Which Bentley Continental GT Convertible Version Should You Buy?
The Bentley Continental GT Cabrio catalogue spans six listed generation entries from 2003 onward, but the strongest buying choice depends on priorities. The 4 generation 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT offers the highest output at 782 hp and 1,000 Nm and the quickest 0–100 km/h time at 3.2 seconds.
The Bentley Continental GT Cabrio catalogue spans six listed generation entries from 2003 onward, but the strongest buying choice depends on priorities. The 4 generation 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT offers the highest output at 782 hp and 1,000 Nm and the quickest 0–100 km/h time at 3.2 seconds. Buyers wanting a conventional Gasoline engine can choose between 4.0 and 6.0 versions: the 4.0 models generally reduce weight and fuel consumption, while the 6.0 models provide more torque and, in several cases, higher top speed. Every listed version uses AWD, Turbo charging and ventilated disc brakes at both axles. Price and sale data are not supplied, so value can only be assessed through specifications rather than purchase cost.
Bentley Continental GT generations compared
The 1 generation Cabrio covers 2003–2011 and contains eight versions, all named 6.0 AT. Outputs range from 552 to 640 hp, torque from 650 to 800 Nm, and every version uses a 5,998 cc W-shaped Gasoline engine with a 6-speed Automatic gearbox and AWD. Depending on specification, 0–100 km/h takes 3.9–5.1 seconds. These cars are the choice for buyers specifically seeking the earliest Cabrio and its uniform 6.0 AT mechanical format.
The 2 generation Cabrio covers 2011–2015 and contains twelve versions. It broadens the choice to 4.0 AT and 6.0 AT, with 507–635 hp and 650–800 Nm. Most versions use an 8-speed Automatic gearbox, although one 560 hp 6.0 AT retains a 6-speed Automatic. The 2015–2017 restyling belongs within 2 generation and adds ten listed versions. Its range reaches 710 hp and 1,017 Nm, while the quickest restyled 6.0 AT reaches 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The 3 generation Cabrio covers 2017–2023 and has six versions, followed by a 2023-onward restyling with another six. It changes the transmission choice to an 8-speed Robotic gearbox while retaining AWD. The 4.0 DSG versions produce 550 hp and 770 Nm; the 6.0 DSG versions deliver either 635 or 659 hp and 900 Nm. Recorded 0–100 km/h times range from 3.6 to 4.1 seconds, depending on version and catalogue entry.
The 4 generation Cabrio starts in 2024 and contains four versions, all named 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT. Outputs are 680 or 782 hp, while torque ranges from 770 to 1,000 Nm. All use a 3,996 cc V-shaped, 8-cylinder Plug-in powertrain, an 8-speed Automatic gearbox and AWD. This generation records 0–100 km/h times of 3.2–3.9 seconds and replaces the earlier independent pneumatic suspension with independent spring suspension at both ends.
Bentley Continental GT engine specs and version comparison
Repeated names are distinguished below by output and, where necessary, performance or generation.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 552 hp | 552 hp | 650 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 560 hp | 650 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 610 hp, 4.8 s | 610 hp | 750 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 610 hp, 4.5 s | 610 hp | 750 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 630 hp, 4.1 s | 630 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 630 hp, 3.9 s | 630 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1 generation 6.0 AT, 640 hp | 640 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 4.0 AT, 507 hp | 507 hp | 660 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 4.0 AT, 528 hp | 528 hp | 680 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 4.0 AT, 580 hp | 580 hp | 700 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 560 hp | 650 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 6.0 AT, 575 hp | 575 hp | 700 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 6.0 AT, 625 hp | 625 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation 6.0 AT, 635 hp | 635 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation restyling 4.0 AT, 507 hp | 507 hp | 660 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation restyling 4.0 AT, 528 hp | 528 hp | 680 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation restyling 6.0 AT, 590 hp | 590 hp | 720 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation restyling 6.0 AT, 635 hp | 635 hp | 820 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2 generation restyling 6.0 AT, 710 hp | 710 hp | 1,017 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 3 generation 4.0 DSG, 550 hp | 550 hp | 770 Nm | 3,996 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 3 generation 6.0 DSG, 635 hp | 635 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 3 generation 6.0 DSG, 659 hp | 659 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 3 generation restyling 4.0 DSG, 550 hp | 550 hp | 770 Nm | 3,996 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 3 generation restyling 6.0 DSG, 635 hp | 635 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 3 generation restyling 6.0 DSG, 659 hp | 659 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| 4 generation 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT, 680 hp | 680 hp | 930 or 770 Nm | 3,996 cc | Plug-in | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 4 generation 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT, 782 hp | 782 hp | 1,000 Nm | 3,996 cc | Plug-in | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
The 782 hp 4 generation version produces about 195.7 hp per litre, compared with about 118.4 hp per litre for the 710 hp 6.0 AT and about 110.8 hp per litre for the 659 hp 6.0 DSG. Among conventional Gasoline 4.0 choices, the 580 hp 4.0 AT reaches about 145.3 hp per litre, while the 550 hp 4.0 DSG reaches about 137.6 hp per litre.
Performance, fuel economy and speed
For maximum recorded acceleration, choose the 782 hp 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT that reaches 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a 335 km/h top speed. The other 782 hp catalogue entry records 3.4 seconds and 285 km/h. The 680 hp entries record either 3.7 seconds and 270 km/h or 3.9 seconds and 270 km/h.
Among Gasoline cars, the restyled 2 generation 710 hp 6.0 AT is quickest at 3.5 seconds and reaches 336 km/h. Its Cabrio counterpart records 3.9 seconds and 330 km/h. The restyled 3 generation 659 hp 6.0 DSG reaches 100 km/h in 3.6 or 3.7 seconds and tops out at 335 km/h. The 635 hp 6.0 DSG records 3.7 or 3.8 seconds and 333 km/h. The 550 hp 4.0 DSG requires 4.0 or 4.1 seconds and reaches 318 km/h.
Fuel consumption favors particular 4.0 AT entries. The lowest supplied combined figure is 10.5 l/100 km for the 507 and 528 hp restyled 2 generation 4.0 AT, with 15.4 l/100 km urban and 7.7 l/100 km highway figures. A 528 hp pre-restyling 4.0 AT instead records 10.6 l/100 km combined. The 3 generation 550 hp 4.0 DSG records 11.8 or 12.1 l/100 km combined, while 659 hp 6.0 DSG entries record 12.2 l/100 km.
The 710 hp restyled 6.0 AT consumes 15.7 or 15.9 l/100 km combined, depending on the catalogue entry. Early 1 generation 6.0 AT figures reach 17 l/100 km combined, 26.2 l/100 km urban and 11.7 l/100 km highway. For the 4 generation versions, urban and highway consumption are not measured. Combined consumption is 10.3 l/100 km for one 782 hp entry, 10.6 l/100 km for the other 782 hp entry, and not measured for both 680 hp entries.
Bentley Continental GT dimensions, weight and wheels
No exterior length, width or height is supplied, so those dimensions are not measured in this catalogue. The available comparison concerns weight, clearance, tank capacity and wheels.
The lightest supplied kerb weight is 2,165 kg for a 550 hp 4.0 DSG, equal to about 3.94 kg per horsepower. A 659 hp 6.0 DSG weighs 2,273 kg and improves that ratio to about 3.45 kg per horsepower. The restyled 2 generation 710 hp 6.0 AT weighs 2,280 kg in its lighter entry, or about 3.21 kg per horsepower. The 4 generation 782 hp version with a supplied weight is 2,561 kg, or about 3.27 kg per horsepower. Its gross weight is 3,090 kg.
Ground clearance is 120 mm across the supplied 1 generation entries. In 2 generation it ranges from 110 to 120 mm, while the restyled 2 generation records 140 mm. The supplied 3 generation and restyled 3 generation figures are 120 mm. Clearance for every 4 generation version is not measured.
Tank capacity is 90 litres through the 1, 2 and 3 generation listings, then 80 litres for 4 generation. Listed wheel sizes progress from 275/40 R19 and 275/35 R20 on early versions to combinations including 265/40 R21, 305/35 R21, 275/35 R22 and 315/30 R22. Where an individual version has no wheel-size entry, wheel size is not measured.
Which Bentley Continental GT version to choose
Choose the 782 hp 4.0 V8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD DCT for outright acceleration and output. Relative to the 710 hp restyled 6.0 AT, it adds 72 hp, reduces the best recorded 0–100 km/h time by 0.3 seconds and produces 17 Nm less torque, while using a 2,002 cc smaller engine. It is also the most power-dense option in the supplied data.
Choose the 710 hp 6.0 AT if a conventional Gasoline W-shaped, 12-cylinder engine matters more than the newer Plug-in configuration. It supplies the highest Gasoline output and torque in the catalogue, and its 336 km/h maximum is 1 km/h above the highest recorded 4 generation top speed. Its trade-off is combined consumption of 15.7 or 15.9 l/100 km.
Choose the 659 hp 6.0 DSG for the strongest 3 generation balance. Against the 550 hp 4.0 DSG, it adds 109 hp and 130 Nm, cuts the best 0–100 km/h time from 4.0 to 3.6 seconds, and raises top speed from 318 to 335 km/h. The lighter comparable entries differ by only 108 kg: 2,273 kg for the 659 hp car versus 2,165 kg for the 550 hp car.
Choose the 550 hp 4.0 DSG if lower weight and lower recorded consumption are more useful than the 6.0 DSG’s additional performance. Its lightest entry weighs 2,165 kg and consumes 11.8 l/100 km combined, compared with 2,273 kg and 12.2 l/100 km for the 659 hp alternative.
Choose a 507 or 528 hp 4.0 AT from the restyled 2 generation when fuel use is the deciding supplied metric. Both can return 10.5 l/100 km combined, while the 528 hp version reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds sooner than the equivalent-body 507 hp entry. Price, reliability, repair costs, engine-oil requirements and cars for sale are not measured, so none should be inferred from these specifications.