Despite its refined and familiar body lines, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT is a markedly different vehicle. Most notably, the legendary W-12 engine has been retired, replaced by a hybrid V-8 that promises to outperform the outgoing engine in every aspect.
Additionally, Bentley has given the Continental GT a significant facelift as part of its new design philosophy, replacing the iconic quad-circle headlights with two new clusters that feature an “eyebrow” daytime running light.
The new engine and updated styling may make the Continental GT seem less distinctive compared to its competitors.
However, after spending some time driving it through the Swiss Alps, it’s evident that the Continental GT remains one of the finest all-around vehicles in the world, made even better by its new hybrid technology.
2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed Quick Specs:
- Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V-8 Hybrid
- Transmission: Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
- Output: 771 Horsepower / 738 Pound-Feet of Torque
- 0-60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds
- Base Price / As-Tested Price: $260,000 (est.) / $302,100
The twin-turbo V-8 in the 2025 Continental GT Speed displaces the same 4.0 liters as last year’s base model but generates nearly 50 more horsepower, bringing it up to 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
For the first time, this engine is paired with a 187-hp electric motor, mounted in front of the gearbox. In total, the new Speed produces 771 hp and 738 lb-ft, making it the most powerful Bentley ever.
Behind the wheel, the Continental GT’s claimed 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds feels entirely believable, despite the car’s substantial 5,421-pound curb weight.
Everything that was great about the previous V-8 is amplified here. Turbo lag has been eradicated, replaced by a sharp burst of power the moment you touch the throttle.
As speed increases, the engine delivers a steady stream of torque, pulling cleanly to the 6,800-rpm redline. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic sourced from Porsche, the car’s high performance is always within reach.
Bentley has also made the V-8 sound better than most of its counterparts, perhaps with the exception of the Lamborghini Urus.
It offers a throaty growl that you won’t hear in cars like the Porsche Panamera or Audi RS6. In Sport mode, you even get real exhaust crackles, which feel entirely appropriate for a Bentley coupe wearing a “Speed” badge.
This distinctive sound adds to the car’s allure, raising the question: Why can’t other high-performance SUVs like the Cayenne sound this good?
It’s not just about power and sound; the hybrid V-8 also surpasses the W-12 in terms of handling. The reduced weight over the front axle makes the nose feel lighter and more agile, much like in the previous GT.
Although the hybrid system adds some weight, the car’s balance is actually better than last year’s V-8 due to the rearward positioning of the 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery.
The 2025 Speed’s front end is significantly more responsive compared to any W-12 variant, making it much more willing to go into corners.
Bentley has done a fantastic job of managing the additional hybrid weight with a rear-steer system and new dual-valve dampers.
The car also features an electronic torque-vectoring limited-slip differential at the rear, which improves turn-in and allows for controlled slides when accelerating out of corners.
This hybrid V-8 powertrain outshines the W-12 in every meaningful way, but it’s clear Bentley wasn’t trying to replicate the old 12-cylinder’s character.
The W-12 had a subdued, ever-present power delivery, offering massive thrust in a smooth, almost restrained way. The new V-8 hybrid, by contrast, is sharp, quick to respond, and sounds as fierce as Bentley’s GT3 race car. It’s a definitive tonal shift for the brand.
The design evolution is just as striking. While the car’s general shape remains familiar, the front and rear have undergone substantial changes.
Most notably, the signature quad-circle headlights that have defined the Continental since 2003 are gone. In their place are centralized circles with eyeliner-like daytime running lights.
This design further distinguishes the Continental GT from its four-door sibling, the Flying Spur, which retains the quad-light setup for 2025.
Some purists may not appreciate this change, but Bentley’s design chief, Robin Page, believes it was necessary. “Round headlights can feel retro and old-fashioned,” Page told *Motor1*. “We needed to move away from that to give the Continental GT a modern expression.”
He added that customers were more concerned with retaining the grille design than the headlights. As a result, the grille remains largely unchanged, but the cabin also retains its familiar, luxurious feel.
While there are plenty of technological features, Bentley’s interior focuses on what people value most—high-quality materials and tactile, physical buttons for essential controls.
Of course, there is still plenty of modern tech inside the cabin. The digital gauge cluster allows drivers to customize their display, whether they prefer navigation, entertainment, or a set of rendered circular gauges designed to mimic analog dials.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, but for those who prefer a more classic look, Bentley offers a rotating display that can hide the screen and replace it with three analog dials.
Despite the new styling and tech upgrades, the Continental GT still excels as a grand tourer, even more so in 2025 with the addition of hybrid tech.
The battery pack provides up to 50 miles of electric-only range, making quiet, emissions-free cruising through city streets and residential areas effortless.
Switching between all-electric Bentley mode for city driving and Sport mode for high-speed bursts in the mountains feels like an enjoyable dance between luxury and performance.
While the hybrid V-8’s performance is impressive, the absence of the W-12 and the car’s controversial new looks may disappoint some fans. Plus, with a price tag higher than many homes, the new GT Speed isn’t an accessible option for most.
However, what makes the Continental GT truly exceptional goes beyond its ride quality or luxurious materials.
It’s the attention to detail in every aspect of the driving experience, from the weight of the door handles to the precise feel of the metal shift paddles. No other car combines comfort and performance as seamlessly as the Continental GT.
Since its debut 20 years ago, the Continental GT has always been in a class of its own.
The hybridized 2025 model continues that tradition, proving itself a versatile, luxurious machine capable of adapting to any driving situation—whether going through congested city streets or tearing around a racetrack. Anyone who doubts its worth should get behind the wheel. It’s likely to change their mind.