Finally, the new Bentley Continental GT has been released. We have been waiting for it for a really long time. Yes, it is the third generation, but the second generation was just a heavy facelift. It was still under the Phaeton platform. The new Continental GT now shares the same platform as the Porsche Panamera. That’s really good news.
As you can see, the Continental GT does not look that different from the second generation model but many things have changed with the introduction of the Continental. First of all, it is now lighter. The modular platform reduces the weight by a serious amount. The steering wheel is electric and that saves extra weight. However, the engine is still a W12 6-lt. Anyway that’s fine, you wouldn’t buy a Bentley Continental GT with a 2.9-lt Audi RS5 engine would you?
The gearbox is now a dual-clutch automatic. Interestingly, while BMW left the dual-clutch and moved back to a conventional automatic (BMW M5), Bentley did the opposite. To be honest, I really love the dual-clutch automatic and the VW Group loves it as well!
The infotainment system has changed as well and you won’t see anything from the Phaeton. Probably, it shares the same platform as the Porsche Panamera. The carpets come in 15 different colours, and there is a new style called diamond in diamond with 217 stiches. This will probably cost the price of a VW Polo.
The suspension is now three-chamber air suspension with 48-volt active anti-roll bars. This new anti-roll bar system will improve the ride quality. It will handle better when needed (probably never), and offers comfort when you need it (always).
There are lots of Porsche touches with the new Continental. I think they’ve made a good decision to share platforms and parts with a brand that is known to be well-built and reliable. On the other hand, it reduces the authencity of the product and the brand. Like the Bentayga, the Continental is re-fit of a Porsche Panamera.
In case, you are complaining about this problem, consider the new Rolls-Royce Phantom. It doesn’t share a platform with the BMW 7-Series and costs a great deal. In order to cut the cost, you have to share platforms or the customer will have to pay a fortune.
Photo Credit / Bentley