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2015 Bentley Continental Preview

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Miranda Lightstone
Unapologetically British

Pros: It’s a Bentley. And there are five Continental models for you to mull over. And it’s a Bentley. The Continental is all about luxury and a performance-oriented drive all wrapped into one. And did I mention it’s a Bentley?

Cons: It’s a Bentley, which means the price is Bentley-like in size. 

2015 Bentley Continental Price and Fuel Economy: So, when you’ve finally saved all those pennies and you can afford a new Bentley Continental, you’ll have five models to choose from, four of which also have a convertible variation as well. Let’s explore all these options and get those money rolls out, shall we? 

  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT $246,244
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT Convertible $270,334
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 $220,724 
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible $242,064
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 S $237,820
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible $261,690 
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed $268,464 
  • 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible $294,754 

The only missing model from that list is the Bentley Continental GT3-R, which is a special edition race-inspired model designed to push the brand’s sportiness to the limits. Pricing sits well above the $300k range as it is a limited edition. 

As for fuel economy, well, the V8 is the smallest engine of the bunch and returns an average of 15.4L/100km in the city and 9.8L/100km on the highway (the V8 S will apparently get 7.2L/100km on the highway). Move up to the W12 and you’re looking at 18.8L/100km in the city and 11.5L/100km on the highway. Add the word “Speed” and that same W12 6.0L averages 22.4L/100km in the city and 9.9L/100km on the highway. 

A fuel-saver the Bentley is not. 

Powertrain: Let’s start with the sportiest of the bunch, the 2015 Bentley Continental GT3-R. This jacked up Bentley features a 4.0L V8 twin-turbocharged engine that’ll spit out 592 ponies and 553 lb-ft of torque, and all that grunt is sent to all four wheels. 0-100km/hr happens in just 3.6 seconds. Yup, it’s quick. 

The 2015 Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed and GT Speed Convertible are all equipped with a turbocharged W12 6.0L. In the GT horsepower sits at 567, torque at 516 lb-ft. In the GT Speed those numbers jump to 626 horses and 607 lb-ft of torque. 

And last but not least, the 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 lineup features a turbocharged 4.0L V8. In the base GT V8 model, horsepower is to the tune of 500, along with 487 lb-ft of torque. Add an S to the equation and those numbers jump to 521 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. 

All models feature AWD and all have an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard and there are no other transmission choices. 

Changes and Improvements: Unveiled in 2014, the Bentley Continental GT lineup received a few changes, namely: 

The GT V8 S was introduced upping performance numbers over the base V8. The GT Speed also increased its horsepower numbers, and now offers up aesthetic differences like a chrome Speed badge near the front fenders, new body colour options, and 21” Speed wheel designs. 

The GT3-R is also new, and a limited edition with only 300 units being produced. It is 500kg lighter than the standard GT and features a host of track-inspired technology as well as styling to set it apart from the rest of the Continental pack. 

Cargo Capacity: None convertible Continentals all offer up 358L of trunk space. That number drops to 260L if you want the top to drop. And both body styles will seat four. 

Safety: All manner of standard safety features and airbags are present on the entire 2015 Bentley Continental lineup. 

Comparing the 2015 Bentley Continental: Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Audi S8, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class, Rolls-Royce Ghost. 

Miranda Lightstone
Miranda Lightstone
Automotive expert
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