The Continental GT W12 is a car to which change has historically come slowly, and when it arrives it’s usually small.
That’s certainly the case for this 2016 update, which combines exterior tweaks like a smaller grille and new ‘B’ emblems on the front wings with interior modifications like the now-smaller steering wheel and revised centre console. It’s a lot of small updates that you might not notice, but that make a difference overall.
Sitting on new 21in wheels the GT is a muscular and powerful-looking thing, even in the rather understated yellowy silver of the test car. The silky craftwork in the body panels creates curves over which the evening light falls oh-so gracefully.
There’s a certain new money image attached to Bentleys of modern times, but the Continental GT maintains its sporting ambitions with a power upgrade for 2016 – important to mark the car’s progress and keep people interested.
Although in this colour it won’t turn heads like some other two-door cars for similar money, its low-key elegance is part of its appeal.
There’s a big, if not the most evenly shaped boot at the back. You’ll need to buy special cases to get the most out of the space but ordinary soft bags will give you plenty of freedom.
You won’t find much in the way of cup holders or cubbyholes in the cabin, but you probably wouldn’t want to risk the spillages when the interior materials are so luscious. The seat leathers are now softer and come in a variety of stitching patterns – including the long-time favourite diamond quilted style.
A hefty 2.3-tonne kerb weight stops the 582bhp GT feeling like a thoroughbred sprinter, and instead it tends to prefer falling back on its mountain of torque. A barrel-chested 531lb/ft is available from exceptionally low revs, feeding the kind of wafty overtaking performance you’d hope for.
It’s also a fine steer on country roads. It’s wide, but not too wide to enjoy, and if you take a slow-in, fast-out approach to get around the W12’s inherent weight then you end up delving into deep reserves of traction and poise.
For such a heavy car it’s very impressive. All the while you’re held securely in first-class seats, which, in tandem with the low-pitched, gentlemanly engine note, helps to disguise your rapid progress.
Crossing whole countries in the quiet cabin would be a breeze. The impressive suspension soaks up the road’s imperfections like a sponge in its softest setting, while at its firmest it controls body roll with a firm but deft touch.
The purchase price is almost meaningless, since almost every buyer ticks all sorts of boxes on the options sheet before some even add custom colours, bespoke interior detailing and more. Likewise, running costs are on the high side.
Servicing deals can be bought with the car, though, and at least the Bentley has a healthy cruising range from its 90-litre tank of super-unleaded.
The Continental GT W12 is a gentleman’s express. It’s built for those people for whom a Mercedes S-Class isn’t special enough, and for whom the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB are a bit too brash.
Buyers will want to feel the big engine’s power without forcing its presence on everyone around them, and they’ll probably be the type to simply pack a bag and disappear to the Mediterranean for a week.
THE FACTS
Model: Bentley Continental GT
Price: From £150,500
Engine: 6.0-litre turbocharged petrol producing 582bhp and 531lb/ft
Performance: Top speed 198mph, 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds
Economy: 19.9mpg combined
CO2 rating: 330g/km