2010 Bentley Continental GTC Review
Price
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Installment
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2010 Bentley Continental GTC at a glance
We reckon the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is one of the best convertibles available, if not the best. Combining power, comfort and poise, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is built for long distances, and yet holds its own on twisty roads.
2010 Bentley Continental GTC quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2010 Bentley Continental GTC ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The styling is one aspect this sound Bentley Continental GTC package can improve upon. Its road presence is undeniable, but more exterior detailing will be nice. It does not look special enough, though relative to its coupe sibling, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC can always drop its top to make things better. The interior dashboard design is a fusion of old-school Bentley feel and modern amenities. The classy and stylish cabin is where the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC (and the rest of the Continental range) scores points: plenty of leather-cum-wood make for an attractive trim.
Handling
The 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is not a sports car and not built to be one. The extra weight gained from chassis strengthening does not blunt the handling significantly. The overall drive is a nicely balanced package between comfort and control. An excellent adjustable air suspension system, plus superb traction from the four-wheel-drive system, mask the bulk of the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC reasonably well. Get the measure of the car and you will find yourself driving it harder than you thought possible.
Comfort
Prepare to be pampered once inside. From the comfortable seats, beautiful dashboard, to even the carpets, everything feels special. The ergonomics can be better, however. The 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is made for long-distance cruising, with a ride that is even more composed due to its extra weight over the Continental GT. With the fabric hood up, there is some wind and tyre noise, though we would just drop the top and enjoy the car for what it is.
Quality + Reliability
With Bentley under Volkswagen, the previous English problem of poor quality and assembly is replaced by impressive German quality standards. Look at Audi's quality interiors, and the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC's cabin comes as no surprise. The leather and wood used are of the highest standard, and the fit-and-finish impeccable. This could well be the best cabin, in terms of quality and perhaps design, in the luxury segment. Volkswagen- and Audi-sourced components should prove reliable.
Performance
The same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 used across the Continental range is under the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC's bonnet. This means glorious, off-the-scale performance. With 552 bhp on tap, acceleration and top speed are unsurprisingly supercar-like. What's more, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC's heft hinders little during the effortless acceleration and overtaking. Regardless of speed or gear, there always seems to be more power and torque waiting to be unleashed. The six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive.
Roominess
Like the Continental GT, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC was designed with the front driver and passenger in mind. That means rear seats are sparse on legroom, and both are only suitable for kids, real small adults or luggage. The boot capacity is made smaller due to the roof stowage area, but overall the boot is still of a decent size by convertible standards.
Running Costs
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12's power is matched by its ability to guzzle petrol. So be prepared for frequent petrol pump stops. Servicing and repairs will similarly be costly, and the insurance premium will cost a limb. It all sums up for massive running costs bills, but if you can afford this car to start off with, are these even real issues?
Value for Money
Talk about value of these supercars. No doubt, the price to buy the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC, especially in Malaysia, is sky-high. Seriously, how many of us here can afford this car? For the lucky few who can, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is unparalleled as a long-distance cruiser, and we dare say it is the best grand tourer convertible out there. Moreover, the practicality on offer means that it can be driven day in day out; supercar rivals are not nearly as practical.
Equipment
Bentley fitted the Continental GTC with all the kit expected of a luxury convertible. For protection during accidents, twin front and side airbags, pop-up rollover protection and active front head restraints to reduce whiplash are standard. Modern electronic safety systems plus four-wheel-drive traction help prevent accidents. Paddle-shifters for the automatic gearbox, satellite navigation, stereo system, cruise control and climate control are standard. In addition, buyers can customise much more luxury items.
Environment
Greenpeace activists are likely to vandalise your car if you own the Bentley Continental GTC. Carbon dioxide emissions are excessive, made worse by the high fuel consumption. At least, the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC is only as polluting as other supercars. 20 cows would have lost their lives to clad the cabin with the most sumptuous leather.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Superb engine performance
Beautiful leather-clad cabin
Accomplished long-distance cruiser
Styling could be nicer
Expensive to buy and run
Road and wind noise prevalent with hood up
