Believe or not, the Continental GT has been with us for over 12 years, being one of the most crucial models in Bentley’s long history.

The recent redesign brought a much-needed boost to the visual character of the Bentley coupe, mostly known for its ability to shrink distances while keeping everyone on-board impressed, relaxed and smiling.

Although the reasonable choice of the range is still the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine in the V8 and V8 S versions, those who really want the biggest numbers and the full W12 experience can have the rapid W12 Speed, Bentley’s fastest model yet, with 626hp and 206mph top speed.

XCAR drives this mighty fast cruiser and analyses what’s new for the Continental GT, a model which changed the way we see Bentley as a brand. Few cars can combine the values of a continent-crusher with this sort of different style and exclusivity and this makes the Continental GT a rather special car.

Enjoy the video.

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