Since the first generation of the Continental GT came out, as a fan of large coupes, I’d always been interested in this car. This was my first time test driving the Continental GT, and I was quite excited as I opened the door and got in.
After adjusting the seat position and pressing the engine start button, the W12 engine roared to life with a sound that rivals the Panamera Turbo’s thunderous growl. I had expected a gentle, feather-like sound similar to Rolls-Royce’s 12-cylinder engines, so this surprised me.
The salesperson said the W12 sounds more aggressive and sporty than the V8.
At first, as I gently pressed the accelerator to get onto the road, the tires rolled smoothly but not overly soft. The ride was soft but with a firm core.
As I increased speed, the ride felt very similar to the Panamera.
I think sharing the same platform plays a big role, but still, it’s remarkably alike. It has a solid planted feel, and it pleasantly surprised me by being sportier than the luxury ride I had imagined.
The transmission is the same 8-speed dual-clutch as the Panamera’s PDK. So, while shift shocks are minimal, you can clearly feel the gear changes, emphasizing the sporty character.
The steering feedback is balanced—not too heavy or light—and you can feel the tires’ grip quite well.
If I could drive with my eyes closed, I think it would be hard to distinguish this from a Panamera Turbo on city streets. Although both are luxury large coupes, this is very different from the AMG S63 coupe I previously owned.
On the other hand, when taking corners or intersections with some vigor, the body roll is more noticeable than expected. It’s not unsettling, but this is a big difference from the Panamera Turbo, which stays flat at all times.
So far, these impressions were in Bentley’s recommended Bentley mode.
Next, I switched to Sport mode. The suspension clearly stiffened, feeling like the Panamera Turbo’s Normal to Sport mode ride. The exhaust note got louder, and the car felt tighter overall.
On a slightly open straight, I pushed the W12 engine hard, and the acceleration was as fierce as expected. The tachometer needle smoothly climbed without resistance, producing a thrilling sound. Yet, the cabin remained calm and stable, so it wasn’t intimidating.
Despite its heavy body, the handling was surprisingly nimble. The brakes were, of course, very reassuring.
Using the paddle shifters to shift through 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears, you can hear the satisfying “baf!” sound of gear changes, showcasing the quick response unique to dual-clutch transmissions. It’s not lightning-fast, but definitely not slow.
In fact, I felt the Panamera’s PDK shifts a bit slower.
I realized Bentley is more sporty than I had thought, especially given their strong involvement in racing. Many Japanese might associate Rolls-Royce and Bentley with pure luxury, but at least this new Continental GT balances luxury with a clear focus on sportiness, which was a big revelation.
Switching to Comfort mode, the suspension softened dramatically, becoming gentle and smooth. This mode is perfect for cruising slowly through the city at night. Quiet and comfortable, it embodies the classic luxury coupe ride. This is my favorite mode in this car.
The test drive lasted only a few dozen minutes, so I couldn’t grasp everything, and I’m sure there are many things I didn’t fully understand, but in my opinion, the Continental GT is perfect for those seeking a sporty luxury coupe.
If you find the AMG S63 coupe a bit too luxurious and want a sportier interior and sharper driving feel, this car is ideal.
So, if you want a more relaxed, ultra-luxurious ride, Mercedes might be a better fit.
If I were to position the Continental GT among the cars I’ve owned, I’d say it sits between the AMG S63 coupe and the Panamera. It offers both sportiness and luxury at a high level. So, I highly recommend it to those who want that balance.
For me, considering it as a replacement for the Panamera Turbo, it was sportier than I expected, so it overlaps too much with the Panamera Turbo, which makes the decision tricky.
Even though it’s sporty, the Panamera Turbo is still sportier in degree. The car is very well made with no complaints, but for this replacement, I might have been looking for something more opposite to the Panamera Turbo.
Thinking that way, the new Flying Spur arriving soon in Japan might be a better match. Choosing a car really is a tough challenge these days.
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