For successful executives, entertainers, athletes, and entrepreneurs, $200K might be as simple as a weekend expenditure; it is for that market that the 2020 Bentley Continental GT exists. The Bentley has long been a name that evokes words like elegance, exclusivity, and style. And the 2020 Continental fits right into that camp with both coupe and convertible body styles.
Even if a Bentley isn’t in your budget this year (or for the next decade), it’s still quite satisfying to take a few minutes to open up a browser tab and have some fun designing your own dream car with the brand’s car configurator. First, start with the model you like best. If you have your eye on a brawny sedan, the Mulsanne or the Flying Spur is where you’ll begin. Have a need for a sporty coupe? Check out the Continental GT. Or if you want the combination of roomy seating and elegance, the Bentayga SUV is going to be your groove. Next, pick your interior hide colors, trim, headliner, wheels, and more. Then sit and stare at your creation and wish really hard.
For me, the Continental was an easy pick. In 2019, the Continental was redesigned inside and out with a new body structure and updated materials. As a big sports fan, I could not resist a Cricket Ball Red interior, designed to evoke the deep hue of cork cricket balls. Never seen a cricket game? It’s kind of like baseball, but there are some significant difference. For instance, a cricket ball is harder and slightly heavier. And games can last up to five DAYS in cricket, whereas even baseball games with extra innings will finish within hours.
In any case, the color of a cricket ball is a gorgeous, rich red. In my opinion, it works very well with Imperial Blue in the Bentley I designed. If you like choices, you’ll be thrilled with the sheer number of them on the Bentley Continental GT. We’re talking about seven interior hood colors; Magnolia, Camel, Light Grey, Grey, New Blue, Saddle, Beluga, Red. And a further eight options for the roof headliner. For the wheels, I was totally enamored with the 21″ five tri-spoke alloy option in black.
Beauty is only trim deep, but the Bentley Continental has it all, with two different engine options for the coupe and the convertible:
- GT V8 coupe: $207,825
- GT W-12 coupe : $224,225
- GT V8 convertible: $228,025
- GT W-12 convertible: $246,125
With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 207 mph. In a convertible, you can even open or close the roof while driving at speeds up to 30 mph. While surely built to make the most of sunny days, it’s also ready for cooler conditions. For instance, it’s equipped with active AWD for icy and rainy conditions; both the front seats are equipped with innovative cooling technology to keep you comfortable in the height of summer; and heated armrests, heated steering wheel and front seat neck warmers circulate warm air around your neck and shoulders in the winter. A four-layer insulating roof ensures you’re ensconced in a cozy bubble if you like.
Let’s talk about the size of the Bentley Continental for a sec:
- 5,322 pounds curb weight
- In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz SL maxes out at 3,959 pounds. Even the M-B S-Class sedan is 500 pounds lighter, so this car will hold its weight on the road.
- 8.3 cubic feet trunk space, or about five pieces of carry-on luggage
- Compare to Mercedes-Benz SL, which offers 8.5 cubic feet)
- 190.9 inches long
- The Mercedes-Benz SL is 182 inches long; the S-Class is 206.9 inches long
In terms of safety and driver-assistance features, Bentley doesn’t include as standard adaptive cruise control. Other optional features include a head-up display to inform you of your speed, the speed limit, and directions from the navigation system. Bentley offers two package deals: the city specification (hands free trunk opening, top view camera, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian warning) and the touring specification (active lane assist, active cruise control with traffic assist, Bentley safeguard plus and a night vision camera).
You could even add a Bentley child seat matched to the same interior as the car. In colder weather, you might opt for Bentley winter tires. If you’re planning to store your Bentley for an extended period of time, the battery charger and conditioner helps it start up again when you’re ready.
Go ahead, dream a little. You might be tempted.
Want to see my configuration? Click here.
