Bentley Continental GT (2011-2018) review – performance and 0-60 time

The Bentley Continental GT is available with a choice of either a V8 or W12 engine. Introduced later in the model’s lifespan, the smaller and less powerful V8 comes close to matching the W12 on paper, but in real-world use offers more exciting performance.

A standard Continental GT with the W12 motor is capable of 0-60mph in 4.3-seconds and will run all the way on to an impressive 198mph. The V8 takes 4.6 seconds to 60mph and tops out at 190mph, while the V8 S matches the W12 for the 0-60mph sprint, but lags a little behind with a top speed of 192mph.

The most powerful Continental GT of them all, the Speed, can hit 60mph in 4 seconds dead and crack a supercar-like 206mph. Hugely impressive given its 2320kg kerb weight.

Real world performance is just as you’d expect. Like the Mulsanne, both powertrains are so torque-rich that acceleration never feels anything other than relentless. The V8 in fact is full of much more character than the bigger W12. It makes an excellent sound, emitting all kinds of grunts and snorts, giving the Continental a much more sporting edge than you might expect. On the road, the performance gains between the two engines are also largely imperceptible.