Styling/image

‘Proles drive in Rolls, goes the adage, and gents drive in Bents. When you want the world to know you've made it, few cars say it more definitively than this. What's more, the 6.0-litre, 600bhp Continental GT Speed variant is the more powerful production model Bentley's ever made.

Interior/practicality

As one would expect from a vehicle carrying a £141,300 price tag, the cabin is the automotive equivalent of a six-star hotel. It's the byword for luxury although there are a few jarring elements such as the air vents and clock. However, these are arguably traditional features which add to the character. Massive, supremely comfortable front seats and a 370-litre boot capacity add to the appeal.

Engine/performance

It seems a pity that the massive potential of the W12 powerplant is unlikely to be exploited to its full potential in the UK. However as the name suggests this is a car bred for long-distance Continental touring, and the urge to let rip on the German autobahn, which has no upper speed limit, is irresistible. Max speed is 202mph and 0-60mph for the 2,800kg GT takes an astonishing 4.3 seconds.

Ownership costs

Maintaining such a vehicle isn't going to come cheap, and depreciation for such luxurious cars is usually dire. However, the GT holds on to a healthy 58 per cent of its new value after three years, so the range-topping Speed is likely to follow suit. There's no escaping the running costs, however - the best you can expect is 24.3mpg on the extra-urban cycle and only 11.2mpg in town. Just as well there's a 90-litre tank.

Safety/environment

The GT Speed has not been tested by Euro NCAP. There are, however, plenty of airbags on board as well as every driver aid you might think of. Emissions are 396g/km: welcome to Band M and a £405 VED bill. The Crewe firm is keen to improve its green record though and, at the Geneva show in March, it announced the biofuel W12-powered Continental Supersports, capable of 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. It's due later this year.