The Bentley Continental GT is perhaps the most recognizable car coming from Crewe, England. Finally available with a V-8 in its newest form, the 2020 Bentle Continental GT V8 is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, a top speed of 198 mph, and cruise for more than 500 miles on one tank of fuel. The performance isn't far off of what the Bentley Continental GT W12 can do, but the range is considerably higher. Available in a coupe guise as a GT V8 and convertible layout as a GTC V8, the prices for the Continental with a V-8 engine come in at $203,825, and $223,675, respectively.

The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 Is The Most Dynamically Sound Bentley Ever

Carrying the British tradition of extreme sophistication into the theater of the most luxurious coupes and convertibles, the Continental GT is the primary asset of Bentley Motors Limited company. Treated by total reverence in its top V-12 form, the Continental GT invariably delivered effortless performance matched only by the best from Rolls-Royce. With the inclusion of the V-8 in its second generation, the Continental GT embarked on a path of downsizing, but in a way Bentley enthusiasts could appreciate. The latest V-8-powered Continental GT and the Continental GTC prove this plentifully.

The power drop compared to the V-12 powered model wasn't as severe as one may imagine. The 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, V-8 with twin-scroll turbocharges feeds all four wheels with 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That is only 84 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque shy of what the 6.0-liter, W-12 can achieve. No wonder Bentley is adamant about titling the 2020 Continental GT V8 the "most agile" Continental to date. Of course, it is a tad lighter compared with the W-12, but that alone isn't the reason for its responsive nature and commanding agility.

The second-gen Bentley Continental GT V8 was one of the liveliest and most enjoyable Bentleys ever. In keeping with that character, Crewe-based company tweaked the suspension and the steering for more dynamism. Something similar had been achieved with the previous generation Continental GT V8 and that one soon enough become the driver’s favorite.

The Bentley Dynamic Ride System is an important option too. This is what our colleagues from Caranddriver said about the Dynamic Ride System that Bentley installs in the Bentayga:

"Bentley engineers split the Bentayga’s anti-roll bars in two and fit electric motors between the halves. Using planetary gearsets to multiply torque, the Bentley Dynamic Ride system can input up to 959 pound-feet of torque to each anti-roll bar."

Visual Differences Between The 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 and the Continental GT W12

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Visual distinction between the V-8 powered and W-12 powered Continental’s is minuscule. The new one flashes its four oval tailpipes shaped as Continental GT’s rear lights, and it does so with an adequate aural expression. Bentley calls this unique sound a “cheerful V8 burble” but I’d instead characterize it as a monstrous V-8 roar. It fits better.

Other notable changes compared to the W-12 include the addition of subtle V8 badges and new wheel designs (20-22 inch options available).

Conclusion

Garnished with a new Crown Cut Walnut and covered in the best leather, the interior of the new Continental GT V8 gives the aura of sophistication only Brits can achieve. While it can be differentiated from the W-12 powered model, the truth is that Bentley offers so many personalization options that each Continental is unique.

With that said, I am now surer than ever that the Continental GT V8 and the Continental GTC V8 are among the best that comes from VAG. I mean Bentley. Sure, having the W-12 is fantastic, but a V-8 like this can definitely motivate Bentley as ferociously as anyone would like.

Bentley Continental V8 specifications

Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GTC

Engine

4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V-8

4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V-8

Horsepower

542 HP

542 HP

Torque

568 LB-FT

568 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.9 seconds

4.0 seconds

Top Speed

198 mph

198 mph


Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

Read our full review on the 2018 Bentley Continental GT.

Read our full review on the previous generation 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S.