Bentley’s sector-defining Continental GT has started 2024 by attaining two significant awards, as Best Car in two major European markets. The definitive Grand Tourer has been elected by the readers in Germany and in Switzerland.
In Germany, the class-leading Bentley Continental GT has won the ‘Best Cars’ title at the Auto Motor und Sport awards for a third consecutive year. More than 92,000 readers took part in the 48th annual poll, choosing from a record 455 cars in 13 categories. Despite strong competition, Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer was selected winner of the prestigious luxury import category.
In Switzerland, the Continental GT received the title of ‘Best Car’ in the luxury class, elected by the readers of Auto Illustrierte for the first time ever. Readers took part in the election, choosing from 422 cars in 13 categories.
The exquisitely-crafted Continental GT created the modern, luxury Grand Tourer segment when it was first launched in 2003. Now in its third generation, the Continental GT offers a unique blend of unparalleled touring ability and driver-focussed technologies, features that again impressed the readers.
These awards are a fitting finale for the last, combustion-engined Continental GT models offered in Europe. Last November, Bentley Motors announced that order books for V8 versions of the Continental GT and GTC had closed in the European region, although they remain available in other markets. The move is in line with the company’s ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy that will see every Bentley model offered with the option of a hybrid variant by 2025. Production of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine will also end in 2024, with more than 100,000 units handbuilt in Crewe.
Balazs Rooz, Regional Director of Bentley Motors Europe, said:
“We are extremely honoured to win the Auto Motor und Sport award for a third consecutive year and for the first time an award with Auto Illustrierte. It is especially pleasing given that the Continental GT was chosen ‘Best Car’ in a competitive basket by magazine readers themselves. It is a great recognition of all the work done by the different teams back in Crewe for the Continental GT especially popular as a Grand Tourer in Europe.”