The Bentley Continental V8 is one of the best luxury cars on sale today. It was launched back in 2011, as an alternative engine to the 6-liter W12.
The V8 became an instant hit due to just how good it sounds. The 4-liter twin-turbo V8 sounds like an absolute Spitfire when at full throttle. For the first models, the V8 at first included different bumpers, but when the facelift came out both W12 and V8 cars shared the same front and rear end.
The current V8 model came out in 2019 and featured the same twin-turbo V8 as the previous model. The big difference is though, that it is mounted to a dual-clutch gearbox rather than an automatic, therefore, shift times are a lot faster. Performance figures are near identical to the more powerful W12 engine.
The V8 model starts at $202,500 which is a lot of money. Though, the W12 starts at over $240,000 which is a lot more. So, should you save the change and get a V8? Or just go for that signature W12?
picture via: autoexpress.co.uk
A Lively Engine
If you want an engine that is lively, then you’ll definitely want to check out the twin-turbo V8 fitted to the Continental V8. It is an absolute masterpiece that pushes out 542hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. Not too shabby at all. This means the V8 Continental can hit 60 in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.
Whilst the W12 doesn’t make much noise, the V8 does. It can be loud, aggressive, and completely asbo when you want it to be. The V8 engine is produced by Porsche and is also fitted in the Panamera, Lamborghini Urus, Audi RS6 and RSQ8, and the Bentley Bentayga.
One of the reasons I believe Bentley launched the V8 Continental GT was to attract younger buyers. Whilst the W12 is a great engine, it’s an engine that is tamed for the elder audience. An audience who wants something smoother. Whilst the V8 is for somebody who wants something that’s more thrilling.
However, the V8 can be quiet when you want it to be since it has controllable exhaust flaps that alter the sound depending on the driver’s request. In comfort mode, the car is very quiet and hardly makes any noise at all. The engine is also very smooth and can offer a decent MPG if driven carefully.
It’s a Very Well Built Car
The Bentley Continental GT may just have the best build quality of any car on earth right now. It’s a masterpiece and everything feels so expensive and exotic. You can pretty much have whatever interior color you want, as long as you have the money. That’s the same story with the wood veneer too, in which Bentley offers many different styles from all over the world. If you don’t want wood, you can always opt for carbon fiber instead, or any other material that takes your fancy. As long as you have the money.
Exterior-wise, everything feels and looks very solid. There are no panel gaps whatsoever. The paint is very high quality and the alloys are very large. Bentley’s of the past did suffer from bodywork issues, but since the VW group took over the brand back in the late 1990s, this is no longer an issue.
Bentley takes a lot of pride in building their cars, which are all handbuilt in Crewe England. The quality control truly is second to none and no car can leave that factory with any issues whatsoever. If they do, then Bentley will quickly address this and fix it immediately.
Buying a Bentley Is More Than Just a Purchase.
Buying a new Bentley is an experience like no other. You’re treated like absolute royalty and the marque cannot do anything more to satisfy your needs. If it’s an exclusive order, you may even be invited to the factory to build your car. A Bentley dealership has amazing customer service and they will be with you every step of the way when purchasing the car.
Bentley will also send free gifts when you purchase the car as a thank you present. It truly is as if they are treating you as a family member. One of their own.
The car itself is more than just a car. it is a piece of art. Every time you sit in a Bentley, you will feel like you truly have made it. No other car makes you feel as special as a Bentley does. It truly is a strange but exciting feeling. It’s almost as if the Bentley is in a league of its own. That no other car can compete with it whatsoever.
Owning a Bentley is a lifestyle. A Bentley lifestyle is one of which that involves things like traveling the world, playing sports like golf, eating expensive food, etc. You can’t just be an average Joe if you want to buy a Bentley, because you’d look pretty foolish. Owning a Bentley is like owning a classy Rolex. It’s a statement about who you are.
To Conclude
A Bentley V8 Continental is an awesome purchase if you have the money. Depreciation is huge on these cars, so watch out for that.
It’s a purchase that you make to reward yourself. It’s something that oozes with class and really does turn you into a different person altogether. Though, the V8 model is a bit more hairy-chested and fun compared to the W12. The V8 is also a tad bit more economical.
I personally prefer the V8 model as it is so much more fun and aggressive. Bentley cars were traditionally 8 or 6 cylinders too. The 4-liter engine is a masterpiece that sounds awesome, but in the Bentley, it is a little more refined.
The build quality is also very good, far better than any other car. Everything feels so expensive and exotic. The optional extras are endless on new cars, so long as you have the money.