SPIED: The Bentley Continental GTC Is In Trouble NOW — NEW Shots Of The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible EXPOSED

The Bentley and the Rolls are not in the same class as the others you listed, so no, the Bentley GTC is not "in trouble." To my eyes, the GTC has classic, timeless lines while the new MB looks like another generic Mercedes: nice, trendy, pleasantly inoffensive, but very much like a lot of what we've already seen.

Actually, the Rolls Phantom Drophead isn't in the same class as the GTC, costing over 50% more, well into the stratospheric automobile price range that's on par with a nice house.

Very observant, @TheSteve.

That's exactly my point. There aren't a lot of competitors in this space, which positions the S-Class to steal the Bentley's sales as we've seen with the sedan variant eating into Bentley and Rolls' market share as it stands.

Reality is this: Some people will want to make a statement and snap up the Bentley. Some people will prefer subtlety and opt for the Mercedes. Or, people will say "holy crap this car rides better and has WAY better technology."

'00R: According to *MY* thinking...

If you're a billionaire and you want a convertible, your only real choice is the Rolls. And you get it color matched to go with your yacht, jets, and stable of other stratospherically priced and very exclusive cars.

If you're a "Big M" millionaire, worth several millions, and you want a convertible, your only real choice is the Bentley. You already have the huge garage to fit your half dozen cars, and you had an empty space, so why not?

If you're comfortably affluent, pulling down north of a couple hundred $K annually and you feel like treating yourself to a sweet convertible ride, you go to the local Mercedes dealer and get the new S-Class convertible. You've made your mark, and you feel good about it. Besides, you already like your MB S-Class sedan and your wife digs your MB SUV, so why break the trend by getting a non-silver car?

If you're aspiring to build your financial empire, and you feel like you're doing comfortably well and you want to treat yourself to a nice convertible that's a big step up from domestic and Asian cars, you get one of the other premium drop-tops on the '009 list.


At least that's the way *I* see it. Mind you, I'm not a millionaire anymore, so my view might not carry much weight. Consult your local billionaire for their opinion.

Already have, my dear friend. :)

Appreciate your commentary! Thank you!

Actually, not "wet dream" thinking.

Mercedes' S-Class has been nipping at Bentley and Rolls' market share.

I think the Benz will be a good foil for the Bentley GTC in price and execution. They seem to be the most closely aligned of all options in this category. The S Coupe is one heckuva sharp-looking car on the streets and I think the convertible version will have the same impact.

And cyberlancer, you need to do your homework, buddy. Benz dropped to #3 because it did not focus enough on developing its products at the lower end of the price range. The S-class, for instance, continued to dominate against its competitors. In addition, even in China where Benz is clearly #3, the wealthiest Chinese own more Mercedes products than Audi or BMW.

Bentley GTC has the cache' period. I don't see anyone eclipsing the Bentley name and heritage regardless of the product. (maybe RR) I've seen the S-Coupe in person and it is, truly phenomenal but for the money, its a niche car. If I was in that rare air, the Bentley is simply another step in the luxury chain.

Attention successful, male, 55 yr old, suburban orthodontists and dermatologists..time to trade in the Bentley GTC and 650i cabriolet...your new ride is here.

I can hear the gold chains already, clanking with excitement.