The article was originally produced on November 11, 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The new Bentley Continental GT Convertible is stronger, more luxurious and more elegant than ever but also kinder to the environment!

Private jets, luxury yachts and cars like the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible are not for everyone. But placing the blame for our planet's environment on them and those who can afford to buy and use this type of transportation is not right. In many cases, the technology in these types of cars, boats and planes actually advances technology. Like for example the engine of the new Bentley Continental GT which, despite 12 cylinders and twin turbo units, has a carbon dioxide emission that is 16 per cent lower than its predecessor. This is thanks to new technology which is always found in the most expensive and lavish car models but which later also finds its way into cheaper models.

Bentley is celebrating its centenary this year, and what could be better than a roofless fantastic creation like the Continental GT Convertible. The brand was founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley, an engineer who initially trained as a steam locomotive designer. Something that the competitors were not slow to point out because Bentley cars have always been big and solid. During the 20s, Bentley established its good reputation with no less than five victories in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. In 1931, Bentley was bought by Rolls-Royce and moved to Derby, later Crewe. Since 1998, the brand is owned by Volkswagen AG. The name Continental has been used since 1952.

The heart of the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible is a W12 engine with a total of 626 horses. Why it's called W is because it's about two V6 engines that, simply explained, have been intertwined into a 12-cylinder W engine. The total cylinder volume is six litres, and thanks to the twin turbo units, the Continental GT Convertible can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Considering its weight of over two tonnes, this is a mighty figure. Despite the massive torque of a whopping 900 Newton metres, the 8-speed double clutch box is able to get all the power down to the ground and to all four wheels.

Although there is another car brand in the same class as Bentley that has even named one of its latest models after a precious stone, the comparison with the new Continental GT Convertible being a rolling jewel does not feel far-fetched at all. Just take a look at the headlights that appear to be made of real crystal. Even in daylight, you can see the incredibly beautiful and sparkling effect the headlights get through this construction. Even the blue paint, which has been spent more time than normal cars are built on, has an incredible luster in the sun's morning light.

During the 20s, Bentley established its reputation with five victories in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans race

When you open the door, it is stepless, something Aston Martin was actually the first to do with its models. You can therefore choose yourself which angle the door should have and not the default positions of a normal car. When you get into the new Continental GT Convertible and close the door, the world stops and your senses open up to a new dimension. Everything is absolutely perfect and the feeling of quality so far above normal.

Every detail is so well made such as every single knob which is made of milled metal, just touching and feeling them inspires respect for the craftsmanship of the Continental GT Convertible. If you are not used to this type of craft, which normal people generally are not, you can just sit there and enjoy. It's really hard to tear yourself away and do what you have to do and start the car and start driving. But if you succeed, the next dimension will open up and the real experience will begin.

The key to the car is big and solid just like the car. Of course, you keep it in your pocket or purse as the car is started with a button. When the button is pressed, the twelve cylinders are brought to life, but not in such a way that the entire neighbourhood is awakened. Despite the amount of horsepower and performance, we are talking about a sober luxury car, but which of course does not need to be ashamed of itself when it is put to the test. Richard Hammond very aptly said that the new Bentley Continental GT can be likened to a beautiful lady lifting her skirt to run. This is exactly how it feels to drive the Continental GT Convertible, it glides forward in such a pleasant and graceful way that you cannot in your wildest imagination imagine that it should be able to do anything else. But as soon as you press the gas pedal a little harder, the power comes to life and the graceful step is suddenly replaced by one that belongs more to a short-distance runner. The Continental GT Convertible easily takes you past the three hundred mark on the odometer and top speed is reached when 333 km/h is on the odometer. 

They have chosen to deliver a new Continental GT Convertible with two technology packages, one for those who stay and drive mostly in town or those who spend more time on open and longer roads. The two different pacts include technology such as automatic tailgate opening, licence plate reader and autobrake that detects pedestrians, as well as an overview camera for the city package. The specification touring package instead includes adaptive cruise control with queue assistant, lane keeping assistance, head up display, automatic braking and night vision with the help of an infrared camera. 

A fun detail to mention is the rolling panel in the dashboard. It can either be plain with nothing on or a 12.3-inch horror for the navigation and infotainment system. Or in the last position, three analogue clocks that show either that shows clock, outside temperature and compass.

If you don't want to sacrifice anything and experience the best of the best, a Bentley Continental GT Convertible is definitely the way to go. Of course, there are other brands and models in this class, even if they are not crowded. What may not sound so luxurious but still strikes a blow for the Bentley against others is the Volkswagen Group's part in it, which means reliability and German quality together with British flair and charisma. 

Bentley Continental GT Convertible

Basic price	Over SEK 2,300,000
Engine	5.9-litre W12, twin turbo, 626 hp. Torque 900 Nm
Transmission	Front engine 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 3.7 seconds
Top speed	333 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	1.24 l/mile
Weight	2,414 kg
Guarantees	New car 2 years, rust 12 years, paint 3 years
Web	http://www.bentleymotors.com