2025 Bentley Continental GT

Described by its makers as a new, fourth-generation model, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT high-luxury, grand-touring coupe might also be considered a third-gen car with a radical revamp. Every Bentley is virtually handmade and, according to how the client wants it kitted out, a one-off. Such exclusivity costs money, but what’s the point of being splendidly rich and not enjoying something as wonderful as a new Bentley Continental GT? That’s our attitude, anyway.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of high-horsepower coupes, including the Bentley Continental GT.

The erstwhile W12 engine of the Continental GT Speed has been replaced by a 771-hp plug-in hybrid drivetrain — the same one found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (Bentley and Porsche are both owned by the same company that also includes Volkswagen, Audi, and Lamborghini). It’s also had a few minor styling tweaks, most notably going from a double-headlight design to singles.

Regarding alternatives, the Aston Martin Vanquish and new-for-2025 Ferrari 12Cilindri coupes should appeal to any potential Continental GT buyer — even if they do cost more than $100K above the Bentley’s starting price, and accommodate just two occupants. One thing to also keep in mind is that Bentley offers plenty of opportunities for personalization, which will push up that final tally at a rapid rate. If this is all a bit too stratospherically expensive, the Maserati GranTurismo starts below $200K.

Calling it the Speed wasn’t whimsical. The 2025 Continental GT Speed will swoop from standstill to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and hit a maximum velocity of 208 mph. This would be impressive for a lightweight sports car. The Continental GT weighs 2.7 tons.

Such rapidity is the result of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 working with an electric motor to create an awesome 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard.

Rival cars still like to use 12-cylinder engines. The Aston Martin Vanquish, for example, rumbles with 823 hp and hits 60 mph in about the same time as this Bentley. The new Ferrari 12Cilindri makes a glorious 819 hp without any form of turbocharging or supercharging and might just be the fastest to 60 mph in this crowd.

Befitting its grand tourer status, the Continental GT has an air suspension, enhanced by active anti-roll bars front and rear. This setup allows the car to be sweetly supple or cooly capable. Standard rear-wheel steering makes it feel smaller and more nimble than a conveyance of this heft would suggest, while overall dynamics also benefit from an electronic limited-slip differential and torque vectoring.

The top Continental GT Mulliner model has the same drivetrain as the Speed. We’ll update this review when information on the Black Edition becomes available.

Range/Charging

The GT Speed’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain enables an electric-only range of around 40 miles. A full battery replenishment takes about 2.75 hours using a fast charger. We’ll update once the official figures come in. Premium gasoline is required.

We’ve all seen lovely interiors like those found in Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Bentley is on an entirely higher level, exhibiting craftsmanship and materials commensurate with such lofty prices.

The Continental GT is a 4-seater without the usual little middle seat in the back. Tall adults aren’t going to be too thrilled about the 32.1 inches of rear legroom, but the Continental GT isn’t meant to be a limo. It’s not meant to be a luggage hauler, either, with just 9.2 cubic feet of trunk space — less than a typical compact sedan.

The more we look at this refreshed Continental GT, the more we like it. Seeing single headlights where double headlights used to be took a little getting used to, but now we’re on board. Overall, we think the Continental GT still has that same mix of authority and athleticism it’s always had. There’s also a convertible version, the 2025 Bentley Continental GTC, which we review separately.

Choice

Bentley offers 18 paint finishes for starters, with bespoke colors available on request. The company also has 15 standard shades for all the leather that will eventually make its way into the Continental GT’s sumptuous cabin. Then there’s a choice of wood trims. Or explore the Mulliner personalization program to have everything exactly so, at a price.

Infotainment system

Although Bentley represents traditional high-end British automotive values, it enjoys contemporary tech as well. The infotainment system has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, gesture control, and the ability to download third-party apps. It also responds to voice commands — start off with “Hey, Bentley.”

Rotating display

We think this is a cool option. One side is a 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment screen. Press a button and the whole unit rotates to show a row of three analog dials. Press again to select a panel of the same veneer as the rest of the dashboard, be it wood or carbon fiber.

Plug-in hybrid

It was inevitable, we suppose, that an electric motor would find its way into the Bentley Continental GT. This motor and the battery add weight to an already chunky car, but the hike in power (up from last year’s 650 hp) and the ability to travel a decent distance (about 40 miles) are positive aspects.

Remote Park Assist

A big car like the Continental GT isn’t always easy to maneuver into a space, so this self-parking feature can take the stress out of the situation.

Bang & Olufsen audio

This is only the first option in sound systems, a 16-speaker/1,500-watt setup that should be just fine. We’ve heard plenty of B&O stuff and would gladly have it in our own cars.

Naim audio

Then again, one of the finest British cars deserves one of the finest British sound systems. Like the Continental GT Speed’s seemingly effortless propulsion, this setup from Naim thrusts 2,200 watts through 18 speakers. Plus a pair of “kinesthetic shakers” set into the front seats, so the music isn’t just heard, it’s also felt.

On the gasoline side of the Continental GT Speed’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain (also in the Mulliner version) is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. In tandem with an electric motor, total output is a considerable 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. This goes to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

3-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty

Bentley’s new car and powertrain warranties last three years, no matter how many miles the driver has clocked up. The first scheduled service is free within one year or 10,000 miles.

Safety

Standard safety features in the 2025 Continental GT include automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. A head-up display and night vision are also available.