Bentley Continental GT V8 Coupe 2020 Review

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 Coupe is finally here and, yes, it’s a case of better late than never.

The big and brash Bentley Bentayga SUV may be its top-selling vehicle Down Under, but the British car-maker’s coupe and convertible offerings combined still reign supreme where overall sales are concerned – for now.

And with the current Bentley Mulsanne on its last legs, it’s the four-door Flying Spur limousine and two-door Continental GT sports models that represent the super-luxury brand’s traditional offerings.

First revealed in late 2017 and then launched in Australia in late 2019, the all-new third-generation Bentley Continental GT Coupe arrived here with a 6.0-litre W12 at its helm.

Now, Australia finally takes delivery of the 4.0-litre V8-powered ‘entry-level’ version. It may be two litres and four cylinders short of its W12 sibling, but you’re unlikely to hear anyone complaining.

What’s that old saying… if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it?

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 is priced from $400,900 plus on-road costs), making it only around $21,000 ‘cheaper’ than the W12 ($422,000 plus ORCs).

Commanding a price premium of at least $40,000, the soft-top Bentley Continental GT V8 convertible comes in at $441,300 plus ORCs, and the W12 version costs $473,900 plus ORCs, so the top-shelf Conti GT will set you back well over half a million dollars once on the road.

The Bentley Continental GT V8 is powered by a Porsche and Audi-derived 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that produces 404kW of power at 6000rpm and 770Nm of torque over 2000-4500rpm, paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Four drive modes (Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom) accommodate changes in dynamics to suit individual driver preferences, while the active all-wheel-drive system adjusts torque distribution.

Double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension is supported by three-chamber air springs and continuous damping control, while electric power assisted steering helps you to turn the glamorous 4850mm-long GT.

Despite its weighty (2165kg) mass, the Bentley Continental GT V8 is claimed to sprint to 100km/h in just four seconds – only 0.3sec shy of its 6.0-litre W12 sibling.

Indle-stop technology is standard and the engine can deactivate four of its eight cylinders for greater fuel efficiency and extra environmental awareness points.

On the topic of the environment, Bentley says its wood veneers are sustainably sourced and recently announced that its updated Crewe production plant in the UK is now fully carbon-neutral.

There are seven standard paint colour choices, five interior hide colour to select from (plus 10 more at extra cost) and one standard veneer spec – apart from an exhaustive options range.

And don’t forget the contrast stitching – of which there are 310,673 stitches in the diamond-in-diamond quilted leather interior. Before you ask, that’s 2.8km of thread. Bespoke is king.

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 is immensely rewarding to drive and its thumping V8 speaks to the Aussie masses while its over-the-top opulence speaks to the rest.

Your dreams will come true if you ever have the (extra) cash to make one grace your garage and heads will turn everywhere you travel – we promise.

In standard specification (as demanded by nobody, ever) you get a 650-Watt, 10-speaker sound system that will do most. A 1500W 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen unit ($13,306) sits mid-pack and the Naim for Bentley premium sound system ($17,295) is the ultimate in audio one-upmanship.

The pressing question is, however, does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Yes. And no.

Our test vehicle was not fitted with the optional Bentley rotating display ($12,505), which is powered by 40 precision-moving parts, but controls with diamond knurling ($3911) will titillate your senses with every touch.

The Bentley Continental GT can even accommodate rear passengers if the need arises. A pair of large and comfortable second-row seats continue the luxury vibe.

Thankfully, the interior delights and distractions are many, so it’ll take a while for you to realise that rear leg and foot room is very compromised.

Among the reasons you may not choose the Bentley Continental GT V8 (apart from the obvious financial one) is the fact that some of the most basic yet critical safety technologies are extra-cost options.

For example, autonomous emergency braking (City assist in Bentley-speak) is standard in a sub-$20K Kia but only presents here as part of the City Specification, which also includes a top-view camera, reverse traffic warning, auto-dimming mirrors and hands-free boot opening.

Touring Specification, meantime, adds a head-up display, night vision and adaptive cruise control.

But options packs were included in our Onyx black press car, which was lined with Beluga hide and piano-black veneer, and rode on 21-inch black bright-machined alloy wheels.

It also came with Front Seat Comfort Specification (moving head restraints finished in fine chrome bezel, extending cushions, adjustable side bolsters, ventilation and massage function), and Mood Lighting Specification (ambient lighting and light intensity adjustment, seven different colours and matching illuminated tread plates).

Other key options included the Continental Blackline Specification, contrast stitching and seat piping, contrast binding for the deep-pile front carpet mats, embroidered Bentley emblems, wireless smartphone charging, battery charger, red-painted brake callipers and a heated three-spoke hide-trimmed steering wheel.

And at 358 litres, the boot is around the same size as a Nissan JUKE’s, so no bragging rights there.

Let’s be honest. The Bentley Continental GT V8 appeals to people who have a lot of money and enjoy being up close and personal with the kind of craftsmanship that only half a million dollars can buy.

And the more time you spend in a Bentley, the more you’ll appreciate the price tag.

Start up the V8 engine and you wonder why anyone would bother with the W12 – could it really be that much better? No. In fact, we reckon the V8 is the pick of the two.

It delivers effortless performance and staggering pace thanks to a rapid punch of torque early in the revs – and it sounds incredible, too.

It’s less nose-heavy than the W12, making it better for dipping into corners, as you will want to do in a super-luxury GT whose dynamism defies its proportions.

As far as V8-powered rivals go, there are few for the Bentley Continental GT V8. BMW’s 8 Series offerings are simply under-par by comparison, so perhaps the Aston Martin DB11 V8 Coupe, Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe or Porsche’s mechanically similar Panamera – in either cheaper GTS form or pricier Turbo guise.

However, in choosing the Continental GT V8, above all else you’re buying the Bentley brand, not what lies beneath.

Where super-luxury grand tourers are concerned, the Bentley Continental GT V8 strikes a rare balance between luxurious lounge-like comfort and spirited driving dynamics.

And if you’re prepared to pay for the privilege, it does so in a thoroughly modern package that commands road presence like few other GTs.

How much does the 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 cost?
Price: $400,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8
Output: 404kW/770Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 11.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 268g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested