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There’s a Bentley for everyone! Well, there is if you have a million dollars lying around taste for all things British luxury automobiles as the brand has just followed up the release of the Continental GT Speed with its core and Azure range of Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible (GTC) and Flying Spur models.
Each is powered by the 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain boasting an output of 500 kW (680 PS) and 930 Nm, which at least makes it easy to remember what’s under the bonnet. This engine helps propel the new Continental GT from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, while the GTC manages the same in 3.9 seconds.
Blink and you would’ve missed the release of the new 782 PS Ultra Performance Hybrid Continental GT Speed last year, but it’s now time for the new core Continental GT and high-end Azure models to help lift the slowing sales of the vehicles in Australia. They’ll do so with the new High Performance Hybrid which outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque and performance parameters – whilst also being capable of up to 85 km in pure electric mode. Not bad, eh! Let’s take a closer look at the Azure models.
While the engine is surely impressive, the Bentley Active Chassis technology underneath the skin of the new Continental GT and GTC stands out with Dynamic Ride, Rear Wheel Steering and eLSD with a choice of Comfort, Bentley and Sport modes.
Of course, if you’re itching for more pace, there are always “Speed” models to choose from. However, we’ve always been partial to a comfort-orientated Bentley, and having driven most of the brand’s “Azure” models in the past the new model is shaping up to achieve the same ultra-luxury feats and more by differentiating itself from the core and Speed range in new ways.
Firstly, there’s visual differentiation in the exterior’s new gloss black matrix grille with its bright chrome surround and vertical vanes. Then there’s the gloss black front splitter which provides a contrast to bright grilles on the front bumper and lower intakes. Finally, new silver and bright machined 22-inch Azure wheels, and Azure badging on the front fender to complete the exterior changes with this new model.
Step inside and the ultra-luxury theme continues with seats and door inners featuring new 3D Harmony diamond quilting with the Azure embroidered on the seat headrests.
You also get various comfort features as standard with wellness seating, open pore crown cut walnut veneer trim, Azure interior treadplates with illumination and contrast stitching on the leather upholstery. Touring, Comfort and Lighting Specification packages are also standard, while the Azure includes a panoramic sunroof, and the GTC model is equipped with a neck warmer so you can drive it to the grocery store on a quiet Sunday morning in winter.
These Azure additions have also been brought to the new Flying Spur model, which includes both the two front seats and the two outer rear seats which feature Bentley’s Wellness seating, including heating and ventilation, and a massage function with six programmable settings.
Nine models now make up the Bentley line-up, and while pricing for the new GT, GTC, Flying Spur, and their respective Azure variants haven’t been confirmed for our market nor has the availability, the top-of-the-range Bentley Continental GT Speed is priced from AUD$581,900, before on-road costs. Expect to pay between $800,000 once any of these vehicles are optioned and sitting in your driveway after tax. You can’t, however, put a price on luxury!
