Are Bentley Continentals reliable? How many Bentley Continental GT were made?
I’ve spent enough time with the Bentley Continental GT to know two things: it’ll shrink a cross-country slog into a pleasant morning drive, and it’ll make you glance back every single time you walk away from it. The big question I get from readers, friends, even the valet who parked mine on a rainy night: are Bentleys actually reliable? And just how many of these grand tourers has Crewe cranked out? Let’s dive into both—no fluff, just the stuff you’d want to know before you order one in Racing Green or start browsing the classifieds for a cherry 2006 coupe.
What makes the Bentley Continental GT so special?
Even after two decades, the Bentley Continental GT remains the definitive luxury grand tourer: opulent but usable, fast enough to reorder your internal organs yet comfy enough for a ski weekend in Chamonix. When I first slid behind the wheel, I noticed the hush. The kind of quiet where you can hear your kids arguing in the back… and the soft hiss of the ventilated seats calming you down.
- Engines: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (around 542 hp, 568 lb-ft) or the iconic 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 (up to 650 hp, 664 lb-ft)
- Performance: 0–60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds; top speed up to 208 mph in the Continental GT Speed
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive with torque-vectoring; 8-speed dual-clutch (current gen)
- Tech: Apple CarPlay, advanced driver assistance, configurable drive modes (yes, it has a proper Sport mode)
- Cabin: hand-finished veneers, deep-pile carpets, and audio systems that make hi-fi nerds misty-eyed
Are Bentley Continentals reliable? The real-world take
Short answer: yes, with context. A well-maintained Continental GT is generally dependable, especially newer models, but running one like a Toyota Camry isn’t in the cards. These are complex machines—air suspension, active anti-roll, twin-turbos, and enough wiring to knit a sweater.
Gen-by-gen reliability notes
- First generation (2003–2011): The pioneer. Still gorgeous, still quick. Common-aging items I’ve seen or heard from owners: air suspension leaks, coil pack misfires, window regulator gremlins, and the odd coolant pipe or battery drain saga. The ZF 6-speed is robust; regular fluid services help.
- Second generation (2011–2018): More refined electronics and better build tightness. Fewer random faults if serviced on-time. Look for suspension bush wear and keep an eye on infotainment modules.
- Current generation (2018–present): Strongest reliability to date in my experience. The 8-speed dual-clutch can feel a touch hesitant at parking-lot speeds, but software updates usually tidy that up. V8s tend to be slightly less costly to maintain than W12s.
- Use a specialist who knows Bentleys—service costs drop and diagnostic time shrinks.
- Budget realistically: $1,500–$3,000 per year for routine care on newer cars, more for older/high-mileage examples.
- Tyres and brakes are big-car money. Factor in $1,200–$2,000 for a set of quality tyres on 21–22-inch wheels.
- Pre-purchase inspection is mandatory. Suspension, cooling, and electronics are where surprises hide.
How many Bentley Continental GT were made?
Since its launch in 2003, Bentley has built well over 100,000 Continental GTs worldwide across coupe and convertible (GTC) body styles. For a hand-finished luxury GT, that’s a phenomenal number—and a huge part of why the brand is thriving today.
As for the Supersports offshoots: they’ve always been limited by short production runs rather than being strictly numbered editions. Bottom line, they’re far rarer than a standard GT and prized by collectors, but Bentley hasn’t publicized a single fixed, official total across all years.
Living with the Bentley Continental GT
What I love most is the duality. In Comfort mode, it’s slippers and a silk robe—gliding, calm, and quiet enough to hear the soft tick of the dash clock. In Sport, it sheds the robe and sprints: sharper shifts, real bite from the AWD system, and a V8 growl that makes tunnels irresistible. When I tried it on rough roads, the ride stayed composed; only the nastiest potholes sent a thud through the structure, and even then it felt solid rather than brittle.
Infotainment is generally slick, though I’ve had an occasional CarPlay hiccup that a restart cured. The rear seats? Adult-usable in short bursts, great for kids, and handy for a duffel or golf bag. Perfect for a late Friday escape to the coast.
Bentley Continental GT vs rivals: how it stacks up
| Car | Power/torque | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GT (V8/W12) | 542–650 hp / up to 664 lb-ft | 3.5–3.9 s | Up to 208 mph | Palatial grand tourer with genuine pace and year-round AWD usability |
| Aston Martin DB12 | 671 hp / 590 lb-ft | ~3.5 s | 202+ mph | Sensory, elegant, slightly edgier GT with a sporting bias |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 640 hp / 590 lb-ft | 2.6–2.7 s | 205 mph | Devastatingly quick, clinical precision; less lavish inside |
| Mercedes-AMG SL 63 | 577 hp / 590 lb-ft | 3.5 s | 196 mph | Open-top GT cruiser with a hooligan streak |
Numbers are one thing. The Bentley’s real trick is how it makes speed feel unruffled. You arrive fresher. And maybe a bit smug. It’s that kind of car.
Pricing: new vs used Bentley Continental GT
- New Continental GT: Typically starts around the mid-$200,000s, climbing quickly with Mulliner options, exotic paints, and the GT Speed’s hardware.
- Early used (2004–2007 GT coupes): Roughly $20,000–$50,000 depending on condition, mileage, and history. Cheap to buy, not cheap to own—budget smart.
- Continental Flying Spur (circa 2006): Often $35,000–$50,000+, spec and history dependent.
- GT Convertible and GT Speed: Expect a premium over equivalent coupes; Speed models and low-mile cars command strong money.
Bentley floor mats and accessories can be a tidy upgrade if you’re preserving the carpets for resale or just like things looking showroom-fresh.
History snapshot: the Continental lineage
The Continental name dates back to the early 1950s—a Bentley built to gobble miles across, well, the continent. The modern Continental GT revived that spirit in 2003 with then-unthinkable performance for a luxury coupe, and each generation has layered in better tech, tighter body control, and finer craftsmanship while keeping the silhouette instantly recognizable. It’s a proper icon now.
Conclusion: Should you buy a Bentley Continental GT?
If you want the most complete luxury GT—one that can crush a 600-mile day and still charm you on a slow Sunday—this is it. The Bentley Continental GT is reliable when maintained properly, lavish without being gauche, and fast enough to make you giggle in fourth. And with well over 100,000 built since 2003, there’s a healthy market to choose from, whether you’re eyeing a carefully specced new Speed or a well-kept early car with stories to tell.
FAQ: Bentley Continental GT
-
Is the Bentley Continental GT reliable long-term?
With consistent, specialist maintenance and regular use, yes. The newest generation is the most robust. Skipping services is where wallets get light. -
How many Bentley Continental GT were made?
Collectively, Bentley has built well over 100,000 Continental GTs since 2003 across coupe and convertible models. -
What’s the 0–60 mph and top speed?
Depending on spec: 0–60 mph in 3.5–3.9 seconds. Top speed up to 208 mph for the GT Speed. -
How much does a Bentley Continental GT cost?
New cars typically start in the mid-$200,000s. Early used models can range from roughly $20,000–$50,000+, condition and history depending. -
Are the Supersports models limited?
They’re built in limited runs rather than being strictly numbered editions—rarer than standard GTs and sought after.
