• Car’s heaviness limits efficiency…
• As do two large and powerful motors
• No aspect of Bentley ownership is inexpensive

Considering the entry-level Bentley Continental GT has 507hp at its disposal, running costs are never going to be cheap.

This is a big, heavy car with powerful engines to match, all of which have a penchant for copious amounts of super unleaded petrol.

Officially the most efficient is the GT V8, with a claimed average of 26.8mpg – expect a figure of 22mpg to be more representative in the real world. Emissions for this version are rated at 246g/km of CO2.

If you’re considering the fastest twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12-engined GT Speed then it’s unlikely running costs are too high up your list of concerns but it’s worth noting that Bentley claims just 19.3mpg on average, with emissions rated at 338g/km of CO2.

Other running costs will also be high–servicing, insurance and consumables such as tyres will all have your eyes watering if you don’t become a Bentley owner with them wide open.

• All Continentals have high CO2 outputs
• Entry-level V8s are less costly
• No diesel or hybrid options

There’s no escaping the fact that Bentley Continental GT CO2 emissions are high – as you’d expect with a choice of a 4.0- or 6.0-litre twin-turbo engines.

The greenest in the range is the GT V8 at 246g/km, while the worst offender is the GT Speed at 338g/km.

• Subjected to one VOSA recall
• Based on VW Group hardware
• Feels solidly built

Being based heavily on VW Group hardware should ensure a high level of reliability for the Bentley Continental GT, with hand-built engines which have tried-and-tested turbocharged technology.

Electronic systems are all brought over from VW, too, while the gearboxes are sourced externally and are used by a number of different manufacturers.

Build quality is excellent, as are the materials used, but some of the leather-lined panels could be prone to squeaking as they rub against each other.

So far the Continental has been subjected to one VOSA recall to cure a potential fire risk from a faulty battery connection but other than that the Bentley’s had a clean bill of reliability health.