Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​test: not slim, very fast!<

Although generously endowed with its 635 horsepower W12 6.0, the Continental GT wanted to offer more to its wealthy customers. It is now possible with the Speed ​​and its 659 horses. Just that ? Not exactly. The developers of the prestigious English coupé rolled up the sleeves of their tweed jackets to accomplish the feat of making an anvil weighing more than 2.2 tonnes sporty. When firing, the exhaust line developed with Akrapovič (optional) announces the color by distilling a powerful and castling but relatively muffled chant. A paradox, or rather an understanding, which translates the DNA of the Continental GT Speed, eager for performance and subject to the relative discretion imposed by the dictates of automotive haute couture. In comfort mode, the long coupé evolves with velvet steps on the degraded roads of our Sicilian route. The three-chamber controlled air suspensions admirably compensate for road deformations, despite the 22-inch rims, while maintaining a very good level of precision. Indeed, the front axle curves with rigor when the rear follows obediently thanks to the work of the 4-wheel drive, the new electronic differential adjustment and especially the rear-wheel steering which is appearing on this new version. At ease in town, despite its proportions, it takes advantage of its rear wheels capable of pivoting 6° under 40 km/h to steer within a reduced perimeter.

Heavyweight sportswoman

By activating the Sport mode, the Continental GT Speed ​​is transformed into a fearsome asphalt devourer. Already, the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission halves its gearshift times, compared to the “classic” W12 version. Better still, the anti-roll control system connected to 48v compensates for body movements in no time, without ever disturbing the driver's serenity. The dynamic qualities are such that Bentley thinks it has its most powerful road model ever produced. The monumental optional carbon-ceramic brakes (440mm discs bitten by 10 pistons at the front), the biggest in current world production, contribute to this flawless score. They are distinguished by a very frank attack and above all an irreproachable endurance. This fabulous cocktail encourages the driver to "put the ladle". It will be able to complete the 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6s and cruiser up to 335 km/h. But is it really reasonable on the roads? Of course not...

Uninhibited drifter

Always quick to satisfy the craziest requests, Bentley anticipated our frustration by privatizing a disused former military base for this test, as visually dramatic as it is exciting for the driving experience it offers. In this vast and secure space, it is possible to control the driving aids to discover the uninhibited agility of this Speed. Novices in the art of drifting can even learn to practice by switching the ESP to Sport mode and thus keep a safeguard. In a thick cloud of smoke, the coupé drifts generously from the rear axle and dances to the sound of the W12's growls. When does ESP intervene? “When the electronics understand that the driver no longer has control” replies our instructor pilot calmly. Screwed to the ground, surprisingly incisive, the Speed ​​connects tight turns with aplomb. Coming out of curves, the 900 Nm of torque available from 1,500 rpm (up to 5,000 rpm) generate dantesque accelerations that weld the driver's shoulders to the soft and enveloping seats. Obviously, a car of this size will never have the agility of a ballerina, but this English car excels and stands out as a reference on the luxury GT market.

The good life

The only downside, as often with Bentley, is the price of €270,120 for the coupé, excluding malus and… excluding options. A price that will nevertheless allow customers to taste castle life, transposed into a sports vehicle. In this interior, all the materials are carefully selected: from full-grain leather to thick carpets; shiny chrome with touches of painted carbon. The customer is king at Bentley, so a new Alcantara is available in this Speed, with 15 colors to choose from. Customization does not stop there since it is possible to draw from a multitude of options, sometimes borrowed from the Volkswagen parent company, but also some luxurious touches typical of the Crewe firm such as a massive pivoting insert at the top of the central console displaying chic and sober pressure gauges on one side and a large 12.3-inch digital touch screen on the other. An option billed around €5,000… but we are no longer close to that.

Verdict

Ever more luxurious and now truly sporty, the Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​manages to offer the best of both worlds. Of course, forgoing compromises at a cost that a handful of wealthy (and happy) customers can afford.

WE love

Imperial dynamic behavior

High-flying cockpit

Permissive ESP

We don't like less

Undemonstrative sound

Narrow rear seats (despite the 4.85m long)

Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​Coupe tech.

To buy

Version tested: €270,120

From €270,120

Average manufacturer consumption/during the test (l/100 km): 13.7/21.3

CO ₂ /penalty: €311/30,000

Fiscal power: nc

Country of manufacture: England

Range offered

Petrol from 550 to 659 hp, from €218,280 to €272,120

Conduct

Engine: W12 TSI bi-turbo 6.0 litre, direct injection, 5950 ^cc

Transmission: all-wheel, 8-speed dual-clutch

Maximum power at rpm (hp): 659 at 5,000

Maximum torque at rpm (Nm): 900 to 1,500

Weight (kg): 2,273

Length.xwidth.xhigh. (m): 4.85×2.19×1.40

Wheelbase (m): 2.85

Tank (l): 90

Max speed (km/h): 335

0 to 100 km/h: 3'6

Standard tyres: AV 275/35 ZR22 Y104; AR 315/30 ZR22 107Y

Test tires: Pirelli P-Zero

Live

Chest 2 (l): 358