2009 Bentley Continental GT Quality Review

The 2009 Bentley Continental, in either hardtop or convertible versions, is spacious and comfortable up front but less so in back—which is surprising considering its 189.1-inch body length.

ConsumerGuide says, “Entry and exit are complicated by a low seating position,” but “once inside, these Bentleys coddle with large, supportive seats."  Automotive.com reports, “The two-door models sport very comfortable bucket seats that you'd label a tailored fit in apparel, with integral headrests, and available massage; hefty releases and fore/aft switches ease entry to the rear seat.”

“The GTC can seat up to four people on front and rear bucket seats, though the rear seats would likely only be comfortable for children,’ says Cars.com. But ConsumerGuide warns, "Small adults will fit, but won't be very happy about it. Headroom is adequate for those up to about 5'8", but there's scant foot space, and kneeroom is very tight behind a 6-foot driver.” Edmunds notes that there's room in back "only if those in front are in a generous mood; otherwise, the backseat is good for parcels and puppies only.” Car and Driver also confirms that "the back seat can still hold two adults but only for about 20 minutes."

The fit and finish of the 2009 Bentley Continental is almost without rival. “One doesn't speak of materials in a Continental as plastic is employed rarely, and only at a touch point for some switches where it is the best substance for the job,” says Automotive.com, adding “one need only look upward to the headliner to find stitched hides like a fine briefcase, or in the convertible, a fully insulated and lined fabric top that even has an interior light in the middle of it.”

According to ConsumerGuide Automotive, “Large, classy-looking gauges are easy to read at a glance. Most controls are within arm's reach, and though some are mounted low on the dashboard, Bentley manages to group them logically without resorting to the 'one-knob' systems that plague Audi, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles.” And controls also employ an ease of operation. “Interior controls are intuitive enough that most drivers will be able to figure everything out without cracking the owner's manual,” says Edmunds. Automotive.com reports, “Deeply recessed analog instruments with non-glare covers and a new TFT information panel transfer the variety of data and directions available via the steering wheel and infotainment controls.”

“In-cabin storage includes only a modest center console, smallish door pockets, and a midsize glovebox,” says ConsumerGuide Automotive, also noting, “Small opening and a narrow cargo area limit the size of items that can be squeezed into the trunk, although total volume is sufficient for weekend trips.” Edmunds comments, “The 13-cubic-foot trunk provides ample cargo space for a car of this type.”

The 2009 Bentley Continental GTC boasts a quiet, refined interior almost unlike that of any other soft-top convertible. Car and Driver observes that the GTC "is but one decibel noisier than its tin-topped forebear."

“Even with the top down,” says Automotive.com, “the sound system is stout and clear enough to hear the pedal tones and real organ stops on pipe organ recordings.” Edmunds predicts,” With the top down, expect noise to pick up considerably above 50 mph.”

On the GT model, “Double-pane side glass blocks wind noise and helps keep the cabin as quiet as a reading room,” says Edmunds. And ConsumerGuide remarks, “Womb-like silence is broken only by occasional patter of huge tires over patchy pavement and the engine's refined purr during acceleration.”