2022 Bentley Continental GT

Although it’s designed to make you feel like you’ve arrived, the 2022 Bentley Continental GT is also a great car for making the journey memorable.

The GT stands for grand touring, and the Conti’s cabin is truly grand, pampering its occupants with fine leather, gorgeous wood, and handsome metal trims mixed with modern technology, plentiful amenities, and enough cargo space for those who wouldn’t deign to pack light.

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

Updated versions of the existing V-8 and W-12 engines that powered the previous-generation Continental GT provide muscle-car performance. Our testing of the older model revealed that the V-8, which makes 542 horses, can launch the coupe to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

The more expensive W-12 engine produces 626 horsepower in non-Speed models and can motivate a coupe to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The same engine has been tuned up to 650-hp in the Speed model, and we estimate it can reach 60 in as little as 3.1 seconds.

Both engines use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that snaps off quick but smooth gearshifts. Customers can order the coupe or convertible with either engine. And all Continental GTs come with an all-wheel-drive system standard.

ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG

2022 Bentley Continental GT twin-turbo V-8 is the most fuel-efficient offering in a particular model, you know that efficiency is not top of mind for the carmaker—or its customers, for that matter. The EPA rates the Continental V-8 at 16 mpg city and 26 highway.

In our real-world testing, we averaged 28 mpg in a V-8 model in our 200 miles highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the 2022 Bentley Continental GT’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

We expect a luxurious cabin from anything wearing the Bentley badge, and this two-door is no different. The interior is swathed in aromatic leather and fine wood veneers, and nearly everything about the 2022 Bentley Continental GT is customizable—for a price, of course.

Bentley’s designers thought everything through, and each time behind the wheel reveals a surprising detail, such as expertly knurled control knobs and double-stitched diamond-pattern seat trim.

Although the 2022 Bentley Continental GT technically has seatbelts for four occupants, we’d suggest you avoid using the rear seat for hauling adult-size people since its leg- and headroom is both limited.

In our testing, we were able to fit five carry-on suitcases in the Continental’s trunk—plenty of space for a weekend away with your favorite travel companion.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

A 12.3-inch infotainment display dominates the center of the dashboard. It’s part of a unique, three-sided rotating unit that also includes a panel with three small analog gauges for exterior air temperature, time, and compass heading, and a third side that shows nothing but matching instrument-panel trim.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, as is a digital gauge display that allows the driver to manage most of the Continental GT’s functions using controls on the steering wheel. The 2022 Bentley Continental GT offers two optional audio systems: a Bang & Olufsen arrangement and a spectacular Naim system.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

Bentley offers as options driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, a night-vision system, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection—items we’d expect to be standard, considering the steep starting price.

For more information about the 2022 Bentley Continental GT‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.