Bentley Continental GT review – MPG and running costs
If your mpg is in the 20s you’re not trying hard enough. The Continental can be persuaded to do reasonable mpg in V8 form, in context of course
The W12-powered Speed has a combined fuel economy claim of 20.6mpg, with 311g/km of CO2. These are fairly wild numbers in 2023, so don’t expect to be on the shortlist for any sustainability awards.
All V8 models are marginally more efficient with a 23.3mpg rating (275g/km, ironically the same as the original W12 on its old NEDC cycle), but like the W12, it sits in the top tax bracket making it an increasingly expensive car to run day to day.
Bentley isn’t completely uninterested in claims of efficiency and eco-friendliness, though, with both V8 and W12 models featuring the most efficient of new fuel injection systems, cylinder deactivation and a mild-hybrid system. A full plug-in hybrid version of the Continental GT is also on its way. Another consideration of Bentley's green ambitions is how quickly its Crewe manufacturing facility has adopted low-carbon or even carbon-neutral operations.
Overall running costs are extensive, though. Everything on the Continental GT is large in both physical size and specification. Most Continental models that come off the line run on the larger 22-inch wheels and tyres at 275-section front and massive 315-section rear. These will set you back around £300 each for fronts and £500 each for rears. Brake pads and (god forbid) discs will also be expensive replacements – we suggest you really consider whether taking a 2.2-ton car on track is a good idea.
