Many of the extras added to our test car, such as the ceramic brakes, are unnecessary unless you plan track use, but we question why the wind deflector is an extra £405 on a convertible whose base price is already in advance of £152k. And the neck warmer. And the power close boot. And twin front arm rests. That smacks of poor value, if the term has any meaning at this level of luxury.
This Bentley is a desirable possession, but in 2014 we wonder if it’s just a bit too Old Skool, with over-the-top emissions and poor fuel consumption.
BMW’s i8, which we recently drove (here’s the review), has subtly but powerfully changed the Known Universe of luxury sports cars.
The i8 costs a third less, and has the effect of suddenly making the Bentley seem old hat. That’s no reason not to want one, or enjoy one, but the case for this sort of car is gradually diminishing. The relatively more efficient V8 keeps it in the game but is no revolution.
The Low Down…
| Doors and body style | 2-door convertible |
| Engine/gearbox | 4 litre, V8 twin-turbo petrol/ 8-Speed auto |
| CO2 Emissions | 255g/km |
| Economy | 25.8mpg |
| Power/torque | 500hp/660Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed | 4.7secs/187mph |
| Insurance group | 50 |
…and what it costs
| P11D Value | £152,900 | |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | N/A | |
| Road tax (VED) | Band L | |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2014/15 to 2016/17 | 35%, 37%, 37% | |
| Benefit in kind (BIK) 2014/15 to 2016/17 | £53,515, £56,573, £56,573 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £1519/ | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £3038/ | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £10,703/£892 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £20,706/£1726 | |
| Figures correct at time of posting | ||
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator | |
