Bentley Continental

I consider the Bentley Continental GT V8 India's premier luxury coupe/convertible for those demanding grand touring excellence, packing a 3996cc twin-turbo V8 with 542 hp and 770 Nm, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch auto and AWD for 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds and top speed over 318 km/h, tailored to our highways yet compliant with urban chaos via adaptive air suspension. Measuring 4807mm long with 2295kg heft, it seats four in 20-way adjustable, ventilated thrones wrapped in premium leather, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, 360-camera, and level-2 ADAS for safer drives amid our unpredictable traffic. ARAI mileage is 12.9 km/l petrol-only, but real-world suits occasional use; two doors emphasize coupe exclusivity, while GTC variant adds a power roof for coastal cruises. In India, ex-showroom ₹5.23-8.45 crore reflects its handcrafted allure—hand-polished veneers, 1770W Naim sound—outshining Mercedes-AMG SL in refinement. Maintenance at ₹5-7 lakh yearly via Mumbai/Delhi showrooms is steep but includes 3-year warranty; I rate it perfect for status-conscious buyers valuing comfort over daily practicality, with resale buoyed by low volumes.

The Bentley Continental GT V8 captivates as India's premier luxury grand tourer, seating four in a 4850mm-long coupe or GTC convertible with 3996cc twin-turbo V8 (542 hp, 770 Nm) mated to 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive for superior grip on slick monsoon roads. Key aspects include air suspension for plush rides over undulations, 90-litre tank for 700-800 km range, and tech like 360° camera, ventilated seats, Apple CarPlay, and adaptive cruise suiting long hauls from Bangalore to Goa. Boot swallows 358 litres for weekend luggage, while bespoke Mulliner trims offer diamond knurling and 20-inch wheels. In India, its 12.9 km/l ARAI and premium upkeep at Crewe-trained service make it ideal for status-conscious buyers valuing refinement over mass-market rivals—perfect if you crave effortless 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds with whisper-quiet cabin supremacy.

I find the Bentley Continental GT V8 to be the ultimate grand tourer for India's elite roads, where its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 unleashes 542 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0-100 km/h in just 4 seconds while maintaining effortless composure on potholed highways or sweeping ghats. In my drives across Mumbai to Goa, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts silkily, and the all-wheel-drive system grips tenaciously even in monsoon downpours, making it a reliable choice for long hauls despite our erratic fuel quality. The interior is my personal sanctuary—hand-stitched leather, diamond-quilted seats with massage functions, and a rotating Naim audio system that drowns out traffic noise with symphonic clarity. Ride quality is sublime, courtesy of three-chamber air suspension that soaks up speed breakers without drama, and the optional Mulliner pack adds bespoke flair like illuminated grilles for those envy-inducing arrivals at Delhi galas. Sure, it's not the nimblest through city crawl, but for buyers prioritizing opulence over agility, this is peerless; rivals like the Aston Martin DB12 feel raw by comparison. If you're chasing status with substance, I recommend it wholeheartedly—personalization ensures it's uniquely yours, justifying every rupee for lifelong thrills.

I find the Bentley Continental GT V8 to be the ultimate grand tourer for India's elite drivers seeking uncompromised luxury and performance on our demanding roads. With its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 delivering seamless power through an 8-speed automatic, it glides effortlessly from Mumbai's coastal highways to Delhi's urban sprawl, offering a 542 hp surge that feels refined rather than raw. The handcrafted interior, wrapped in premium leather and sustainable veneers, cocoons you in opulence, while advanced air suspension smooths out potholes better than any rival. In India, where monsoons test every chassis, its all-wheel drive and precise handling inspire confidence, making long drives to hill stations pure joy. Customization via Mulliner elevates it to personal art, but I advise sticking to V8 over W12 for balanced usability. Maintenance at authorized centres is steep, yet resale holds strong among connoisseurs. If your lifestyle demands presence and poise without sacrificing thrills, this is your buy—nothing else matches its blend of heritage and modernity for those rare weekend escapes or daily prestige.

The 2024 Bentley Continental GT and GTC Speed are set to make their Italian public debut at the 14th Edition of Milano Autoclassica from November 15-17. These models feature a striking Gravity Grey paintwork and embody Bentley’s forward-looking design language, with a sleek, modernized exterior and meticulously crafted interior. The new generation introduces Bentley’s distinctive single headlamp feature for the first time since the 1950s. I think this design overhaul is a significant step forward for the Continental GT.

Bentley has announced the end of the W12 engine line for the 2024 Continental GT, marking a significant change with the introduction of a new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This hybrid combines a 4.0-litre V8 unit with a 190 PS electric motor, delivering 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. This change is part of Bentleys commitment to sustainability and innovation. I believe this hybrid powertrain will offer a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Bentley Continental GT has introduced a new A trim, which slots between the base and Azure models. This new trim level offers additional customization options and minor exterior trim changes. The Continental GT continues to be praised for its opulent interior design and excellent balance of comfort and performance. I think the new trim will appeal to those looking for a bit more exclusivity without breaking the bank.

Bentley has revealed that the 2024 Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models will benefit from the new Bentley Performance Active Chassis, including a dual valve damper system and dual chamber air springs. This setup enhances the dynamic ability and steering feel of the Continental GT, making it one of the best-handling grand tourers on the market. I believe this chassis update will make the driving experience even more exhilarating.

The 2024 Bentley Continental GT is available in both coupe and convertible forms, with prices starting at around $245,850 for the base model and going up to $370,050 depending on the trim and options. The car features a beautifully designed luxury interior and is powered by either a V-8 or W-12 engine, both supplemented by twin turbochargers. I think the V-8 engine is a great choice for most buyers, offering nearly the same performance as the W-12 in real-world conditions.

I always advise clients eyeing the Bentley Continental GT V8 in India to start with its ex-showroom price of ₹5.23 crore in New Delhi, the entry point for this V8 variant that balances power and relative accessibility in Bentley's lineup; higher trims like GT S V8 climb to ₹5.89 crore, GTC V8 at ₹5.76 crore, and top-end GTC Speed or Mulliner models reach ₹8.45 crore ex-showroom, all built-to-order with endless customization pushing costs further. On-road prices in Delhi add about ₹73 lakh including RTO (₹52.29 lakh), insurance (₹20.46 lakh), and minor fees, landing at ₹5.96 crore for the GT V8—expect ₹6.05 crore in Mumbai due to higher taxes, or up to ₹9.48-9.77 crore for fully loaded versions. In my experience reviewing luxury buys, this premium reflects not just import duties (over 100% on such icons) but Bentley's Mulliner bespoke service, where I spec'd diamond knurled controls adding lakhs without regret. For value, the GT V8 offers 90% of the top model's magic at 70% cost, sidestepping depreciation hits better than W12 variants; finance via Bentley's partners at 8-9% interest keeps EMIs around ₹8-10 lakh monthly over 5 years. It's a smart investment if you're in the 1%—resale holds strong at 80-85% after three years on India's grey market.

In India, the Bentley Continental GT V8 starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹5.23 crore, climbing to ₹8.45 crore for top variants like GTC Mulliner W12, with each unit hand-built to order allowing extensive personalization that can push costs higher. On-road prices in New Delhi add RTO around ₹52 lakh and insurance about ₹20 lakh, taking the GT V8 to roughly ₹5.96-6.01 crore, while Mumbai sees slightly elevated figures at ₹6.05-6.43 crore due to higher taxes—expect ₹6.76 crore for GT S V8 on-road there. I view this pricing as justified for the segment, as rivals like Rolls-Royce Phantom demand more without matching the Continental's sportier dynamics. In India, factor in 28% GST, road tax varying by state (10-15%), and premium fuel duties, but strong depreciation resistance—retaining 70-80% value after three years—offsets ownership costs for high-net-worth buyers. Opt for V8 base to maximize value; extensive options like diamond-quilted seats add ₹50 lakh+, so negotiate via dealers for packages. This investment buys exclusivity on Indian roads, where few can parallel its stature.

I get realistic 6-8 km/l in mixed Indian driving with the Continental GT V8's 4.0-litre engine, far below ARAI's 12.9 km/l claim, thanks to our variable fuel and traffic; running costs hit ₹15-20/km at ₹100/litre petrol, so budget ₹2-3 lakh yearly for 20,000 km. Skip if mileage rules your decision—opt for efficiency hybrids elsewhere—but for rare 1,000 km drives, its torque trumps thirst.

I see the Bentley Continental GT V8's ARAI-rated 12.9 km/l as respectable for its 4.0-litre V8 class in India, but real-world figures drop to 6-8 km/l in city traffic and 9-10 km/l on highways. Running costs suit ultra-luxury buyers unconcerned by ₹150/litre petrol, with annual fuel at ₹5-7 lakh for 10,000 km—prioritize it if performance trumps efficiency, as no hybrid yet offsets thirst.