trips. Rear passengers, while somewhat limited in legroom due to the car's coupe design, are still treated to ample knee room and individual climate controls. Bentley offers various exquisite wood veneers to choose from, each adding a touch of warmth and character to the cabin. Ambient lighting allows you to create the perfect mood, while plenteous storage compartments ensure everything has its designated place.
The 2023 Bentley Continental GT isn't shy; its exterior design retains the classic Bentley silhouette. However, it incorporates subtle updates for a touch of contemporary flair. The front grille received a slight rework for 2023, but it remains imposing and maintains a sense of elegance. New, sharper headlights flank the grille, adding a touch of modern aggression. As you move along the side of the car, your eyes are drawn to the muscular haunches of the hood. New wheel designs offer even greater personalization options, allowing you to tailor the Continental GT's look to your style. Over to the rear are the taillights, now featuring a more dynamic design. You also have the integrated dual exhaust tips tucked underneath the rear bumper. For the exterior, Bentley offers a wide range of paint colors, allowing you to make your car unique truly.
The infotainment and tech features on the 2023 Continental GT are top-notch - that's expected for a modern car. The most noticeable upgrade is the new infotainment system. A larger, 12.3-inch touchscreen replaces the previous unit, offering crisper graphics and a more user-friendly interface. The system seamlessly integrates navigation, audio control, and various vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. You'll also get driver-assistance features to enhance safety and comfort. These features are often bundled into optional packages, so customization is possible. Some highlights include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, head-up display, night vision, etc. Bentley also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot option, allowing you and your passengers to stay connected on the go. Additionally, a suite of connected car services will enable you to remotely monitor your vehicle, lock/unlock doors, and pre-condition the cabin temperature from your smartphone.
The 2023 Bentley Continental GT lives up to its luxurious reputation with a supercar price tag. The price is around $238,000 for the base model equipped with the twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Upgrading to the mighty W12 engine will set you back further, with prices starting at $288,500. As mentioned, Bentley offers vast customization options, from unique paint colors and exquisite wood veneers to upgraded sound systems and advanced driver-assistance features. These options can quickly push the final price far above the regular price.
The 2023 Bentley Continental GT checks the boxes for a luxurious Bentley with cutting-edge performance and technology features. If you want to buy or sell a pre-owned Bentley Continental GT or any other exotic car, head to Exotic Car Trader. Their user-friendly platform makes the process of buying and selling exotics online a breeze. From listing your vehicle with stunning photos and detailed descriptions to connecting you with serious buyers, Exotic Car Trader simplifies every step of the journey. If you want to stand out from the crew, the 2023 Bentley Continental GT is one car that will help you do that effortlessly.
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