Up to this point, the yardstick was set by the Bentley Continental GT Speed variant. Many fans will long for the potent twelve-cylinder engine, but the hybrid V8 brings a heightened level of energy in both coupe and drop-top iterations. This signifies Bentley’s first stride into electrification.
Bentley positions the latest Continental GT as the fourth iteration, even though it has not been entirely overhauled. The front end now boasts a dual-eye visage for the first time since 1950, while the revamped rear signals a comprehensive makeover of an already alluring luxury coupe. While Rolls-Royce has fully embraced electric power with the Spectre, Bentley is taking a more gradual approach, influenced by the Batur, incorporating its classic design elements and powertrain configurations.
The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Hybrid debuts a novel hybrid powertrain. Both the coupe and convertible harbor a familiar four-liter V8 powerplant with turbocharging, pumping out 441 kW (600 PS) and a peak torque of 800 Nm. This internal combustion engine is bolstered by a compact electric motor integrated into the transmission tunnel, contributing an extra 140 kW (190 PS) and 450 Nm. The amalgamated output yields a hybrid system producing 575 kW (782 PS) and 1,000 Nm of torque, managing a substantial 2.5-ton curb weight. The 25.9 kWh battery pack facilitates either pure electric motoring or electric motor supplementation.
Internally, the Bentley Continental GT Hybrid prototype exhibits sophisticated luxury, unmatched artisanship, and ample roominess. The vehicle commences in pure electric mode before spirited runs on a hilly testing circuit above Barcelona. The noticeable heft is apparent, but the low center of gravity, assisted by the rear-positioned battery pack, enhances weight distribution (49:51). Despite the weight, the potent braking system and all-wheel-drive setup ensure nimble handling.
The braking system of the car boasts ten pistons with a 420mm diameter at the front axle and four pistons with a 380mm diameter at the rear. The supplemental thrust from the electric motor at low revs is discernible, elevating acceleration performance. Bentley retains the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, favoring dynamic driving dynamics over a more leisurely automatic alternative. The limited-slip differential and torque vectoring contribute to the vehicle’s agile capabilities.
The all-wheel-drive Bentley can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, with a maximal velocity limited to 335 km/h, matching the previous Continental Speed model. The GT Hybrid can achieve an electric-only driving range of up to 80 kilometers, at speeds reaching 160 km/h, with an official fuel efficiency of 10.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Charging the battery at a standard station takes 2.45 hours, and when fully charged, it provides an impressive range of over 850 kilometers.
The drop-top variant, weighing in at over 2.6 tons, boasts slightly different figures, with a maximum speed restricted to 285 km/h. The production of the fourth-generation model with a hybrid powertrain and eight cylinders will continue at Bentley’s primary facility in Crewe, UK, with the 100,000th unit anticipated early next year. The hybrid Continental GT signifies a timely progression towards Bentley’s electrification ambitions.
