Keeping Up With the Digital Age
Some car designs, such as the Ferrari F40, are just timeless. What’s not aging as well is in-car technology, which is more apparent today as more new models are becoming “software-defined.” This could make older cars less appealing, but over at Bentley, the British luxury marque is already on top of things.
Bentley is introducing a factory-backed infotainment upgrade for its second-generation Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur models. It is a similar initiative to those offered by other luxury automakers, which makes sense, given that owners get to enjoy modern digital technology while preserving the craftsmanship and refinement of older cars. Porsche is also doing the same with older 911s and other models through its expanded Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus) program.
A Touch of Modernity
The second-gen Continental GT arrived in 2011 before being succeeded in 2018, while the second-gen Flying Spur ran from 2013 to 2019. With this new factory-backed tech upgrade, eligible models can receive a new 9.7-inch touchscreen with 2K resolution, updated maps with 2D and 3D navigation, improved voice commands, and SiriusXM compatibility in the U.S.
Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of the package, which are welcome additions, given that almost everyone has a smartphone these days, let alone people who can afford a Bentley. These infotainment upgrades help modernize older vehicles without forcing owners to depend on aftermarket solutions.
One potential drawback is that this upgrade replaces the dedicated physical climate controls. Volkswagen was criticized for adopting touch-sensitive controls before deciding to bring back physical buttons, with VW CEO Thomas Schäfer admitting the move was a mistake. So it would be interesting to see how that pans out in eligible Bentleys, as the physical controls are likely part of their old-school appeal.
Luxury Without the Lag
Bentley didn’t disclose pricing in the press release but encouraged interested owners to contact their retailers about the upgrade.
This factory-backed upgrade could also help Bentley avoid criticism that its infotainment systems feel outdated for a luxury brand. That’s something Aston Martin experienced before introducing its first in-house infotainment system in 2023. The system later became the first to support the advanced yet polarizing Apple CarPlay Ultra in 2025. Bentley said its new package brings 2026-era infotainment technology to eligible cars.
