• Not a cheap car to run in any form
• V8 mildly cheaper than W12 to run
• But no part of ownership is cheap

You can’t go into Bentley ownership and expect it to be cheap. The W12 claims just 20.2mpg, but stop-start tech, the ability to coast at lower speeds and cylinder deactivation (six of them) helps to keep things close to manageable.

However, it won’t take much to see that claimed figure tumble if you go near the accelerator to exploit the 635hp power figure.

The V8 is the more efficient option, but that’s all relative. It too can shut down half of its cylinders, coast and switch itself off at a standstill, but claimed economy is still in the eye-watering 20s. But a huge fuel tank means you could go several hundred miles between fill-ups.

CO2 emissions are unsurprisingly high as well, with the W12 emitting a sizable 317g/km.

Is it reliable?

• Lots of engine and onboard technology
• But most sourced from VW Group
• Service from Bentley likely to be outstanding

Just because it has a Bentley badge, doesn’t mean it’s all perfect. The engines Bentley employs are developed extensively, and the interior is handbuilt to exacting standards. But there are a lot of advanced systems that could potentially go wrong such as the adaptive air suspension and sophisticated anti-roll system.

Should you need to call on your Bentley dealer, the service is likely to be exceptional as you’ve spent such a large chunk of cash on a luxury product.