Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible – The Stylish Lifestyle Cruiser
This original article was first published here: Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible – The Stylish Lifestyle Cruiser
After two years I am back in my favourite playground, the Cotswolds UK and I am in the affluent village of Chipping Camden. I am excited to meet the Bentley Continental GTC Speed, with the C indicating it is a convertible and the Speed meaning it is the fastest version around. This baby is billed as the fastest convertible capable of a top speed of 208 mph (336 km/h), yes this grand tourer has a massive V12 engine. Having already reviewed the V8 Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago, I was keen to find out the difference between coupe driving and convertible driving and the difference between both engines.
It is the most powerful convertible that Bentley has ever created. I had to take on the challenge head-on. What a shame that the UK has speed limits on highways.
I was going to live it up the next few days in this grand tourer with more lifestyle hotels booked and my bespoke clothing range on full display with the roof down. Yes, it is show time, I know you men get attracted to cars for different reasons, but for us women, it is all about the image that comes with it. If buying a car is a joint decision, make sure your other half tunes into this article. Here is my review.
Initial thoughts
Having the car dropped off at the Cotswold Hotel & Spa, there was no parking so I jumped in the car, put the hood down and waved to a local to help me find a parking space. She was more than accommodating to assist and I was then reminded of the power of the Bentley brand. Now I just handed back the keys of the compact Aston Martin Vantage Roadstar convertible and the switch over to the enormity of Bentley Continental GTC Speed was overwhelming. As I went to drive off, I was yet again reminded of the mere weight of a Bentley, a kerb weight of 2436kg.
Just for a second or two, I was wondering why it was not zooming off like the Aston Martin. When you take off in a Bentley you initially feel the enormity of both weight, prestige and branding.
As I parked the car I just sat in it and soaked up the pure beauty of the interior design. I was reminded of the stunning work of cross-stitching that takes place when constructing any Bentley. It was like a runway on wheels. This short reel shows you how the stitching is created in a Bentley.
I just loved sitting in the back of the car, as the day was glorious. I was impressed by how I felt sitting in a cocoon. It reminded me of an old Riva boat touring the canals of Venice. Every day when I needed a rest I sat in the back and just loved how it made me feel safe, warm and snug. I got short legs so for me the leg space was more than ample.
Driving Experience
I am back in the UK to drive the Bentley Continental GTC Speed for a week and here are my findings. The Cotswold is mainly full of narrow roads and I am always being confronted by Range Rovers or other SUVs. So it becomes a real challenge when I have to flash my lights highlighting I am coming. This works every single time as the Bentley is a dominant car, 1954mm in width and especially with the hood down I find I win every single time. Who is going to argue with a lady driving a Bentley Continental GTC Speed?
Comfort
I drove for hours in The Bentley Continental GTC Speed and never once felt exhausted, had back aches, or felt stiff. The heated seats and massage options sorted all that out. The lumbar wave was my favourite option. It is truly a car that is like a massage chair on wheels, I never once felt shattered. I am a lot stiffer these days due to going through menopause and for those age-defining buyers, this car kills those aches and pains. The massage chair is strong and firm and so are the heating options.
It is after all called a grand tourer or gran tourer a luxury car that is made for long-distance driving without compromising the speed. This is important to me when I am driving long distances.
Oxfordshire
Is It Worth The Cash?
I just turned fifty and part of my year celebration is all about self-pampering. Inspiring women to get behind the most luxurious cars that money can buy. What a fabulous gift to oneself to buy a Bentley Continental GT Speed. Or gifting your partner this gorgeous car. Driving around the leafy surroundings such as the Cotswolds and Buckingham or as I refer to as pleasure grounds, can only be done in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible. The electric power-assisted steering meant I could easily park the car. For me, the car means success and being at the wheel where safety is at the utmost value that money can buy is why Bentley is worth every bit of the price tag of £230,900.
What I am saying is if I am going to die in a car, it might as well be a Bentley.
Bibury Parking
Did you know that Bibury in the Cotswold is the most Instagram-able village in the UK?
As I parked the car I notice the reflection of the autumn leaves on the Morrocan blue Bentley Continental GTC Speed. As you can see Moroccan blue get’s dirty very easily. Appreciate that this is a press car and I am not going to clean it every single day.
There are many other colour options when choosing a Bentley, the process is truly an amazing experience. I would opt for a burnt orange Bentley, we ladies like to make sure the colour of the car we choose reflects our emotions and personality. And Morrocan blue is a very popular colour car in the UK and way too masculine.
Bath Famous for Its Roman Baths
With the soft top-down and touring Bath, the revision mirrors worked wonders regarding views. I like larger revision mirrors as it reminds me of classic cars of the past. Also, wheel kerbing is taboo for any luxury car. The 22-inch is pricy to fix. So the larger revision mirrors make my parking stress a lot less.
Braking Power
There are always going to be obstacles in my way when driving through the countryside of Britain. I had to make sure that all those 640bhp stayed intact. I found the brakes ever so effective and when I did brake hard, all passengers felt the secure grip of their seatbelts. I love the metal embroidery when I step into the car to remind me I am in a top Bentley Speed. The sound of the Bentley is gorgeous and it’s only when you open those V12 valves I understand the word Speed.
Speed Naim Sound
I feel the need, the need for Speed. Hard to do in the Cotswolds, Buckingham let alone Oxfordshire! However, I did spread her wings in Somerset, using night vision more on that later. But this Bentley is all about lifestyle cruising and exploring the best of Britain. All I need to worry about thanks to the suite of advanced technology was the Head-Up Display, traffic sign recognition, lane assist, and speed alert systems.
Exclusive to Bentley for many years now is the sound system brand called Naim. I adore the infotainment tools, but it took me about twenty minutes to work out how to get the best out of the Naim sound system. But once it was all set up, I transformed back to the 1980s Italia Disco but on wheels instead. I had at my fingertips, a 650W 10-speaker standard system and a Naim option with eight DSP sound modes and active bass. There are many other sound options one can choose from, depending on how much you want to spend.
The world of Bentley takes you down memory lane, you just have to select your music beforehand.
Cruiser Elegance
Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible was empowering for me as the autumn leaves fell into the car as I drove. Connecting nature and the driving experience was a wellness of reconnection of the finest craftsmanship money can buy. After a day of driving through Britain’s countryside, I had to take out so many autumn leaves from the car.
What Is The World Of Bentley
This car was a time to drive and heal the many losses I have undergone in the last two years. A time of reflection on what the World of Bentley and me mean together. As I took a closer look at the Bentley and that steel and aluminium monocoque. Reflecting on the future and the speed of life that can pass me by in no time at all. I am always impressed by how Bentley Motor’s Crewe design team can create a prestige car weighing a kerb weight of 2436kg. I am only reminded of this when I put the car in reverse and wonder why it’s not moving like other cars.
Waterbed Suspension
I can only describe the pure opulence of comfort when driving as a waterbed suspension. Every bump and pothole I came across let alone a speed hump was cushioned by the finest of three-chamber air suspension. It reminded me of a water bed. It was just divine on every lumbar level. Therefore when I stepped out of the car I felt refreshed. Doing business in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed is as effortless as driving in high heel boots.
Headlights
I loathe driving at night but in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible, The song by Cyndi Lauper sums it up well.
I drove all night to get to you.
The full LED matrix headlamps, DRLs, and tail lamps light up the whole sky. I tested the High Bean Assist which is standard and it truly did work. I don’t think I blinded too many trucks out there on the A4 to Bath.
That B for me stands for beaming brightly at night.
Conclusion
Life is there for the taking and for those looking for an opulent long drive then the Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible ticks all the lifestyle boxes. Bentley is about glorious heritage touches. It may have 650 BHP, but no car can go anywhere unless a woman is in the driver’s seat. The speed of life will overtake you if you allow it. Follow your dreams and let get’s this party started.
Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.
