The final verdict is in! Blistering speed, astounding beauty, supreme comfort, state-of-the-art tech, undiluted enjoyment—these are the automobiles that wowed our esteemed panel of experts.
Bentley Continental GT
When it comes to grand tourers, there really is only one car that’s cut out for the job of covering long-distance drives at speed and in style. As the name suggests, the Bentley Continental was designed to corner the grand tourer market when it first hit the scene in 2003. It “refined and redefined the language of grand tourer design”, says the marque, looking back on the original model. Now, more than 20 years later, both a lot and very little has changed.
The biggest departure from the original’s 6.0-litre twinturbocharged W12 engine is the arrival of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that’s coupled to a 25.9 kWh battery, making this the first plug-in hybrid Continental GT. While that means an 80 km claimed electric range, it also delivers a combined power output of 575 kW from the V8 and the e-motor.
With all that power and improved looks and handling, our panel was unanimous in labelling this iteration the best Bentley Continental yet, by some margin. Above all, this is a car that understands its role and remit more than most by blending luxury, refinement and comfort with a blisteringly quick powertrain. Bravo Bentley, we say.
Technical Specs
ENGINE: 4.0-litre V8 engine + 140 kW electric motor powered by 25.9 kWh battery
POWER: 575 kW (combined)
ZERO TO 100KM/H: 3.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 335 km/h
PRICE: €280,147
