Grand Tourers (GTs) represent a unique breed of sports car, seamlessly blending blistering speed with the capacity to comfortably accommodate four passengers along with their luggage. British luxury GTs, however, elevate this concept further, incorporating an unparalleled elegance and craftsmanship, refined through a century of automotive heritage. In other words, these cars are beautiful inside and out.
Bentley, with its Continental GT, stands at the apex of this exclusive group. Though, Maserati’s breathtaking new Gran Turismo, launched this year, and Aston Martin’s commanding DB12 are close contenders in the race.
To truly appreciate the Continental GT, a journey spanning at least two days is essential. The car’s appeal lies in how relaxed and refreshed one feels even after hours on the road. Hatchbacks and SUVs often leave you feeling cramped, tired and battered by wind or road noise. In contrast, the Continental GT offers a driving experience designed for comfort.
This test drive, a journey undertaken to push the Bentley to its limits, traced the spine of England through the Pennines. Inspired by Simon Armitage’s account of walking the Pennine Way, the idea of following this chain of hills the length of England held a certain romantic appeal.
While the prospect of a 256-mile trek on foot didn’t quite match the allure of covering the same distance in a £250,000 super-luxury car, a convertible was the vehicle of choice. A shimmering Continental GTC Speed Hybrid, painted in ‘Extreme Silver,’ was selected for the journey.
Inside, brilliant blue piping contrasted with the dark, soft leather and trim. Bentley provides a variety of interior styles: you can choose from traditional woods for the dash, as well as sportier carbon fiber with a glossy finish. The brand still utilizes its distinctive Toblerone-shaped twirling display, which toggles between a digital screen, old-fashioned analogue dials, and a blank surface.
The Continental GTC features a relatively small boot due to the hybrid power. One of the most significant changes to the Continental GTC is the inclusion of a Hybrid model to the range. This means the end of the massive W12 petrol engine, replaced by a smaller but still powerful V8 engine paired with a battery capable of up to 50 miles of electric-only driving. Real-world use provides around 30 miles of electric range. This hybrid system doesn’t make the car a ‘tree hugger’, but it helps, primarily for local, shorter trips.
The journey commenced at 9:30 am from Kent, with the Sat Nav set for the Lord Crewe Arms in the North Pennines. This destination represented a fitting challenge for a car made in Crewe. Moreover, this bolthole, nestled in a village seemingly untouched by time belongs to the Calcot Collection, promising great service, fine beds, excellent facilities and hearty British food. The Lord Crewe Arms also provides access to hiking trails.
The route offered a choice of motorway or rural roads, with a lunch stop at The George in Stamford. From there, the team meandered through a mix of both motorways and rural routes. At The George, the Bentley purred on the cobbles and the hot bonnet clinked beside heaters and sheepskin rugs, while enjoying soup. The car boasts heated seats, heated steering wheel, and even a heated front armrest. Luxurious features included deep-pile wool carpets and a Naim audio system playing a bit of Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, and a massage function.
Six hours later, they swept into the village of Blanchland in Northumberland National Park and stepped out of the car refreshed. In conclusion, these cars are becoming an exercise in wellness, delivering a digital detox, lowering stress levels, and gifting time back to the owner.
