2020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Review:

 

Luxury You Can Live With

 

The Continental GT is known for being the reason why Bentley was able to make a comeback in the early 2000s, by cleverly offering a lower entry price than was expected for the brand. Now, in the wake of the Bentayga, the Continental GT is the brand's second-best seller, with the drop-top version earning high praise for its liveable, yet luxurious nature. The GT Convertible comes with a hard-to-swallow, pricey options list and a hefty MSRP, but it compares favorably against even big names like the Rolls-Royce Dawn and Aston Martin DB11 for driving pleasure. Has Bentley truly mastered the art of merging old-school charisma with modern technology in the Continental GT Convertible, or is it better to save yourself the cash and opt for a Mercedes S-Class Convertible instead? In our opinion, this third-gen luxury grand tourer is intent on not only flying the Bentley flag high, but it's hell-bent on keeping it there.

Read in this review:

•             Exterior Design10/10

•             Performance10/10

•             Fuel Economy8/10

•             Interior & Cargo10/10

•             Infotainment & Features9/10

•             Reliability8/10

•             Safety10/10

•             Value For Money8/10

 

 9.1

What is BuzzScore?

2020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Changes: What’s the difference vs 2019 Continental GT Convertible?

While the Continental GT Convertible was fully new for 2019, 2020 sees the addition of the V8 engine to the suave cabriolet lineup, and, together with the unique anniversary models from the previous year, effectively means there are two new trims, namely the Continental GT V8 Convertible and the V8 First Edition. The V8 brings a twin-turbo 4.0-liter motor to the proverbial tea party, with 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque as another option to the standard W12. The V8 trims have their own unique styling accents, although the overall profile of the GT stays the same.

Pros and Cons

•             Two brilliant powertrain options

•             Sublime drive that's actually fun, too

•             Top-up is as good as top-down

•             Extensive customization options

•             Driver aids must be optioned on - at a hefty price

•             Our pockets aren't deep enough to afford one

2020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Trims

TRIM     ENGINE                TRANSMISSION                DRIVETRAIN       PRICE (MSRP)

GT V8 Convertible

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Gas         8-Speed Automatic         All-Wheel Drive                $222,700

GT Convertible

6.0-liter Twin-Turbo W12 Gas     8-Speed Automatic         All-Wheel Drive                $240,800

GT V8 First Edition Convertible

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Gas         8-Speed Automatic         All-Wheel Drive                $271,555

GT First Edition Convertible

6.0-liter Twin-Turbo W12 Gas     8-Speed Automatic         All-Wheel Drive                $289,655

Continental GT Convertible Exterior

Describing the aesthetic pleasure of the Continental GT Convertible would take up far too much space here, so suffice it to say that the sleek two-door drop-top is both beautiful and bold. The wheelbase was extended for the 2019 redesign, and the long, shapely hood and almost eccentric body lines show off improved aerodynamics and oodles of class. To this end, the 2020 variants have a lower-than-usual coefficient of drag for a convertible, according to Bentley, at 0.29 to be exact. The Z-fold roof can be had in seven different fabrics - including a very English authentic Tweed, which is surprisingly sexy - and features a heated glass window. The fabric roof is reportedly two decibels quieter than that of the previous generation model, and can open or close in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. The V8 trims come standard on 20-inch wheels, while the W12 variants have 21-inch items filling the wheel arches. Quad exhaust pipes feature in the rear on the V8, and twin ovals on the W12, and the rounded headlamps are much more than just functional with an LED Matrix design meant to imitate crystal glassware - how much more like British

Dimensions

The convertible is 190.9 inches long, and, with its increased wheelbase of 112.2 inches between the axles, offers a buttery ride and massive amounts of stability. It stands 55.1 inches tall, and measures 76.9 inches wide without taking the exterior mirrors into account. The use of more aluminum in the third-generation Continental GT Convertible means that it has slimmed down a little, and - although around 375 pounds heavier than its Coupe counterpart - is all of 5,322 lbs in W12 trim. V8 models are a slightly less chunky 5,148 lbs.

•             Length190.9 in

•             Wheelbase112.2 in

•             Height55.1 in

•             Max Width76.9 in

•             Front Width65.8 in

•             Rear Width65.5 in

2020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Exterior Colors

•             Glacier White

•             St James Red

•             Thunder

•             Windsor Blue

•             Anthracite

•             Anthracite Satin by Mulliner

•             Beluga

•             Black Crystal

•             Onyx

•             Royal Ebony by Mulliner

•             Spectre

•             Storm Grey by Mulliner

•             Titan Grey

•             Black Sapphire

•             Blue Crystal

See all 85 colors

Continental GT Convertible Performance

Engine and Transmission

The 2020 range has been expanded to feature two powertrain options; the brilliant twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 still crowns the range with 626 hp and 664 lb-ft on tap, but a 4.0-liter V8 with 542 hp and 568 lb-ft now brings up the rear in the lower end of the range. The W12 remains in a league of its own as it is - according to Bentley - designed and hand-built in the UK, despite the German engineering behind the product. Still, it adds an extra layer to the enigma that is the Continental, but also for its rhapsodic power. Both powertrains are paired to an eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission that results in unruffled power delivery to all four wheels. The gearbox is rapid and responsive, picking the right gear and downshifting without hesitation when the accelerator is floored. All of this works in harmony to create a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds for the W12, while the V8 takes just about four seconds to get there. According to Bentley, the Continental GT Convertible has a top speed of 207 mph in W12 trim, while the smaller engine tops out at 198 mph.

While some may feel that the V8 is a step down from the almighty W12, it has its own merits. The V8 offers rapid acceleration and keen responses to driver input, especially when taking into account the hefty bodyweight. Selecting Sport mode helps the V8 feel closer to its partner engine's capabilities, and loosens up the Bentley's vocal cords, too, sounding arguably a little more assertive than the almost considerate rumble of the bigger motor. So, while the W12 remains the preferred option for the sheer hell of having so much power on hand, you won't be sorry for picking the V8 either.

•            

Engines

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Gas, 6.0-liter Twin-Turbo W12 Gas

•            

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

•            

Drivetrain

AWD

Handling and Driving Impressions

This is the most agile GT ever - at least according to Bentley. Fitted with three-chamber air suspension, the Continental GT Convertible offers a well-damped ride that is almost reverential. A 48-volt dynamic ride system has been implemented to mitigate body roll by means of actuators in the roll bars that work to level the chassis into, and out of, corners. Additionally, there are four modes to choose from - Comfort, Bentley, Sport, and Individual - which changes up the spring stiffness and damping, engine responses, transmission shift ratios, and the weighting of the steering wheel, as well as torque distribution, to give you the most effective ride depending on your whims and wishes.

This generation of Continental GT has some German roots, too, which contribute to that well-balanced ride. The Porsche-derived platform also makes for eager and athletic handling at speed. The front axle has also been moved forward in the design, to make for a more compliant drive. Still, the car is heavy, and it feels heavy from behind the wheel - but that's not necessarily a bad thing, and with such hearty powertrains beneath the hood, actually creates a nice, engaging balance. As a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system mated with a darned good suspension setup, you get lightning-fast take-offs, superb cruising and absolutely effortless overtaking, while when pushing on the general sensation and handling balance errs towards the sensation of a RWD car. The pleasure of driving this car is not limited to feeling the wind in your hair, simply because the sheer delight of driving this beauty is almost all-encompassing.

Continental GT Convertible Gas Mileage

Gas mileage is really a non-issue if you can afford a convertible of this caliber, but we'll tell you about it anyway. The new V8 powertrain earns EPA estimates of 16/26/19 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, although real-world trials have shown the highway figure to be closer to 28 mpg. The W12 engine is understandably thirstier, with the figures estimated at 12/19/15 mpg. With a 24-gallon gas tank, this means that the V8 Convertible should be able to cruise for around 456 miles before running on empty.

•            

Fuel Tank Capacity

24.0 Gallons

* 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible

Continental GT Convertible Interior

Seating and Interior Space

Slipping into a Bentley is so special that it almost seems to happen in movie-like slow motion with a soundtrack in the background, and rightfully so - the interior is as magnificently-styled as we'd expect. Characterized by premium leather and fine wood veneers such as the Crown Cut Walnut trim on the console fascias in the V8 and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus on W12 variants, almost every aspect of what you see in the cabin can be hand-picked and individually customized to suit your dreams and desires - if you have a hefty bank balance, that is. Bentley proudly proclaims that all-natural materials are used in the cabin, including a range of beautiful hides and rare, yet sustainably sourced, wood trim. The seats can be had in one color, or in four split-color designs that feature contrast stitching, unique piping, or hand-stitched quilting.

 

Seating four travelers in a two-seater is a normal stretch, with back seat travelers not also provided food for regarding space. However some way or another we can excuse this, particularly when supported in the lap of extravagance in advance - the twenty-way power-flexible seating is all around reinforced and open to, which means long, wandering drives through the field won't be an issue, particularly with warming, cooling, kneading, and neck-level warming, kindness of the Solace Detail bundle, which is discretionary on lower trims, and standard on the higher-spec models.

 

•

 

Seating limit

 

4-seater

 

Mainland GT Convertible Trunk and Freight Space

 

Just 8.3 cubic feet is accessible in the storage compartment, adequate for one huge, or two medium-sized bags - fortunately this is all you'll truly require while whisking your accomplice away for the end of the week. All things considered, there is a go through accessible in the exceptionally far-fetched occasion you will utilize your radiant GT to pull longer items. Trunk space truly doesn't make a difference when buying a way of life sightseer like this, however it's there should you need it.

 

Little things can be put away in the lodge in the inside comfort receptacle, just as in the slim entryway pockets and cell phone evaluated capacity plate front. There are cupholders in the inside support, just as an optional stockpiling zone with cupholders in the middle of the back seats.

 

Mainland GT Convertible Infotainment and Highlights

 

Highlights

 

At the eye-watering cost of such a rich vehicle, one would anticipate that it should be jam-stuffed with highlights. Furthermore, you'd be correct - and wrong. While there are a huge amount of standard accommodations -, for example, coordinated route, calfskin situates, a warmed guiding wheel, twenty-way power-customizable front roosts, keyless passage and start, and programmed Drove lights - there's likewise a ton more that could, and should, be included by methods for the discretionary bundles. This incorporates such amenities as a warmed armrest, ventilated front seats, just as a neck-hotter for when you have the top-down. The nuts and bolts are secured, in any event, with any semblance of double zone atmosphere control, warmed seats, front and back stopping sensors, and vulnerable side checking. Discretionary driver helps incorporate path help, a head-up show, versatile voyage control, a coordinated traffic sign acknowledgment framework, and night vision.

 

Infotainment

 

All models over the range include a ten-speaker Bentley sound framework and a 12.3-inch high-goal capacitive touchscreen up front. The infotainment offering incorporates computerized or satellite radio, both Macintosh CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, two SD card spaces, and an old fashioned Album player opening. Two overhauls are accessible on the lower end of the range, to either a 16-speaker Blast and Olufsen sound arrangement at $6,700, or a 18-speaker Naim for Bentley framework that will slow down you $8,800 - First Version W12 trims comes standard with the sublime B&O arrangement.

 

Run of the mill English sensibilities mean the infotainment framework is all around considered, yet it offers tangled arrangements of menus that can be a touch of overpowering. A clever extra is the turning show (standard on First Release trims) which can be specced for $6,270, and includes a three-sided pivoting board with the showcase screen on one side, three simple checks for temperature, a compass and a chronograph on the second, and a smooth facade board on the third side. Albeit gimmicky, this positively feels James Bond enough to make the cost beneficial.

 

Mainland GT Convertible Issues and Unwavering quality

 

The Mainland GT Convertible has no reviews given for the 2020 model year, nor are there any issues detailed for the 2019 adaptation. Bentley offers a three-year/boundless mileage essential guarantee, just as inclusion for the drivetrain and erosion for a similar period. With such consideration and accuracy taken in the plan and fabricate, our cash's on Bentley's capacity to keep you content.

 

Guarantee

 

•             Basic:

 

3 YearsUnlimited Miles

 

•             Drivetrain:

 

3 Years500,000 Miles

 

•             Corrosion:

 

3 YearsUnlimited Miles

 

•             Roadside Help:

 

3 YearsUnlimited Miles

 

Mainland GT Convertible Wellbeing

 

As is normal, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have any commitments to make as far as security evaluations, not having flung the lovely convertible at any dividers for crash test purposes. While there are a couple of standard security highlights installed, a significant part of the wellbeing gear accessible to the Bentley comes as discretionary on the lower trims, including any semblance of versatile journey control, programmed crisis slowing down with person on foot identification, and night vision, which just come norm on the slippery First Release trims. At a fourth of a million dollars, we'd expect these to be standard, be that as it may, to be reasonable, in case you're now in the buying procedure, what does an extra $20 - $50k spent on choices matter? Basically get one of the top-end trims.

 

Decision: Is 2020 Bentley Mainland GT Convertible a decent vehicle?

 

The Bentley Mainland GT Convertible is something genuinely uncommon - as a very remarkable piece as the name seems to be, quite a lot more is there to state about its appeal, and without a doubt, its heritage. While we aren't devotees of the exorbitant requirement for including discretionary additional items lower trims, we'd must be especially intense in our criticizing to discover something to gripe about. Both accessible powertrains are sublime, the drive is downright wonderful, and the inside is unnecessary extravagance, most definitely - yet there is a breaking point to how functional this vehicle is as far as space for multiple travelers and their payload. These complains don't generally make a difference when it's all said and done, however, as neither these issues - nor the difficult sticker price - ought to be contemplations for buying a Bentley. W.O. Bentley's goal of making "a quick vehicle, a decent vehicle, the best in its group", is indifferently checked by the Mainland GT Convertible, despite the fact that some brand-devotees may favor the blessed Moves Royce marque above it.

 

What's the Cost of the 2020 Bentley Mainland GT Convertible?

 

In the event that the V8 Mainland GT Convertible could in any capacity be viewed as a base model, it fills in as the passage spec trim exclusively because of its cost. At around $220,000 without choices and a $2,750 goal charge, the V8 is the least expensive model in the range. Climbing to the W12 requests $236,100. For the benefit of driving one of the Main Release models, we expect you should spread out upwards of $275,000 for the V8 variation, and in abundance of $300k for the W12 - albeit official evaluating has not been reported.