Bentley Continental GT First Edition Previewed in KL

Just a few weeks after the launch of the all-new Bentley Continental GT, we were invited for a preview of the First Edition variant of the ultra-luxurious grand tourer model. While the First Edition is a limited run variant, it is also a showcase of the various options and features that can be specified with the Continental GT.

From the outside, it may not be immediately obvious that the First Edition is wildly different from a regular Continental GT, although the most obvious indicator would be a pair of stylized Union Jack badges - one on each fender. There are no loud liveries or odd exterior trim pieces here, which falls in line with the character of the Continental GT.

Open the doors and you'll find few subtleties on the inside as well. Some First Edition scuff plates and a badge on the dashboard are the last of the immediately obvious, while the dual-tone veneer trim sports Grand Black as one of its contrast colours, which is unique and exclusive to the First Edition variants. The quilting is a little more defined than usual courtesy of contrasting colours.

Much in the same way a Porsche 911 GTS is a 911 Carrera S with all the options thrown in, this First Edition variant ticks nearly all the boxes - especially this particular unit in Sequin Blue. It comes with the Mulliner Driving Specification - 22-inch alloy wheels, jewel-studded oil and fuel filler caps, and sportier pedals - along with a 2,200 watt Naim sound system. For reference, the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is regarded as a mid-tier option.

In addition to this, both the City Specification and Touring Specification equipment lists are thrown into the mix. Everything from hands-free boot operation, to active safety systems, to adaptive cruise control with jam assist, and even a night-vision camera are fitted to the First Edition as standard. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is the Bentley Rotating Display, which alternates between a 3-gauge display on wood trim and a more modern full touch screen.

As for the rest of the car, it remains mechanically identical to the run-of-the-mill Continental GT. The same robust turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine sits up front with a whopping 626 hp and 900 Nm of torque, as is the same 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the all-wheel drive system. Air suspension comes as standard, with much gadgetry between the chassis and the wheels to help control its over-2-tonne body weight.

One would expect a special edition model to come with an extremely special price, but the First Edition clocks in at just shy of an estimated RM 2.2 million - which is roughly RM 300,000 more than a regular Continental GT. For the kind of customer this is aimed at and in this price bracket, the difference is not as significant as one would expect.