Is the Bentley Continental GT good for new drivers?
Do you (or your dad, or your better half) have money to have that shiny Bentley replaced if you should crash it? And will you be able to pay for possible lawsuits and/or damages? Then by all means, go ahead. But it's not quite the starter-car we would recommend.
Let's first look at the local line-up and how much the latest Bentley Continental GT costs, currently:
Bentley Continental GT V8 Coupé, R 3 685 000 (405 kW & 770 Nm)
Bentley Continental GT W12 Coupé, R3 960 000 (467kW & 900 Nm!)
Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible, R 4 050 000
Bentley Continental GT W12 Convertible R4 350 000
(Prices were correct at the time this article was published, but may increase without prior notice)
Out of a Hyundai i10 and into a Bentley Continental GT?
Before you start downloading Bentley brochures, take a moment to consider the fact that the driving school you attended probably conducted your driving lessons in something affordable and compact, such as a Hyundai Grand i10, Kia Picanto or a Toyota Aygo, or something similar in size and engine output. Now that you have your license, imagine stepping out of a small, low-output car such as as this into a Bentley Continental GT, a car so powerful it will melt your face. If you're used to a sub-1000 kg car that takes 17 seconds to reach 100 km per hour, being at the wheel of a 2165 kg behemoth that reaches a 100 km per hour from standstill in 4 seconds (the V8 model) or less (the W12), is a gargantuan leap! As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and you wouldn't be the first rookie who is tempted to do silly things far north of the speed limit, causing you to crash into other drivers that are not ensconced in luxurious 5-star safety features.
Related: These are the best driving courses in SA
What do you mean it's not included in the price?
The Continental GT has the full Monty of safety specifications available, but surprisingly, you have to pay for many of them, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert and a forward collision alert (with auto-braking) at city speeds. Even the rear-view camera will cost you money. There is also an option for a night vision camera, which is understandable, but having to pay for the head-up display is also a little ridiculous, considering that a new Continental GT costs as much as a 3- or 4-bedroom house in a good suburb. Our advice? If you're a new driver and you absolutely must have a Continental GT, specify ALL of the available safety features.
Verdict
So, is the Bentley Continental GT a good car for a young adult or anyone who has spent very little time on the road?
Unless you've been "borrowing" your dad or partner's ultra-potent performance car for some time now, and you're accustomed to what those 8 or 12 cylinders are capable of, and even if you are the most responsible person you know, the answer is still no (from me, anyway!) I don't think a Conti GT is the best first car, no matter how rich you, or your family, or your spouse is. If you are shopping (or being shopped for) in this price range, surely you're not too worried about car insurance and fuel consumption either (and if you're younger than 25, insurance costs the earth, as you are deemed to be high-risk), which means that there are plenty more cars to choose from that are easier to manoeuvre around town while still offering decent enough power, and allow you to flash your family cash.
Got money to spend? The world is your showroom...
Here are a few great (and glamorous) options that are far more suitable to a new driver's skillset than a Conti GT:
Consider the Porsche Macan (or Cayenne), Alfa Romeo Stelvio/Giulia, Volvo XC40/XC60, Volvo S90 sedan, BMW 2/3/5/7/8 Series, X2, X3, X4, Audi Q2,Q3,A5/A6/A7, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, GLA, GLC, C/E-Class Coupé, Jaguar E-Pace, Jaguar F-Pace, Volkswagen Golf 8,Tiguan/T-Roc/Touareg. And don't forget about the Range Rover Evoque, and the new short-wheel base Land Rover Defender. These are just a few suggestions, of course - in this price range you really can take your pick. And, if you take into consideration how much more affordable these cars are compared to the Bentley, you can tick every option box on the list, including all the safety features on offer. Unless of course, you choose a Lexus. Everything is already included in the price. From the Lexus ES sedan to the compact, yet spacious Lexus NX (SUV) and bigger RX, you're sure the find the luxury and craftsmanship you desire.
If I were you, I would probably go for a compact SUV because you have a better vantage point of the traffic around you. But, since you were exploring grand tourer territory, I included a few premium mile-munching saloon cars as well. It all depends what your daily needs are. In my experience, it's just better to be a little higher off the ground when you're still learning the ropes.
If you're in need of more driving experience, I would recommend that you go for an advanced driver's course shortly after getting your driver's license, and going for a refresher course every few years.
Related: Become a better driver with the Jaguar Driving Experience
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