Bentley Continental GT coupe (2010-2017) - MPG, running costs & CO2

Although cars like the Bentley Continental GT are seldom chosen by buyers with a firm eye on running costs, you need very deep pockets indeed to run one as an everyday car. While today’s model is more fuel-efficient than ever, we’re still looking at a car that uses more fuel and emits more CO2 than several smaller cars driven at once. Depreciation is fierce, too – don’t expect more than half your money back if you sell within five years.

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Bentley Continental GT MPG & CO2

With big changes in the UK Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) system due on 1 April 2017, Bentley buyers who wait until that date before their car is registered will actually save money on road tax. All cars registered from that date face a yearly flat rate of £140, with a £450 supplement for the first five years on models costing upwards of £40,000.

That yearly tax saving of up to £65 could go towards fuel. Both the 4.0-litre V8 and 6.0-litre W12 are fitted with clever cylinder-deactivation technology that improves fuel consumption at speeds below 70mph. However, although the Continental GT can achieve 26.6mpg, it’s likely that 20mpg will be closer to the truth in normal driving. This compares to the Ferrari California T’s 27.9mpg published figure, which we believe is rather optimistic as well.

The W12 claims 20mpg, with the outrageously powerful Supersports only eking 18 miles from every gallon. The CO2 emissions figures for the three engines are eye-watering, at 246g/km for the V8, 330g/km for the W12 and 358g/km for the range-topping Supersports. Although these figures no longer affect annual road tax, they do have a bearing on company car tax – every Continental sits in the top 37% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bracket.

There is good news, though – with all models in the range now fitted with a 90-litre fuel tank, you’ll still be able to cover a decent distance between fill-ups – 395 miles based on 20mpg.

Insurance group

Because of the massive power available across the range, all Continental models get the highest insurance rating – group 50. We always advise that you check for cover before agreeing any car purchase.

Warranty

All Bentley models have a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, which is pretty much industry-standard for this class. The unlimited mileage in particular will deliver peace of mind for those who use their Continental regularly or for long trips away.

Servicing

Bentley recommends a service every year or 10,000 miles – whichever comes soonest.