The latest third-generation Bentley Continental GT is a V8, the most agile Grand Tourer to date with unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology.

In 2018 Bentley launched its third-generation Continental GT, however, the only option was a Grand Tourer with a big W12 engine. More recently, Bentley has provided customers with the option of owning a twin-turbocharged V8 powered variant.

So how does it compare to the W12 powered model you may wonder? Having previously spent two days with the W12, we were given the opportunity by Bentley Brisbane to take the V8 model out for the day to compare notes…

The Visual Difference

Aside from the quad tipped exhaust pipes and a small “V8” badge on the side fender, the Bentley Continental GT V8 looks no different to its more powerful and older W12 sibling. This is because both cars share almost everything from the same chassis down to Bentley’s uniquely forged body.

Continental GT Price

There are however important differences, with the foremost one being price. In Australia, the 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 is priced from $400,900 (plus on-road costs), making it around $21,000 less than the W12 ($422,000 plus on-road costs).

Commanding a price premium of at least $40,000, the convertible Bentley Continental GT V8 comes in at $441,300 plus ORCs, and the W12 convertible costs $473,900 plus ORCs, so all in all the top-shelf Continental GT will set you back well over half a million AUD once on the road.

Power and Performance

The second difference between the V8 and W12 cars is the most obvious one, the two choices of powerplants – creating a variance in the respective power output, torque, max speed, acceleration, exhaust note, curb weight, and driving range between the two cars.

Powered by the new generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine, the Continental GT V8’s engine produces 542bhp and 770nm of torque compared to 626hp and 900nm of torque of the 6.0-litre W12 engine.

The GT V8 reaches 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 198mph (318km/h), just 0.3 of a second slower than the W12, which has a top speed of 207mph (333km/h) and a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds.

Bentley has tucked the V8’s twin-scroll turbochargers inside the “V” of the engine saving space, and the V8 engine provides a 50kg weight reduction from the W12 car’s 2215kg. This weight reduction is felt most at the front end of the GT V8, translating to a slightly more agile driving experience when pointing it in and out of corners.

The V8 example we were driving came with the “Bentley Dynamic Ride” option, an innovative 48V Electronic Active Roll Control system that continuously monitors the road conditions and adjusts the anti-roll bars to reduce body movement, optimizing both handling and ride comfort in any situation. While a standard feature on the W12 version, owners will have to add this as an extra option to the V8 model.

Further engine efficiencies are also gained thanks to the variable displacement technology that allows the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions without compromising the drive. Not only more environmentally friendly, it’s sure to save a little on the pocket in fuel costs.

The weight reduction and cylinder deactivation technology ultimately translates to the GT V8 having a longer driving range of 763 km, versus the 662 km of the W12.

Exhaust Sound

Switching the driving mode to “Sport” will give the third-gen GT its loudest exhaust sound with the V8 certainly having a more present and dynamic note than the W12. I would have to say both cars are still quite modest in bringing much of it into the cabin especially with the windows up, but I do feel Bentley has it sitting just where it needs to be for a customer who is buying a car for its exceptional luxury, smooth ride and comfort levels. Besides, there is always an array of exhaust modifications available in the market for those who want something louder.

More About The Continental GT V8

Another identifying feature of the GT V8 is an exclusive 20″ ten-spoke alloy wheel design, available only with this model. However, owners also can choose from nine other designs, measuring up to 22″ (the model we drove had the upgraded 21″ tri-spoke rims).

The Continental GT V8 is available in seven standard paint colors, although Bentley has recently announced new colors bringing the range up to 62 different colors to choose from including options like “Candy Red and Royal Ebony By Mulliner” and Candy Red. The model we were reviewing was finished in the non-standard metallic “ice” color, a cool white that glistened in the sunlight slightly without being blindingly bright. Of course, with Bentley’s Mulliner customization program, any color imaginable is a possibility.

This particular model also had the Blackline Specification. This option replaces all of the exterior body chrome details with black painted trim, including the door handles, radiator matrix grille, and exhaust pipes (excluding the Bentley Wing badges and lettering though), which contrasted nicely against the metallic white paint.

Continental GT Options To Consider

Bentley also provides a range of specifications to complement any Continental GT purchase, and when you cast your eye over them, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to add them all. Here are just a few:

Touring Specification: This adds a head-up display, night vision, and adaptive cruise control.

City Specification: This includes autonomous emergency braking, a top-view camera, reverse traffic warning, auto-dimming mirrors, and hands-free boot opening.

Front Seat Comfort Specification: Moving head restraints finished in fine chrome bezel, extending cushions, adjustable side bolsters, ventilation and massage functions.

Mood Lighting Specification: Adds ambient lighting and light intensity adjustment, seven different colors, and matching illuminated treadplates.

Blackline Specification: Replaces all of the exterior body chrome details with a gloss black painted trim including the door handles, radiator matrix grille and exhaust pipes, headlight surrounds, wing vents, but excludes the front and back Bentley badges and lettering which remain in chrome.

So Which Continental GT: V8 or W12 ?

To help those finding the decision between a V8 or W12 a slightly difficult one to answer, here is a simplistic final summary of my thoughts, although with one caveat, I’m excluding the convertibles in the consideration:

In my opinion, someone may possibly buy the Bentley Continental GT V8 if they appreciate the specific tones of a V8 engine, or simply like the look of quad exhaust tips vs. the twin singles of the W12. They may also be price-conscious; however, they would have to take into consideration that the price reduction also comes from the elimination of standard W12 features like the 48V Electronic Active Roll Control system and adding these to bring the handling in par with the W12 will start to defeat the savings. The V8 variant also obtains slightly better fuel efficiency and a longer driving range, creating the possibility of slightly more nimble cornering on hills provided the customer has upgraded the V8 model with the Active Roll Control.

On the other hand, someone may consider the W12 if cost were not so much of a concern. This person may only use the GT mostly in an urban environment or long straight flat country roads where nimble cornering is less important. The slightly higher fuel usage and shorter driving range would be offset though, by the extra power, acceleration and torque offered, with some of the non-standard features of the V8 model included as standard on the W12.