High-Praise Car Assessment: Bentley's Continental GT Speed Hybrid Steals the Show with Impressive Street Appeal
The new generation Bentley Continental GT, draped in opulence andpower, is an automotive aristocrat with a rich history. Originally a racing marque known for significant victories, it later merged with Rolls-Royce and was revived under the Volkswagen Group. The current iteration thrives, thanks to the Continental GT, a charismatic coupe that unites strong performance with enduring craftsmanship, now in its fourth generation.
Design & Aesthetics
Though Bentley spins it as an all-new generation, it's more of a visual facelift—a wise move since there's no need to fix what isn't broken. The Continental GT, unveiled in 2003 as a chiseled, yet elegant grand tourer, has slimmed down and grown more athletic with each generation. At 4,895mm long and 1,966mm wide, it grabs attention on the road. Its face flaunts single headlamps inspired by the limited-run Bacalar, while the rest consists of grille and air intakes. The design is purposeful but not aggressive, with a sculpted aluminum body pinched with creases that create a muscular-yet-discerning form. The massive 22-inch directional turbine wheels bring a concept car feel to life, but the stretched oval tail lamps mar an otherwise flawless rear design. Nevertheless, its beauty is beyond debate—one of the most stunning, artfully crafted coupe designs.
Enhancing the luxury experience are colorful animating puddle lamps that project the Bentley emblem, and soft-closing doors that add an air of effortless refinement. Inside, the cabin radiates luxury with a blend of masculine architecture and feminine touches through high-quality materials, some sourced from top-tier handbags. Attention to detail is staggering, with 3D diamond-stitched leather upholstery, real stainless steel circular air vents, and a Bentley 'B' on the brake pedal.
Tech-wise, the cabin hosts a customizable instrument display, along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen backed by physical buttons for essentials like radio, phone, and navigation. The star of the show, however, is the rotating display, which flips between the touchscreen, three analog gauges, and unbroken dashboard veneer. Some minor gripes include the plastic center console piece, which would look better if finished with wood or glass, and the steering column requiring an extra inch of extension for a perfect driving position. Entering the rear cabin may not be graceful, but pride is salvaged by the knowledge that one is stepping into a Bentley.
Powertrain & Performance
Adios, smooth twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12! The new hybrid model retains the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and adds a 190 PS electric motor, producing almost 800 HP and 1,000 Nm of torque—enough to haul an 18-wheeler. It starts silently in electric vehicle (EV) mode, with an 81km range, and glides like a limousine until provoked. The battery can be topped up in 2h45m with an 11kW charger or 8h30m via a household socket. In Sport mode, the V8 roars to life, and during launch control activation, this brick-like vehicle zooms from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.1 seconds, without causing a tire, drama, or rear-end shimmy, thanks to all-wheel-drive traction.
For something weighing 2,459kg, this car is shockingly swift. Minds may spin upon realizing this speed contradicts physics. The air suspension with twin-valve dampers offers a composed ride—more refined than a Porsche 911, more involving than a Rolls-Royce Spectre. Electronic all-wheel steering aids maneuverability, and the electronic limited-slip differential and massive tyres guarantee cornering with confidence. It also boasts some of the largest production brakes in the game.
Features & Functionality
The trunk offers sizeable storage for a coupe, fitting a golf bag, but drops to grocery-bag capacity due to the spare tire and charging cables. The standard 650W ten-speaker audio is theater-loud, but our test car's 2,200W eighteen-speaker Naim system delivers orchestral-quality sound, albeit with occasional Bluetooth playback distortion. The wireless Android Auto functioned flawlessly for navigation and apps, and a "Hey Bentley" voice command enabled access to various functions, although it was sluggish. Alternatively, a slow-but-effective handwritten input was available. The wireless phone charger was tucked away in the center cubby, making it a bit inconvenient to access. Adequately cooling the driver and passenger is an impressive air conditioning system, aided by seat ventilation and enhanced air ionization.
Safety features include advanced emergency braking, swerve and turn assist, adaptive cruise control, lane guidance, and a 3D surround-view camera—though lane-keeping assist occasionally wandered off course.
Verdict
The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed is timeless beauty in the form of a two-door coupe. It features a pampering cabin crafted from rare materials—a designer's playground that resonates with the moneyed elite. The electric drive and air suspension provide a plush, whisper-quiet refinement, while the ability to instantly summon 800 horses through superior engineering makes this grand tourer into a mad, yet still refined, sports car. Minor niggles can be ignored, especially for long-haul solo jaunts, but for group travels with luggage, they might become more apparent.
Pros: Stunning bodywork; exquisite materials; superfluous power and comfort; 81km pure electric range
Cons: Limited trunk space; cramped rear seats; expensive price tag
Specifications
Body type: 2+2-seater; 2-door premium high-performance luxury coupe
Engine: Front-engine; twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 + e-motor with 25.9kWh battery; all-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-speed DCT (automated manual)
Peak output: 782 PS (system total); 600 PS @ 6,000 rpm (ICE) + 190 PS (e-motor) - 1,000 Nm (system total); 800 Nm @ 2,000 - 4,500 rpm + 450 Nm (e-motor)
0 to 100kmph time: 3.2 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 335kmph (speed-limited; claimed)
Price: Starting at Dh1,750,000 (approx)
Editor's Rating: 8.5/10 stars
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- The new Bentley Continental GT's design employs a visual facelift, maintaining its original charm while slimming down and growing more athletic.
- The car's face features single headlamps inspired by the Bacalar, complemented by a grille and air intakes, creating a purposeful yet not aggressive look.
- The use of sculpted aluminum body and strategically placed creases results in a muscular-yet-discerning form, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
- Despite having impressive 22-inch directional wheels and a luxurious interior, the oval tail lamps mar an otherwise flawless rear design.
- The updated powertrain combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with a 190 PS electric motor, providing nearly 800 HP and 1,000 Nm of torque—enough to haul an 18-wheeler.
- In addition to offering luxurious comfort and powerful performance, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed is equipped with features like a customizable instrument display, wireless Android Auto, and advanced safety systems.
