Bentley Continental (2003-) Review

On the road

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It's a wide car, so it takes some getting used to, but there are parking sensors to help in tight spots.

On the open road it's a cinch: the auto 'box can be left alone if you're in the mood, and there are automatic sensors for wipers and lights. Seats, mirrors and steering column have a memory function to make life simple if the car is used by more than one driver; there's also completely keyless entry and starting, so long as you have the key in your pocket. The central multi-purpose display screen takes a little getting used to, and there are rather a lot of buttons below it, but it's no trickier to use than most other cars with this much equipment.

For a car of this weight and luxury, the sportiness and composure of the chassis is a revelation. No, it's not as nimble as a Porsche 911 Turbo, though it's pretty near as fast. But it corners without much roll, and has extremely good damping and body control, as we found on some demanding country roads. It's worth noting, however, that the slightly less firm suspension set-up of the GTC gives a more comfortable ride without any significant loss of body control.

Grip is mighty and if the car approaches its limits it lets the driver know by gradually running wide, accompanied by a lightening of the steering. A small lift of the throttle will tuck the nose back in and, at this point, full power will force the car out of the corner. Traction is always very strong, even in the rain, thanks to the four-wheel drive. Because the powertrain is so controllable and sensitive the whole driving experience is terrifically interactive, not to mention searingly, exhilaratingly fast.

A top speed of 198mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.7 seconds are both achieved with little effort on the driver's part. Just floor the right pedal and off you go. Huge power and torque are married to a fabulously smooth and responsive transmission. It's the GT ideal.

The torque reaches its maximum at 1,600rpm and stays at that level until 6,000rpm, which means in-gear response is the same whatever the revs. Need even more acceleration? Just change down, and you'll make yourself gasp. With so little lag, this phenomenal performance is all very easy to access.

The torque converter has a lock-up mechanism that operates in every gear, so most of the time the engine is connected directly to the wheels without the softening effect of the torque converter, ensuring all of the engine's response can be felt immediately. The W12 engine plays a slightly flat tune at times, but when it's worked harder there's a confident exhaust note and then a whistle from the turbos. Even at idle there's a deep burble. It's not a silent car, but it's not meant to be.

The only thing that slows it down, beyond police and traffic, is its thirst for fuel. Use the performance on an autobahn and you'll be stopping every hour and a half or so with a drained fuel tank. At high speed, consumption drops into single figures.