2018 Bentley Continental
2018 Bentley Continental
Overview
The 2018 Bentley Continental GT represents a pinnacle of luxury grand touring, offering potent performance and exquisite craftsmanship. Reliability for this model year is generally strong, reflecting Bentley’s commitment to high-quality engineering and materials. While individual component failures are rare, potential owners should be aware of the sophisticated nature of the vehicle, which can lead to higher repair costs for any issues that do arise. The focus is on maintaining the exceptional driving experience and luxurious interior, with most reported concerns revolving around the advanced technological systems and the sheer power of its drivetrains.
Engine
6.0L Twin-Turbo W12
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Suspension
Adaptive Air Suspension
Air Spring Leaks
- Symptoms: Vehicle may sag on one corner, uneven ride height, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of leaking air spring or associated seals.
- Cost: $800 - $1500 per corner
Electrical
Infotainment System
Software Glitches
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsive touch controls, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software update or reset; in rare cases, replacement of the head unit.
- Cost: $300 - $1200
Battery Drain
Parasitic Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory) and repair or replacement.
- Cost: $200 - $800
Exterior
Body Panels & Paint
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Lighting Systems
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Leather Upholstery & Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Climate Control System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2018 Bentley Continental GT demonstrates a high level of reliability, characteristic of its luxury segment. The W12 and V8 engines, along with the 8-speed automatic transmission, are robust and have few documented widespread issues. The primary areas where minor concerns have been noted are the adaptive air suspension, which can develop leaks over time, and the sophisticated electrical system, particularly the infotainment unit, which may experience occasional software glitches. While these issues are not pervasive, owners should budget for potential repairs, as parts and labor for a Bentley are premium. Overall, the Continental GT offers a dependable and exhilarating ownership experience for those prepared for the associated costs of maintaining a high-performance luxury vehicle.