Bentley Continental GT History

Launched in 2003 as Bentley's first all-new car under Volkswagen ownership, the Continental GT transformed the marque from a tiny coachbuilt-saloon maker into a volume luxury brand. Built on a VW Group platform shared with the Phaeton, it introduced Bentley's 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 — an engine that would power the brand for two decades — with all-wheel drive and a sub-five-second 0–60 mph time at a comparatively attainable price.

It became Bentley's best-selling model and spawned a family: the Continental GTC convertible, the four-door Flying Spur, and a range of Speed and Supersports performance versions. A second generation arrived in 2011 (adding a 4.0-litre V8) and a third in 2018.

The Continental GT also carried the swansong of the W12: Bentley hand-built its final W12 in July 2024, after more than 100,000 had been made since 2003, as the marque shifted toward hybrid and electric powertrains under its 'Beyond100' plan.