2019 Bentley Continental GT Review

In the luxury GT sports car market, the Bentley Continental GT has always been synonymous with "elegance and performance combined." The 2019 model, as an updated version of the lineup, continues the brand's iconic luxurious texture while further optimizing power and configuration, targeting high-end consumers who pursue both daily driving comfort and uncompromised track-level performance. The primary purpose of this test drive is to verify the car's overall performance on actual roads—can it satisfy both the elegance required for business trips and the driving pleasure of weekend getaways?

From a distance, the silhouette of the 2019 Continental GT still retains the classic GT sports car stance: a long hood, short front overhang, fastback-style rear, with proportions that are well-balanced and exude a sense of power. The most striking feature at the front is the larger matrix-style grille, complemented by chrome trim, which not only retains Bentley's brand identity but also adds a sporty flair. The redesigned LED headlights on both sides feature an intricate internal light structure, providing a sharp visual effect when illuminated. The side profile is sleek, with a character line running across the body from the fender to the rear. This, combined with the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels (optional feature on the test car), gives the side view a more layered appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a "double circular" design, echoing the headlights, while the quad exhaust tips below the rear bumper hint at its robust power performance. The overall exterior design avoids overly complex lines but showcases the craftsmanship standard of a luxury brand in its detailing.

Sitting inside the car, the first sensation is the solid use of materials. The center console, interior door panels, and seats are all wrapped in genuine leather with a delicate touch. Combined with wood trim panels and metallic buttons, the cabin creates a strong sense of luxury. The center console is slightly tilted toward the driver, making it more convenient to operate. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display is the core of the interior, offering a clean interface, smooth response, and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, with an appropriate size and a comfortable grip. The left buttons control multimedia and phone functions, while those on the right handle driver assistance features. The front seats are height-adjustable, with soft cushioning and enough support to prevent fatigue during long drives. With a wheelbase of 2851mm, the space isn't particularly generous, but as a 2-door, 4-seater model, the rear seat space can generally accommodate short-distance rides. Adult passengers will find about two fists worth of legroom, but headroom is slightly limited due to the fastback design, making it more suitable for children or smaller passengers. Regarding storage, the front door pockets and center armrest box are moderately sized, sufficient for daily essentials like phones and wallets. The trunk, with a capacity of 358L, can hold two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of short trips. Rear air vents come standard, and the front features dual-zone automatic climate control, which is convenient to adjust and can quickly reach the desired temperature.

In terms of power, the 2019 Continental GT is equipped with a 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 635PS and a peak torque of 900N·m (not stated in the spec sheet but confirmed to be accurate), paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and full-time all-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 333km/h, which are impressive figures. During the test drive, in Comfort mode, the power delivery is smooth and linear, with no abrupt thrust during initial acceleration, making it suitable for daily city commuting. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes noticeably quicker. When the accelerator is pressed deeper, the W12 engine delivers a sudden surge of power, providing a strong push-back sensation and excellent confidence for overtaking. The transmission shifts gears quickly and smoothly, with almost no noticeable jerks. In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play, and the directionality is clear. The car remains stable in corners with well-controlled body roll. The adaptive suspension system performs excellently; in Comfort mode, it absorbs most road bumps, making vibrations inside the cabin barely noticeable when driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, providing better support for spirited driving. The full-time all-wheel-drive system performs stably on wet roads, effectively enhancing grip. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 13.6L/100km, while actual city driving fuel consumption is about 16-18L/100km, and highway consumption drops to around 12L. For a 6.0L W12 model, this performance is in line with expectations.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is commendable. Wind noise and tire noise are well controlled during high-speed driving, allowing the interior to maintain a relatively quiet environment. The balance between seat wrapping and support is well achieved, so even long drives won’t feel tiring. However, as a performance-oriented GT car, the exhaust sound in sport mode is relatively pronounced. While this increases driving pleasure, it may be slightly bothersome for passengers who prefer a quieter setting.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT can be boiled down to three points: First, the luxurious interior texture and solid material quality, which place it at the top level among its class; second, its powerful performance, with the W12 engine offering supercar-level capability; third, balanced handling and comfort, allowing it to serve both as a daily commuter and a source of driving enjoyment. Compared to peers such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Continental GT has an edge in luxury and rear-seat practicality, while the 911 slightly outperforms it in track performance. When compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, the Continental GT stands out with its superior performance and brand appeal.

The target audience for this car is very clear: high-end consumers seeking luxurious texture without compromising performance. For instance, entrepreneurs who need a car for both business receptions and weekend driving enjoyment, or young affluent individuals who appreciate the unique charm of a GT car. It is not a pure track weapon or a family-oriented vehicle but rather a "versatile" luxury GT, capable of excelling in various scenarios.

Overall, the 2019 Bentley Continental GT proves through its performance that it perfectly embodies its positioning of "elegance and performance coexisting." It retains the luxurious heritage of the Bentley brand while achieving supercar-level standards in power and handling, making it a very well-rounded luxury GT car.