In the world of high-performance grand touring cars, the Bentley Continental GT is, by far, one of the most exquisite vehicles to see and be seen in, but it is worth noting that the overall design for this car hasn’t really changed much since it was first introduced in 2003. Sure, there have been plenty of enhancements over the years such as the addition of new models and even a 2011 refresh, but even so, it still requires a keen eye to spot these subtle year-to-year changes.

With that in mind, Bentley->ke15 has just released all the details and a slew of images for the updated 2016 Bentley Continental GT family of coupes and convertibles, that show noteworthy improvements to almost every aspect of the car. The revised lineup will make its debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 including the stunning drop-top shown above.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

Exterior

As has been the case with past upgrades to the Continental GT, the changes made to the exterior of the 2016 Continental GT Convertible are more of a subtle evolution than a groundbreaking redesign, but even so, these minor styling tweaks add to the car’s overall visual appeal. Up front, the big Bentley has a more-aggressive appearance, thanks to the new fascia with its restyled air inlets and smaller grille surround. Personally, I thought the previous nose always made the Continental GT look like a four-eyed elephant seal, but this updated front end is more cohesive. Each front fender now gets a metallic B-shaped vent, and the signature character line that encircles the Continental GT is now pronounced on the front fenders and carries through onto the decklid. The sportier Continental GT V8 S and GT Speed have their own unique appearance with a diffuser integrated into the rear fascia and a new 21-inch wheel option, but there is a wide selection of stylish wheel options measuring both 20 and 21 inches.

Interior

Inside, the most noticeable change made to the 2016 Bentley Continental GT models is the new seat design, which features a straight fluting on most cars and diamond-pattern quilting for the GT Speed. The standard seats have a retro look that you might find in a ‘60s muscle car, but done with the same high-quality fit, finish and materials for which Bentley is known. The V8 and V8 S models have a nifty storage compartment with mobile-device charging ports between the two rear seats, LED cabin lighting and a refreshed instrument gauge cluster. There is an assortment of new leather options, not to mention the availability of an Alcantara headliner and an optional Wi-Fi hotspot.

Drivetrain

The biggest change that Bentley made to the 2016 Continental GT lineup is to the already powerful engine that sits under the hood. Although there is no mention of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, Bentley did confirm that the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 will see improvements in both power output and fuel economy. Engine output has increased from 576 horsepower to 582 horsepower, while torque goes from 516 pound-feet on the current car to 531 pound-feet. Bentley also added cylinder deactivation, which is said to cut fuel consumption by five percent – no mean feat with a hefty car laying down close to 600 horsepower.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Of all the minor updates taking place for the 2016 Bentley Continental GT lineup, pricing probably won’t be among them. In its current form, the 2015 Continental GT ranges in price from $203,770 for the “base” coupe, while the Continental GT Speed Convertible tops the range with its starting price of $266,485. Of course, if you can afford a $200,000 car, what’s an extra $10,000 here or there really matter? Either way, it must be nice to be able to afford an automobile that costs as much as some houses.

Competition

2105 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Like Bentley, Aston Martin focuses on small, incremental changes to its models rather than drastic, sweeping redesigns, and the current Aston Martin DB9 is a prime example. This car hasn’t changed all that much since its introduction in 2004, but it is just as sporty and sexy as it was the day it came out.

The one area where Aston Martin does make changes, though, is under the hood, where the DB9’s hand-built engine has evolved into the 6.0-liter V-12 is now capable of producing 510 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. This helps motivate the lightweight DB9 from 0-60 mph in the mid-four-second range, and all of the chassis and brake tuning expected from such a powerful car are there. With the engine mounted behind the front axle and the transmission mounted at the rear axle, the DB9 has amazing balance, and it is just as comfortable on a road course as it is on a long highway cruise.

Though heavily out-powered in the engine compartment, the Aston Martin DB9 can easily go toe-to-toe with the Continental GT in terms of luxury, with a high-quality, hand-crafted interior with unique elements such as the crystal-tipped, push-button key fob. All this performance and luxury comes at a cost, with the DB9 Coupe coming in at $190,325 while the drop-top DB9 Volante starts out at $205,325.

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Where the Bentley and Aston Martin focus on bespoke luxury and performance, the Mercedes SL65 AMG leverages the mass-production capabilities of Mercedes-Benz to deliver the ultimate drop-top grand touring sports car. Already an amazing-looking car, the SL-Class will get even better in 2016 with updated styling that borrows from the latest Mercedes design language exemplified by the AMG GT. What won’t change is the raucous 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V-12 under the long hood with its 621 horsepower and tire-shredding 738 pound-feet of torque. This car is no joke.

Better yet, it can offer top levels of performance with the added convenience of a power-retractable hard top that provides coupe-like quietness when in place but the typical driving pleasure of a convertible when folded out of the way. Not surprisingly, the added goodies of the SL65 makes it more expensive than the Bentley, with its starting price of $215,250, which is almost triple the cost of a base SL400.

Conclusion

After 12 years on the market, the Bentley Continental GT is looking better than ever, thanks to a handful or relatively minor updates made for the 2016 model year. For anyone fortunate enough to be able to afford such luxuries in life, why not do so in a car as recognizable and entertaining as the 2016 Bentley Continental GT?