Bentley Continental GT: The Car That Modernised an Entire Brand
Before this car arrived, Bentley's future was genuinely uncertain. Afterward, it became the model every subsequent Bentley would be measured against.
Illustration for editorial purposes
The Car That Saved a Brand and Then Defined It
Few single models carry this much weight in a manufacturer's modern history. Reviewers and historians alike keep pointing to this car's original launch as the moment Bentley transformed from a struggling heritage name into a genuinely competitive modern luxury brand.
Engineering & Performance
The current generation pairs a twin-turbocharged W12 or V8 engine with all-wheel drive, delivering genuine supercar-adjacent performance wrapped in a body built for effortless long-distance comfort. Air suspension and active anti-roll technology allow it to shift convincingly between plush grand-touring composure and genuinely engaging back-road pace depending on the driver's mood.
Design & Craftsmanship
Hand-finished interiors combining wood veneers, leather and knurled metal switchgear remain a Bentley hallmark, with attention to detail that draws direct comparison to high-end furniture making as much as automotive engineering. The exterior silhouette has evolved generation over generation while carefully preserving the proportions that made the original so influential.
Why It Matters
This nameplate effectively created the modern template for a luxury grand tourer that's equally credible as a daily driver and a genuine occasion car — a combination that's since been chased by rivals across the luxury segment. Its commercial success directly funded Bentley's broader modern-era product expansion.
Value Today
Early examples of the original 2003 generation have begun attracting genuine collector interest as modern classics, while current-generation cars track closely with new pricing given strong ongoing demand and the brand's continued desirability.
Watch & Explore
More Bentley Icons
- Bentley R-Type Continental Overview — Classic Icon
- Bentley Flying Spur Overview — Modern Icon
Sources: evo, Bentley press materials.