Words: Jonathan Wells
Inspired by the world of luxury yachts – something Gentleman’s Journal knows a thing or two about – Bentley have roared back into the spotlight with their latest limited edition. Named the Galene Edition, after the mythical Greek goddess of calm seas for those of you not in the know, this newest Continental GT is sleek, suave and the closest you’ll come to a land-going yacht.
Bentley don’t shy away from a challenge. From bespoke orders to weird and wonderful modifications, the British automaker gives its more outlandish projects to modification division Mulliner. Established over 100 years ago, the coach builder has produced many exclusive vehicles for Bentley, from a Fly Fishing Edition Bentayga to this newest yacht-inspired Continental.
Bentley sought the assistance of luxury boatbuilders Princess Yachts in their design and production of the Galene Edition – and there are several features that are derivative of the cars’ sea-faring cousins. For starters, the bright white paintwork gives the car an overall nautical feel, which is accentuated by the blue highlights – most notably the plimsoll line, of sorts.
Huge 21-inch polished wheels are designed to evoke the propellers that drive yachts along in the water, and the convertible hood that covers the cabin is dark blue, to imitate the canopies found on many yachts. Inside, the design quirks continue The cabin is fully upholstered in linen and the dashboard is adorned with hand painted illustrations of the vessels.
And, if that wasn’t enough, Mulliner have actually created a new material specifically for the Galene Edition. Dubbed ‘Pinstripe Walnut’, this open-pore wood is used across the centre stack and console, tread plates and as a boot lining – giving the whole vehicle a yacht-varnished look.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that, with all its glitz, the Galene Edition may have skimped on performance. After all, who’s going to care how quickly their car can accelerate when it looks this good? But, true to form, Bentley have spared no expense in making this land yacht fly, and the stats are impressive to say the least.
Powered by the automaker’s 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, the Galene Edition will take you from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds, and cruise on up to a top speed of 198mph. So, whilst it’s glacier white looks may bely a slower cruising speed, speed-wise the Galene Edition blows all other yachts out of the water.
There’s no costing as of yet with the Galene Edition, so if you were looking to put in an order to buy a baby brother for your superyacht, we’re going to have to disappoint you. But, with such decadent design and given the price history of Mulliner’s Continental GTs, we’d guess around £150,000. But up anchor and make your move quickly – this is just one of a handful of limited edition Continental GTs that will be produced before the brand relaunches the model next year.
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