Bentley Continental GT

USCar Trader import service

Import this model from the USA or Canada

Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.

Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

CarHub · Bentley

Bentley Continental GT

The Continental GT is the car that turned Bentley from a low-volume coachbuilder into a genuine luxury-performance marque, and the United States has always been its single largest market.

Body style
Details (typical, by generation): 2-door grand tourer coupe (4 seats)
Generations
Details (typical, by generation): 1st 2003-2011, 2nd 2011-2018, 3rd 2018-2024
Engine A
Details (typical, by generation): 6.0 L twin-turbo W12 petrol
Engine B
Details (typical, by generation): 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 petrol (from 2012)
Bentley Continental GT

Model profile

Model history and generations

Model history and generations

The first-generation Continental GT (2003-2011) launched the modern Bentley era on Volkswagen Group underpinnings, defined by its 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12. The second generation (2011-2018) sharpened the styling, added a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from 2012, and switched to a smoother eight-speed automatic.

Powertrain and equipment

Engines, drivetrain and trims

Engines and drivetrain

Two engine families dominate. The 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo produced roughly 552 to 626 hp depending on year and Speed variant, delivering effortless, seamless thrust and the model's signature character.

Which trim makes sense

The Continental GT is the two-door coupe; its convertible sibling is sold as the Continental GTC. Within the coupe range you will find the standard GT, the more focused GT Speed, and W12 or V8 / V8 S badges.

Vehicle selection

North American market and suitability

Supply on the US market

Supply is strong across California, Florida, Texas and the New York area.

Who benefits from importing

A US-sourced Continental GT suits the buyer who wants a genuinely fast, comfortable grand tourer and understands luxury-car running costs.

Vehicle data

Technical data by generation and specification

Body and dimensions

Body styleDetails (typical, by generation): 2-door grand tourer coupe (4 seats)
LengthDetails (typical, by generation): approx. 4.80-4.85 m
Kerb weightDetails (typical, by generation): approx. 2,150-2,350 kg
SeatingDetails (typical, by generation): 2+2

Engine and drivetrain

Engine ADetails (typical, by generation): 6.0 L twin-turbo W12 petrol
Engine BDetails (typical, by generation): 4.0 L twin-turbo V8 petrol (from 2012)
Power (W12)Details (typical, by generation): approx. 552-626 hp
Power (V8)Details (typical, by generation): approx. 500-550 hp
TorqueDetails (typical, by generation): approx. 650-900 Nm depending on engine
TransmissionDetails (typical, by generation): 6-speed auto / 8-speed auto / 8-speed dual-clutch
DrivetrainDetails (typical, by generation): All-wheel drive
FuelDetails (typical, by generation): Petrol (premium)

Model and other data

GenerationsDetails (typical, by generation): 1st 2003-2011, 2nd 2011-2018, 3rd 2018-2024
0-100 km/hDetails (typical, by generation): approx. 3.6-4.5 s (variant dependent)
Top speedDetails (typical, by generation): approx. 300-333 km/h

Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.

Pre-purchase review

Model-specific inspection points

Known weak points and maintenance

Continental GT reliability is acceptable for a hand-built luxury car, but the weak points are predictable and can be costly. On W12 cars, ignition coils and coil packs fail with age, and oil and coolant weeps around the valley of the engine are common. Air suspension is the single biggest recurring expense: compressors and struts wear, and warning messages should never be dismissed as trivial.

Germany and Europe

Differences, adaptation and registration

US and EU spec compared

US-market cars run amber front side markers and different rear lighting, and they do not carry a rear fog lamp as standard — both items are typically addressed for German registration.

TÜV, modifications and registration

Typical changes for German approval are the front and rear lighting (side markers, rear fog lamp, sometimes headlight beam pattern) and confirmation of the odometer reading in kilometres or its correct conversion.

USCar Trader services

Inspection, purchase processing and escrow

As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.

  • Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
  • Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
  • On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
  • Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
  • Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.

Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.

Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.

Import process

Import, customs, costs and delivery

The import process in detail

The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.

Questions and answers

Common questions about importing this model

Should I import a W12 or a V8 Continental GT?

The W12 offers the classic Bentley character and effortless pace; the V8 is lighter over the nose, more economical and generally cheaper to maintain. For a used import with an eye on running costs, many buyers prefer the V8.

Is the Continental GT reliable enough to import from the USA?

It can be a dependable grand tourer if you buy one with documented servicing. The known weak points — air suspension, coils, brakes — are manageable when maintenance has been kept up.

Does this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?

No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

What mileage is acceptable on an imported Continental GT?

Service history matters more than the odometer. A higher-mileage car with full records is often safer than a low-mileage car with gaps.

How is the car transported from the USA?

Usually by container ship from a US port to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam, which protects the paint and interior during the crossing.

What needs changing for German registration?

Mainly lighting — side markers and a rear fog lamp — plus the individual approval (Einzelabnahme) and registration formalities.

Can I choose a specific colour and specification?

Yes. The American market offers a much wider range of hide, veneer and equipment combinations than typical European used stock.

Does USCar Trader sell the car to me directly?

No. We act as an independent broker and intermediary for used US vehicles; we source, check and organise the import on your behalf.

More vehicles