In keeping with its new tradition of rolling out First Edition models — the Bentayga SUV and the Mulsanne each got one — Bentley is rolling out the red carpet for the Continental GT First Edition. Described as the “ultimate expression of the legendary grand tourer,” the Continental GT First Edition gets plenty of exclusive appointments that help earn its status as a true first-off-the-line model.

Since this is Bentley we’re talking about, the phrase “exclusive appointments” take on a far more exclusive and opulent meaning. The features included in the Continental GT First Edition include fancy rotating displays, veneer options, and model-specific cosmetic identifiers that firmly establishes its special edition status. Basically, the Continental GT First Edition is a more exclusive version of an already exclusive luxury coupe.

Bentley didn't say how many Continental GT First Edition units it plans to roll out, but given its status as a First Edition model, don’t expect it to be available in large quantities. The Bentayga First Edition, for example, was limited to just 608 examples, while the Mulsanne First Edition was even rarer with only 50 units made across its entire three-model range. My best guess is that the Continental GT First Edition will have a volume of around 100 units with each unit priced at around $300,000.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Bentley Continental GT First Edition.

2018 Bentley Continental GT First Edition

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  • Model: 2018 Bentley Continental GT First Edition
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What makes the Bentley Continental GT First Edition special

The Bentley Continental GT First Edition is a lot of things. “Special” is one of them. There’s something to be said about the visual presentation of the car, beginning with its body color. If you must know, the specific color Bentley used to showcase the Continental GT First Edition is called “Orange Flame.” There was no mention on whether the special edition Continental GT only comes in an Orange Flame body, but a quick look at the car’s online configurator reveals a total of 13 different colors to choose from. There’s Rubino Red, Sequin Blue, Peacock, and Damson, to name a few.

In keeping with its British tradition, the body of the Continental GT First Edition gets Union Jack accents on the front fenders, just behind the front wheel arches.

The car looks provocative from the outside, but it’s really inside where it sets itself apart from other Continental GTs. The first order of business is Bentley’s new Rotating Display, a central feature of the Continental GT First Edition that lets you switch through three different fascia panels depending on your mood. A 12.3-display is the go-to configuration, but you can also switch to a more classic look with three analog dials or a veneer-only fascia that appears only when the car is not running.

Since we’re talking about veneers, the Continental GT First Edition has four different Dual Veneer versions to choose from: Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, Dark Stained Madrona, Liquid Amber, and Tamo Ash. I don’t have the words to properly describe the look of each of these four veneers, but I trust that Bentley created them to look as fancy as their names sound. Regardless which wood option you get, Bentley will combine them with a Grand Black option that’s exclusive to the Continental GT First Edition. That means that no other special edition model will get this kind of option.

Speaking of features that are limited to the First Edition, the Continental GT also gets diamond-in-diamond quilt stitching on the seats, door panels, and rear quarter panels. A unique contrast stitch is also included, and is only available on the First Edition. A choice of three different audio systems are also on the table. A 650W audio system comes as standard, but there is an option to upgrade to either a 1500W Bang & Olufsen system or a range-topping 2200W Naim audio system.

It wouldn’t be a special edition Bentley Continental GT without Mulliner’s influence, would it? It’s a good thing that Bentley’s own personalization division is involved through its Mulliner Driving Specification. This package adds another layer of exclusivity to the special edition Continental. Drilled alloy foot pedals, jewel-finish oil and filler caps, and a set of 22-inch wheels are all included in the Mulliner Driving Specification. The wheels are also available in bright paint, black, hand polished, or full polish finishes.

Last but certainly not least are the Specification and Touring Specification packages. If you really want your Continental GT First Editions to be filled to the brim with features, the packages add goodies like hands-free trunk opening, pedestrian warning, traffic sign recognition, city braking, adaptive cruise, a heads-up display, and night vision with an infrared camera.

Needless to say, a car as loaded as the Continental GT First Edition does not come cheap. I mentioned that Bentley hasn’t identified a price for the units it plans to sell, but it’s safe to say that you’re looking at a car that could fetch somewhere around $300,000.

References

Bentley Continental GT

Read our full review on the 2018 Bentley Continental GT.

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