The 3rd Generation Bentley Continental GT Speed.

[Louis Balfour]

For anyone who hasn't seen it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C5m0PtxZ7o
https://www.slashgear.com/2022-bentley-continental...

[MadCaptainJack]

Am I the only one who prefers the old design? https://www.motor1.com/news/178508/2018-bentley-co...

[Louis Balfour]

MadCaptainJack said:

Am I the only one who prefers the old design? https://www.motor1.com/news/178508/2018-bentley-co...

No.

I actively sought out a late low mileage Gen 2 rather than going for a Gen 3. Furthermore, I may upgrade from my current Gen 2 to another even later one if something good presents itself.

I have no doubt that the Gen 3 will be a better drive, but the aesthetics don't turn me on. The rear end really isn't my taste at all.

[MadCaptainJack]

Louis Balfour said:

I actively sought out a late low mileage Gen 2...

How are you finding the maintenance, servicing and repair costs? Or have you opted for the Bentley warranty?

I’m sorely tempted but from what I read online, it seems like repairs and replacing consumables can be eye-wateringly expensive, even allowing for the fact that it’s an expensive car to begin with. Rumours that Bentley-branded parts are significantly more expensive than the exact same part with a VW logo is a huge red flag for me - suggests a basic lack of respect for one’s customers, and I’m not sure I’d want to find myself reliant on a company that behaves like that.

[Louis Balfour]

MadCaptainJack said:

Louis Balfour said:

I actively sought out a late low mileage Gen 2...

How are you finding the maintenance, servicing and repair costs? Or have you opted for the Bentley warranty?

I’m sorely tempted but from what I read online, it seems like repairs and replacing consumables can be eye-wateringly expensive, even allowing for the fact that it’s an expensive car to begin with. Rumours that Bentley-branded parts are significantly more expensive than the exact same part with a VW logo is a huge red flag for me - suggests a basic lack of respect for one’s customers, and I’m not sure I’d want to find myself reliant on a company that behaves like that.

In my opinion there is value in Gen 2 cars at the moment.

Running costs - no one should buy a Bentley to keep an eye on running costs. It will only upset them.

I had a small service in December that cost £1400 or there abouts. Not cheap, but I have been quoted not far off that for other more mundane cars.

Spare parts - Yes they are expensive. Of course Bentley branded parts will cost more than a VW equivalent. Butthey are producing parts specifically for Bentley cars. For every component that is the same as a VW one, there will be one that isn't.

Warranty - I have got a policy from Warrateez R Us or some such, because that is what the Land Rover dealership who sold the car could give me. It has a claim limit of £10k, so it is more a risk mitigation policy than anything else. Will I pay for a Bentley one when it expires? Will I put the money in a pot and take the risk? I don't know.

It really is a matter of how one wants to spend money. In the cases of both Bentley and Rolls Royce, it's possible to get some of the same car with VW or BMW. You will pay through the nose for the prestige badges. But in the case of Bentley, they do work some magic with VW underpinnings and I personally see the value in that.

Though, as you suggest in your OP, I struggle with the current crop of new Bentley designs. I would like to see the design of future cars handed over to someone with complete artistic control who understands how to make cars beautiful, instead of the current committee of Germans who presumably had input into the current cars.

[Batwick2]

Anybody know if and when we can order one in the UK? Dealer doesn't seem to know.