8 Minutes
Meet the new Continental GT Speed
The fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed arrives with a clear brief: be faster, smarter and more refined than ever. It replaces the venerable W12 with a sophisticated hybrid setup and, despite carrying roughly 200kg more than the outgoing third‑generation model, manages to feel lighter on its feet. For enthusiasts and luxury buyers alike, this GT reshapes expectations for what a modern grand tourer can be.
Heart of the machine: the hybrid powertrain
Bentley has paired a 4.0-litre twin‑turbo V8 with a potent electric motor to create a compelling hybrid system. The petrol V8 alone delivers strong power, while the electric motor contributes instant torque and added punch at low speeds. Together, the system peaks at around 771 bhp and roughly 1,000 Nm of torque, numbers that position the GT Speed as the most powerful Bentley grand tourer to date.
Key drivetrain highlights:
- 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus electric motor
- Combined system output approximately 771 bhp
- Peak torque near 1,000 Nm
- Eight‑speed dual‑clutch transmission with active all‑wheel drive
Bentley claims a 0–60 mph sprint in about 3.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed close to 208 mph when the car remains on full power. The battery pack is sizable for a luxury hybrid grand tourer, enabling an all‑electric range in the region of 50 miles under ideal conditions and supporting AC charging to full in under three hours on an 11 kW charger.
Driving character: composed aggression
Behind the wheel the GT Speed balances two seemingly contradictory traits: effortless long‑distance comfort and sharp, visceral performance when provoked. In Comfort mode the car relaxes into the role of a true grand tourer — silent acceleration, supple ride and discreet power delivery. Flip to Sport and the car tightens up noticeably. Throttle response becomes crisper, the exhaust valves open for a more assertive soundtrack and the whole chassis feels primed and ready.
The combination of an electronic limited‑slip differential, torque vectoring and 48V active anti‑roll bars keeps body roll under control and helps the car change direction with surprising agility for a 2.4‑tonne machine. Rear‑wheel steering, recalibrated for Sport settings, gives the GT a smaller turning radius feel and boosts confidence mid‑corner. In practice the hybrid battery's clever packaging provides a near 50:50 weight balance — Bentley quotes a roughly 49:51 front‑to‑rear split — which is fundamental to the car's composed behavior.
On-road impressions
- The GT Speed feels light-footed through tighter bends compared with larger Bentleys such as the Flying Spur Speed.
- Air suspension with updated twin dampers soaks bumps efficiently while maintaining body control.
- The car can route 100% of drive to the rear axle for a more engaging rear-drive sensation when required.
Drivers who crave pace without losing civility will appreciate how the GT blends dynamic ability with refinement. The transitions between drive modes are more pronounced than in prior GTs, underlining just how broad the car's performance envelope has become.
Design updates: modern cues, classic lineage
From a styling perspective the latest Continental is wider and sits lower than its predecessor, lending it a stronger road presence. One of the most conspicuous changes is the departure from Bentley's iconic twin‑headlight arrangement. The new single headlamp clusters, finished with a crystal‑cut diamond effect and a pronounced eyebrow, update the front end while contributing to a sleeker silhouette.
Wheel choices and finishes emphasize the GT Speed's sporting intent; 22‑inch dark‑tint 'Speed' wheels complement the broader stance. Subtle aerodynamic tweaks and tighter panel gaps further differentiate the Speed from lesser trims, marrying aerodynamic efficiency with visual drama.
Interior: opulence with performance cues
Step inside and the GT Speed continues Bentley's tradition of luxurious craftsmanship while injecting subtle performance references. The cabin I sampled featured Saddle leather with Beluga accents and tasteful gloss black trim. Optional contrasting stitching and seat piping elevate the tailored feel; an engine‑turned aluminium fascia remains available for those seeking a more technical aesthetic, finished here in a darker tint that tempers its flashiness.
A signature Bentley highlight endures: the rotating center display. The 12.3‑inch high‑definition screen occupies one face of a three‑sided module that turns to reveal analogue dials or a clean veneer on demand. It's both a tactile luxury and a pragmatic solution to reduce night-time distraction without sacrificing tech.
Interior highlights:
- Hand‑stitched leather and bespoke trim options
- Rotating 12.3‑inch display for flexible cockpit ambience
- Extensive personalization via Mulliner options
Technical package and charging
The generous 25.9 kWh battery sits low in the chassis for improved packaging and balance. Bentley quotes an AC charging time to full of around 2 hours 45 minutes on an 11 kW wallbox, making overnight or daytime top-ups practical for owners who plan to use the EV capability regularly.
Safety, comfort and handling are amplified by a raft of electronic systems: adaptive air suspension with twin dampers, active anti‑roll bars, rear‑wheel steering and a sophisticated stability and traction control suite. All these components work together to mask the hybrid mass and deliver a dynamic personality that belies the GT's kerb weight.
Pricing and market position
Bentley positions the new Continental GT lineup to address both traditional customers and buyers moving toward electrified luxury. Entry prices for the base GT start in the low six‑figure range, with the GT Speed demanding a premium for its Ultra‑Performance hybrid setup and performance upgrades. Convertible GTC variants carry an extra cost depending on trim and options, while Mulliner editions provide further bespoke touches at an added premium.
In short, the Continental GT Speed is pitched at buyers who want the ultimate performance GT experience without sacrificing the hallmark refinement and personalization Bentley offers.
What’s next for Bentley?
Bentley has signaled a broader pivot toward electrification. A fully electric, smaller 'Luxury Urban SUV' is expected to arrive in the coming years, aimed at expanding the brand's customer base with a more compact and potentially more attainable model than the Bentayga.
Meanwhile, Bentley is preparing limited‑run variants aimed at purists: a lighter, more extreme GT derivative is rumored, possibly bearing a Supersport nameplate and emphasizing weight reduction through carbon fiber and a more driver‑focused rear‑wheel setup. While peak power may be similar to the current GT, the reduced mass and rear drive bias could yield an especially lively experience.
Conclusion: a new chapter for the GT
The fourth‑generation Continental GT Speed is a persuasive evolution of Bentley's grand tourer formula. By embracing a potent hybrid powertrain, the Speed gains outright performance, electric range for urban use and a refined demeanor for long‑distance cruising. Its handling is sharper, its design is more assertive and its cabin remains a benchmark for luxury.
For buyers wondering whether the loss of the W12 was a step too far, the GT Speed answers with a performance and refinement package that feels both modern and true to Bentley's sporting heritage. The result is a grand tourer that accelerates harder, steers truer and still delivers the serenity expected from the marque. In a market increasingly defined by electrification, the Continental GT Speed demonstrates how hybrid technology can elevate, rather than dilute, the essence of a luxury performance car.
Highlights:
- 771 bhp combined power, around 1,000 Nm torque
- 0–60 mph circa 3.1 seconds and limited top speed near 208 mph
- Approximately 50 miles electric range and 25.9 kWh battery
- 49:51 weight distribution and advanced chassis tech
Whether as a long‑distance cruiser or an eager canyon companion, the Continental GT Speed stands out as a milestone for Bentley and a compelling option in the premium hybrid grand tourer segment.
Source: autoevolution
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