2025 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED IS AN ELECTRIFIED BEAST
Bentley is not messing around. With the potent W12 engine taking a bow due to the stringent emissions regulations, the company is charging full speed ahead into the world of hybrid powertrains. The result is Bentley’s most powerful road-going vehicle yet. The new Continental GT Speed is a stunning two-door coupe that somewhat miraculously blends supercar performance with handcrafted luxury and adds a side of everyday usability for an automotive experience like no other.
Bentley Goes Green
Well, technically, it does. The new hybrid system isn’t what you might call revolutionary. And if the specs sound familiar – that’s because they are. Porsche Panamera and Lamborghini Urus SE already use this setup, but that’s a good thing. That means Bentley gets a tried and tested powerhouse with a 25.9 kWh battery tucked away at the rear.
This battery powers an electric motor that’s squeezed between the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and the twin-clutch eight-speed auto transmission. The motor itself pushes out just over 187 horsepower, and its 332 lb-ft of torque provides extra oomph at lower engine speed. It helps to smooth out gear changes, and if required, it can power the Bentley on its own for up to 50 miles. The eco credentials get a big fat tick with this setup and keep the eco-warriors happy.
The V8 engine is the star of the show here. With upgraded single-scroll turbochargers and high-pressure fuel injection, this beauty now makes 592 horsepower with 590 lb-ft of torque. In total, the new hybrid setup delivers 779 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to push the new Continental GT Speed to 208 mph and to deal with the zero to 60 sprint in just 3.1 seconds.
Comprehensive Upgrade
Bentley did not stop at a subtle facelift. Yes, there are the new single headlamps that clearly draw inspiration from the Bacalar. The rear lights are just intricate pieces of jewelry, mesmerizing those stuck behind the new Continental GT. The interior is as lavish as always, with highest grades of leather, wood and composites that will suit even the most discerning tastes.
For the first time in Continental GT history, the car boasts a rear-biased weight distribution. The battery placement shifts the weight balance to 49:51 split towards the rear. A tail-happy Bentley, anyone? The Speed comes with rear-wheel steering as standard and active anti-roll bars to make sure it stays flat through the corners. Add to it the new twin-valve dampers with individual compression and rebound adjustment coupled with two-chamber air springs and the new Speed sounds like a proper driver’s car.
If you find the Coupe a little too claustrophobic, there’s the open-top GTC Speed version coming as well. The speed demons won’t be impressed with its top-end limited to 177 mph, but it’s a small compromise for the added style. Bentley hasn’t confirmed the prices yet, but the last version started at just over $303,000 for the Coupe, and the Convertible was $30,000 extra. We expect to see a sizable price bump, considering the hybrid powertrain and its battery. But, in the world of luxury and performance, Bentley Continental GT Speed is a thoroughbred, and those don’t exactly come cheap.
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