Should you buy one?

If you can afford one – an unequivocal yes. The cost of running one – both financial, environmental (and emotional, as you’ll never be let out of a side turning) does bear thinking about, but that aside there’s an argument that this big coupe is one of the most complete cars on the market.

If you want supreme refinement and maximum waftiness then the W12 is as easygoing as they come, while the V8 offers almost the same performance but with a bit more bluster and theatre.

It even handles well, despite the two-tonne kerb weight, and although smaller and lighter cars are undoubtedly more agile, the Bentley’s colossal grip and clever anti-roll system means its mass is rarely a nuisance.

Then there’s the interior quality, which is miles ahead of most of its rivals. The attention to detail that goes into everything, from matching the wood veneer to the diamond-stitching on the leather, is exceptional, and well up to the hyper-luxury cars costing twice as much.

Though a Porsche 911 or Aston Martin DB11 might be more sporting, the Continental GT is the best high-speed luxury grand tourer around.

What we like

Both engines are superb, and the way the Continental GT drives belies its enormous mass.

What we don’t like

The price – both to buy it in the first place, and to keep it running

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