Bentley’s renowned W12 is reimagined for this car and given yet another turn of pace to shift 2.5 tonnes to 60mph in 3.6 seconds, which is obscene, really. If your wallet or conscience demands an alternative, the V8 petrol and plug-in hybrid versions will presumably follow shortly – Bentley won’t confirm because it doesn’t want to take attention away from the launch of this flagship.
The steering is well weighted, the brakes and seat-belt pretensions work fine, I can personally attest – who knew that car was stationary just round the bend? – and the brand’s 48-volt electric chassis system keeps the car flat through the corners, which makes much more sense in this car than it does in the Bentayga SUV. As a result, the car feels far more connected to the driver, pivoting tightly round its occupants as opposed to the previous generation, which seemed to yaw and gyrate wilfully. We also like the PDK gearbox, which Bentley is keen to stress is far removed from sibling company Porsche’s version and is slightly lighter than the previous auto box. At most times, the car is rear-wheel drive, but the powertrain can send up to 38 per cent of torque forwards in the event of loss of traction.
But really, it’s the ride under acceleration that wows. The cabin is far more silent, with far less intrusion from the exhausts, than that of the Aston Martin DB11. It feels like a far more of a luxury GT, although if you want more of a sportscar grand tourer, stick with the DB11. If, however, interior beauty and silence matter to you, then it’s Bentley all the way, which knocks everyone else out of the ballpark in both regards.
When the convertible comes along, and cabin noise is less of a debating point, the DB11 Volante, which is probably the most beautiful car on the roads right now, comes back into play. But if it’s the coupe you want, it’s the Conti all the way, despite its swallow-inducing £159,100 starting price. To Italy! Mine’s a bellini.
The Numbers
Engine: 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto, four-wheel drive
PS/Nm: 635/900
0-60mph: 3.6 sec
Top speed: 207mph
Price from: £159,100