Bentley
Continental
Porsche
Panamera
Bentley Continental vs Porsche Panamera: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche Panamera comes out ahead of the Bentley Continental on fuel economy. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Continental
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly contextual, split between profound satisfaction with the vehicle's core attributes and significant apprehension regarding long-term ownership costs. The Continental GT is consistently praised as a supremely comfortable, powerful, and luxurious grand tourer that delivers a unique, commanding presence and a "feeling of supreme luxury." It is described as a "tank" with interiors that hold up very well over time, even in high-mileage examples. However, a very strong and recurrent theme is the extreme cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts, which is characterized as a major financial liability that can quickly eclipse the car's purchase price.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Speed, Supersports) as a consensus "best version." Owner discussions reference various generations (e.g., 2003-2009, Series II 2012-2018) without clear preference. The convertible (Continental GTC) and four-door (Flying Spur) variants are mentioned as alternatives for different use cases.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor are described as "insanity," with examples including $16,000 for an infotainment unit, $24,000 per fender, $8,000 for a bumper cover, $6,000+ for air suspension refurbishment, an…
- ⚠Aging component failures: plastic hoses perishing and dumping fluids, failing headliners, and various electronic module failures in older models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Potential powertrain concerns (early W12): isolated note that early W12 engines had issues largely addressed in the Series II (2012+) models. Frequency: isolated.
Panamera
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and ownership expectations. Long-term owners of V8-powered models, particularly the GTS and Turbo variants from the second generation (2017+), frequently praise them as among the best daily drivers they have ever owned, citing a blend of exceptional performance, practicality, safety, and surprising reliability with proper maintenance. However, significant and severe criticism is directed at the E-Hybrid models, especially first-generation examples, which are described as profoundly unreliable with catastrophic electrical failures, frequent breakdowns, and extremely short hybrid battery life (reportedly 3-5 years).
Best version to buy
Second-generation (2017+) V8 models, specifically the GTS and Turbo variants. The GTS is highlighted for its intoxicating engine character and as a sweet spot in the lineup.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic E-Hybrid system failures: including complete electrical system failures, stranding owners, requiring frequent towing, and very short hybrid battery life (3-5 years). Frequency: very frequent for first-generation hybrids.
- ⚠Air suspension failures: compressor and component failures, typically occurring after 50,000-70,000 miles, with repairs costing several thousand dollars. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: extremely expensive parts (e.g., tyres, brakes), dealer service, and repairs; described as "running a £70,000 car" even when purchased used. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Porsche Panamera is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Bentley Continental, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Bentley Continental is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Bentley Continental or the Porsche Panamera?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Bentley Continental and the Porsche Panamera. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Continental or the Porsche Panamera?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Bentley Continental is classed as a Cabriolet, the Porsche Panamera as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Continental or the Porsche Panamera?
The Porsche Panamera is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.4-1.6 L/100km combined versus 10.6 L/100km for the Bentley Continental, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Bentley Continental or the Porsche Panamera?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Porsche Panamera than the Bentley Continental. See the known issues comparison above.