The 2025 Bentley Continental GT has been unveiled, showcasing a plug-in-hybrid V-8 powertrain that makes it the most powerful road car Bentley has ever produced. The new Continental GT Speed features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 771 horsepower. This significant upgrade in power is accompanied by the added weight of a 25.9-kWh battery, resulting in a curb weight of 5,421 pounds for the coupe and an additional 390 pounds for the convertible version.
Despite the weight increase, the new Continental GT boasts remarkable performance. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds for the coupe and 3.2 seconds for the convertible, with the coupe achieving a top speed of 208 mph. The hybrid system also provides an estimated electric-only range of over 30 miles, highlighting its efficiency alongside its powerful performance.
The exterior design of the new Continental GT Speed includes subtle yet impactful updates. The car maintains its elegant proportions, with a slight increase in length to 192.7 inches. New design elements include single headlamps with a linear running light, referred to as “eyebrows,” and larger taillights with a three-dimensional diamond pattern. These changes mark the first road-going Bentley with single headlamps since the 1950s.
Inside, the Continental GT Speed offers a luxurious and high-tech environment. The interior features carbon-fiber components, a redesigned digital instrument cluster, and the option of a rotating center display that alternates between a 12.3-inch touchscreen, analogue gauges, and a piece of handcrafted veneer. New color and trim options, including a “Dark Chrome” pack, enhance the cabin’s sophistication. Three audio systems are available, with the top-tier Naim system delivering an impressive 2200 watts through 18 speakers.
The hybrid powertrain is the most significant advancement in the 2025 Continental GT. The 4.0-liter V-8 engine alone generates 584 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor adds 187 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This combination results in a total output of 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor can propel the car at speeds up to 87 mph and contributes to the vehicle’s improved weight distribution, now 48:52 front to rear.
The new Continental GT Speed retains many dynamic features from its predecessor, including air springs, dual-valve adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and 48-volt anti-roll bars. The car is equipped with an electronically controlled center differential and torque vectoring capabilities for enhanced handling. The onboard battery can be recharged in under three hours using an 11-kW charger, allowing for significant electric-only driving.
Production of the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed and its convertible counterpart, the GTC, is set to begin in the third quarter of this year. Pricing details are expected to be announced soon, as the new model prepares to deliver a blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
Elizabeth Puckett