The Bentley Continental GT came along to change the game for the lauded auto brand that has been around for more than 100 years.

Most Bentley customers are 50+ years old, which is a good customer base for a high-end luxury brand, but it was hard for this brand to attract younger buyers for many years. Along came the Continental GT in 2003, and things changed. This car has only been around for 20 years, but more than 80,000 versions have been sold since it first arrived.

Here are a few things that make the Bentley Continental GT an amazing high-end luxury car.

This new Bentley became instantly timeless

The Continental GT first appeared at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. This car became the replacement for the Continental R and T models and hit showroom floors in 2003. The design hasn’t changed much over the past twenty years. That means Bentley hit the right notes as soon as this car was designed, which isn’t a big surprise. This brand has been providing high-end luxury cars to the world for more than 100 years.

Sportiness combined with extravagance

When it comes to the top-end of the automotive market, Bentley is a sporty brand compared to the executive-style luxury of Rolls-Royce. The sportiness of the Bentley Continental GT doesn’t mean its not a high-end luxury car. This amazing machine has diamond-stitched leather in the cabin with each diamond including 712 stitches. If you’re looking for a high count, this could be the count you want. The Continental GT also has heated armrests and a flip-up rear windscreen to make this car more comfortable when its hot or cold outside.

The first major change to this Bentley came after 20 years

The 2023 Continental GT includes a new S trim that gives this car a sportier look for those searching for a little more. This model is based on the V8 version and includes an impressive exterior package. This exterior package includes a gloss black grille, dark-tined headlights and taillights, and a gloss black rear wing. All of the chrome is changed out for gloss black items to give this car a sinister look that drivers can enjoy. The wheels of the GT S are 22 inches in size and sport a Y-shape spoke design.

Two engines give the Continental GT great power options

The first time the V8 engine was offered in the Bentley Continental GT was 2020. This meant new customers had the choice of either a W12 or V8 engine for the drive. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Those searching for more power found it in the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine that produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. These two engines make this impressive luxury car quick, and the W12 models boast a top speed of 207 mph.

Pure excitement in the Speed trims

Aptly named, the Continental GT Speed models were added to the mix in 2021. This gave either the GT or GTC models more power from the W12 engine than the regular models. The power was increased to 650 horsepower while the torque remained unchanged. This gave the Speed models the ability to rocket to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds compared to 3.6 seconds without the added power boost.

This car has been a pop culture star

The luxurious and sporty Bentley Continental GT has made appearances in several movies and shows. Such movies include:

• Miami Vice
• Fifth Gear
• Melrose Place
• Death Race: Inferno
• Big Fat Liar 2
• Cars 2

In addition to appearing in movies, this Bentley appeared in several famous shows, such as:

• Family Guy
• Two and a Half Men
• The Blacklist
• Yellowstone

Some famous performers have included this car in their music videos as well, which makes this Bentley a modern pop culture icon.

Mulliner customization is available for this Bentley

Some customers have turned to the Mulliner division of Bentley to have a customized version of this sporty and impressive high-end luxury car. This division typically helps customers alter the interior and exterior of Bentley cars to make them look and feel exactly how they desire. The Continental GT can be had with many changes and upgrades to make it a work of art when out on the road.

The Bentley Continental GT has become one of the most amazing luxury cars in the world since it first appeared in 2003. This car continues to attract a younger, well-heeled crowd than classic Bentley vehicles.