Bentley Continental GT (2003–2011): Redefining Luxury and Performance
I still remember the first time I hustled a Bentley Continental GT through a rain-soaked Welsh B-road back in the early 2000s. It was the car that made old-money luxury feel genuinely modern. The Bentley Continental GT married a hand-finished cabin with all-wheel drive grip and a twin-turbo W12 that pulled like a yacht being winched out of the sea. Heavy? Yes. But once those turbos spooled, the mass just melted into the horizon. It felt like a grand tourer built for the Mulsanne Straight and the school run alike—quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back, quick enough to hush them with a gentle squeeze of throttle.
When it comes to timeless elegance and exhilarating performance, few cars can match the iconic Bentley Continental GT. Introduced in 2003, the Continental GT has been a symbol of automotive excellence, combining British craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and stunning design. At AutoWin, we offer a wide range of premium accessories for the Bentley Continental GT, including floor mats that add both style and protection to your vehicle.
Why the 2003–2011 Bentley Continental GT Still Hits the Sweet Spot
Design first. Even today, that twin-oval headlamp face and broad-shouldered haunches feel purposeful rather than fussy. Slide inside and it’s all thick hides, proper metal, and veneers you want to run your hand across. The seating position is classic grand tourer—low and cocooned—but visibility is better than you expect. Two adults can sit in the back in a pinch (short journeys only, unless your friends are unusually flexible).
Out on the road, early cars made 552 hp and 479 lb-ft from a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, slung through a 6‑speed automatic and permanent all-wheel drive. Later Speed variants climbed to 600 hp and 553 lb-ft, trimming the 0–60 mph sprint to the low 4s. The ride is supple in Comfort, tidily controlled in Sport. On rough roads, I noticed the air suspension doing its best work—soaking up complexity without turning everything to porridge. Brakes are stout, steering is accurate (if not chatty), and the whole experience is…effortless. Like driving in slippers, if slippers did 198 mph.
- Power: 552–600 hp (model dependent)
- 0–60 mph: ~4.7 s (standard) to ~4.3 s (Speed)
- Top speed: up to ~198 mph
- Drive: AWD, ZF 6‑speed automatic
- Weight: circa 5,200 lb—yet it hides it well
Living With a Bentley Continental GT: The Real-World Bits
Running costs? Not Prius territory. You’re looking at mid-teens mpg if you behave, single digits if you don’t. A battery tender is your friend—these cars like to nap on trickle charge. A few owners mentioned to me the occasional infotainment quirk (early nav feels very early-2000s), and I’ve seen wear on front suspension bushings if the car’s led a hard life. The good news: service history matters more than mileage. A well-maintained GT is a soothing, long-legged companion—perfect for Alpine ski weekends or that quick dash from London to Paris, if you time the traffic just right.
The Best Interior Accessories for Your Bentley Continental GT
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first that floor mats would make much difference—until a winter road trip with muddy boots and an over-enthusiastic Labrador. That’s where properly tailored mats earn their keep. At AutoWin, the fitted sets for the Bentley Continental GT are cut to the car’s footwells, with materials that feel worthy of the badge.
- Tailored fit: designed specifically for 2003–2011 GT/GTC
- Premium materials: from plush sheepskin to durable patterned leather
- Easy clean: lift, shake, done—saves your factory carpet
- Color choices: match the hide or go contrast piping (looks brilliant with Beluga interiors)
When I tried them on rough, gritty roads, they trapped debris before it wandered into the stitching. If you tend to valet the car (or show it), a darker base with a contrasting edge looks subtly special without shouting.
AutoWin: Your Go-To for Bentley Continental GT Mats
I’ve used generic mats before. They slide, curl, and generally let the side down. The pieces from AutoWin feel purpose-built: the backing grips, the stitching is neat, and fitment is spot on. Plus, the checkout process is painless—always nice when you’re ordering from the couch with a nightcap.
Bentley Continental GT vs. Rivals (Period)
| Car | Power | Drive | 0–60 mph | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Continental GT (’03–’11) | 552–600 hp | AWD | 4.7–4.3 s | Opulent, effortless, weather-proof pace |
| Aston Martin DB9 | 450–470 hp | RWD | 4.7–4.9 s | Romantic V12, lighter on its feet |
| Porsche 911 Turbo (997) | 480–500 hp | AWD | 3.4–3.6 s | Sharper, more surgical performance |
| Mercedes-Benz CL63/65 AMG | 518–604 hp | RWD | 4.0–4.2 s | Muscle-coupe luxury, more boulevard |
Figures approximate for period-correct models; performance varies by year and spec.
Buying Tips: Best Year of the Bentley Continental GT
If you want the pure early-2000s icon, the original 2003–2006 cars deliver that first-wave magic. The 2007 Speed is the enthusiast’s pick for pace and poise. And the 2011 models (ushering in the updated design and revised W12 tune) feel like the best all-rounders: faster, smarter, and just that bit more refined inside. Whichever you choose, prioritize documented service history—fluids, brakes, suspension, battery health—and make sure every electrical toy does what it says on the tin.
Answering Common Questions
What is the best year for the Bentley Continental GT?
Enthusiasts often point to 2011 for its refreshed design and improved W12 performance and features. The 2007–2010 Speed is superb if you want the sharper edge. As always, the “best” one is the best-maintained one.
How much is a 2011 Bentley?
Pricing varies with condition, miles, options, and service history. Expect a wide range on the market; well-kept examples command a premium. Shop the car, not just the year.
How fast does a Bentley Continental GT 2011 go?
The 2011 W12 can do 0–60 mph in roughly 4.4 seconds with a top speed near 198 mph, depending on spec. It’s properly fast for a luxury GT.
How much does a 2011 Bentley Continental GTC cost?
Convertibles generally list higher than coupes. Final numbers depend on condition, mileage, colors, and options—shop carefully and verify service records.
Are floor mats worth upgrading on a Bentley GT?
Yes—especially if you drive year-round. Quality mats protect the carpets and elevate the cabin. AutoWin offers tailored sets for the Continental GT that look and fit like factory pieces.
