The world just looks so much better from inside a Bentley
and sits f lush back into the panel. My sister, who has made the Bentleys I get to drive her speciality, ran her hand along the dash and said: “This is fabulous inside. I think I like it even better than the last one.” One of the joys of a car like this is switching on the engine – in this case a 6.0-litre turbocharged W12 petrol job which starts low and growly and then starts burbling and popping as it comes to life. It is a terrific precursor of what is to come as you push the gearstick into drive and the Conti takes
It was also exceedingly comfortable and quiet.
It comes with four driving modes – Bent ley, Sport , Comfort and Individual – which offer or take away certain systems so you can drive this car exactly to your mood.
The First Edition spec adds a further £34,800 to the £159,100 price tag but gives you a lot of mood lighting and seat comfort extras as well as a head- up display, night vision and lane assist. It comes with a bird’s-eye view camera, pedestr ian warning, city assist, traffic sign recognition and a hands-free boot, as well as embroidered logos and special Mulliner details.
We took all of this in as we sped eastwards towards Dalhousie Castle – one of Scotland’s prettiest l ittle fortresses near Penicuik.
Should we go in and ask about afternoon tea? A cup of coffee perhaps? We looked at each other, then she said: “No, let’s keep driving. It’s lovely in here.”