When the Continental GT debuted 20 years ago, the two-door grand tourer was considered the “affordable” Bentley. The sports coupe and, later, its convertible version, the Continental GTC, still commanded a six-figure price tag; the reputation for affordability came from the fact that the new GT would be mass-produced, unlike other Bentley vehicles. For example, the other coupe in the lineup at the time was the coach-built Continental R, whose MSRP was twice that of the Continental GT.

What’s New for the 2023 Bentley Continental GT

Now in its third generation, the Bentley Continental GT continues to bewitch discerning buyers looking for ultra-luxury comfort without sacrificing style or performance. Last redesigned for 2019, the GT receives only a couple of year-over-year changes for the 2023 model. Wireless smartphone charging is now standard, and a new blacked-out S trim joins the lineup. This brings the total number of 2023 Continental GT trims to five: base, Azure, S, Speed, and Mulliner.

Design

Through the years, the Continental GT has changed very little in the design department because it’s had no reason to. Its long sweeping hood flows effortlessly into a raked roofline before falling into muscular rear fenders. Sleek and streamlined, the CGT looks elegant and quick—even when not in motion. The base model showcases a gloss black matrix grille, quad tailpipes, and 21-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Moving up the line will fetch you more exterior color options (up to 80 paints), carbon fiber or chrome accents, larger wheels, summer performance tires, painted brake calipers, welcome lighting, and more.

The Continental GT's interior design features signature Bentley stitching, embroidery, and hand-polished chrome. In the midst of the excess, however, Bentley notes that its veneers are sustainably sourced. But, they also take nine hours to produce and manually fit the inlays—and that’s just for the base model. The GT Speed, for example, is outfitted with trim-specific badging and color combinations, while the GT Mulliner features quilted leather, specific graphics, accent colors, illumination, and other exclusivities.

Powertrain

The 2023 Continental GT features a rear-biased all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and is offered with two powertrains. A 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is the lone engine option for base, S, and Azure models. The powerful V8 has an output of 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. With a maximum speed of 198 mph, the Continental GT V8 has a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.9 seconds. But leave it to the GT Speed to boast the mightier 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12. With Bentley’s legendary 12-cylinder producing 650 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, the Continental GT W12 reaches 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 208 mph. The GT Mulliner is the only model that can be optioned with either engine.

An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, as are four drive modes. Ranging from Comfort to Sport, these customizable modes adjust engine, suspension, and transmission responsiveness to match road conditions or driver preference. For some trims, even the exhaust note can be changed for a more performance-oriented experience.

Interior

As with any Bentley, the Continental GT interior is lavished with a high level of comfort, convenience, and customization. The natural leather-wrapped seats are soft yet supportive thanks to 22 ways of adjustment. A heated steering wheel, heated front seats, suede headliner, and ambient lighting are also standard. Interior amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, customizable lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated armrests don’t make an appearance until the Continental GT Azure and above.

Technology

Standard on all 2023 Continental GT models is a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system includes navigation, wireless smartphone charging, USB-C ports (front and rear), a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Android Auto becomes available in later model years. Audio comes in the form of a standard 10-speaker system with two upgrade choices: a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system or a 20-speaker “concert-hall” experience by Naim.

Safety

The Continental GT is outfitted with several advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, a rear passenger safe-exit system, front and rear parking sensors, a parking assist system, and a 360-degree view camera. Other ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, night vision, and a head-up display are available on higher trim levels or as an add-on package.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Continental GT coupe starts at $238,325, which includes a $2,725 destination charge. Next up is the new GT S trim, which is priced at $268,725. Stretching out to the end of the lineup is the W12-equipped Mulliner model. Its starting price is $344,625.