Throw a rock anywhere on Rodeo Drive or Beverly Hills, and you're bound to nick the very expensive paint of a 2012 Bentley Continental. It's been the British automaker's most popular car around the world since it was introduced in 2003, combining sumptuous luxury and effortless performance.
The well-heeled can indulge in a number of 2012 Bentley Continental two-doors, from the base GT coupe and GTC convertible to the Speed and Supersports variants, which add as much as 621 horsepower and 200-mph top speeds. The "base" engine (if it can be called that) is a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 capable of 552 horsepower. Supersports models add large carbon ceramic brakes, and a tweaked suspension, and all models can be individually customized through Bentley's in-house bespoke program.
No matter which model you choose, the Bentley Continental walks the line between posh daily driver and garage-kept weekender, even when it's a 600-horsepower leather-trimmed missile. It is this appeal, perhaps, that has made the Bentley Continental range so popular.
The Range
Body styles: Coupe, convertible
Engine: 6.0-liter W-12
Transmissions: six-speed automatic
Models: GT, GTC, GT Speed, GTC Speed, Supersports
What's New
A revised front end gives the 2012 Bentley Continental a smaller set of headlights on the corners, bringing its design more in line with the new Mulsanne. In a bid towards less conspicuous consumption, all models are now E85 FlexFuel compatible, and the Supersports even produces more power on biofuels.
Exterior
The 2012 Bentley Continental gets beefier: chiseled lines and a more upright grille round out the front, while in back it gets new taillights with LEDs. Despite a more upright grille and a wider track, Bentley claims the new Continental is more aerodynamic than ever before. Smaller headlights on the corners mimic that of the Mulsanne, but manage to be rendered better here. Overall, the round shape and side silhouette will be immediately familiar.
Interior
The usual array of sumptuous leather and hand-polished wood inside the 2012 Bentley Continental gets a redesign, with two deeply-lidded panels that reflect Bentley's wing logo. Seven wood veneers are available, with UV stabilization during the hand-crafting process. The seats feature 10-way massaging and are also heated and ventilated.
Performance & Handling
The 2012 Bentley Continental range packs a 6.0-liter W12 engine sourced from parent company Volkswagen, with two turbochargers for that extra bit of motivation. All-wheel drive is standard across the range, and the Continental puts it to good use: the Supersports reaches 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds.
Safety
Huge brakes ensure strong stopping power. A radar-based adaptive cruise control is available, as well as stability control, a rear view camera, and multiple airbags for every passenger.
EPA Fuel Economy
GT, GTC, GT Speed, GTC Speed: 11 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Supersports: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Powerful 12-cylinder engine
- Lavish, bespoke interior
- Grand touring comfort
You Won't Like
- Diminished exclusivity
- Low-mounted navigation screen
- Tips the scales
Sum Up
A true grand tourer, inside and out
If You Like This Vehicle
- Aston Martin DB9
- Maserati GranTurismo S
- Mercedes-Benz CL600 Coupe