Introduction to the Bentley Continental GT Speed Hybrid
Bentley is renowned for its high-end vehicles, once a racing brand with remarkable victories, which later merged with Rolls-Royce before being reborn. Since its acquisition by the VW group, it has made an impressive comeback, thanks to the Continental GT, which combines charismatic styling, strong performance, and permanent craftsmanship. Now in its fourth generation, we have been invited to experience the art of "fine driving" in the exclusive Bentley Continental GT Speed Hybrid First Edition.
Design & Aesthetics
Bentley calls this a brand new generation, but it feels more like a visual facelift – and that’s okay. Why fix what isn’t broken? Since its debut in 2003 as a hunky-yet-elegant Grand Tourer, it has become slimmer and sportier with every generation. Still, with a length of 4,895 mm and a width of 1,966 mm, its face has individual headlights inspired by the limited Bacalar – the first of its kind since the 1950s. The rest is all radiator grille and aerial absorption, targeted but not aggressive. The body, shaped from overwhelmed aluminum, is trapped with precise wrinkles to create a muscular but limited form, while the massive 22-inch turbine wheels bring it to life like a concept car, and there is a graceful fastback roof line. The only mistake is the excessively stretched oval taillights on an otherwise perfectly executed rear design. Nevertheless, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, artistic coupés – and maybe the best extrusion of human imagination.
In addition to the luxury experience, colored puddle lamps are added that project the Bentley emblem onto the floor, and effortless soft-lock doors. Inside, the cabin feels as rich as it looks – masculine architecture that uses structured elements with a feminine touch by the best materials contained in luxury handbags. The great highlights include 3D diamond leather pads, real circular ventilation slots made of stainless steel with organ stops, and a Bentley ‘B’ on the brake pedal, showcasing Bentley’s breathtaking attention to detail.
Modern technology includes an adaptable instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is supported by physical buttons for essentials such as radio, telephone, and navigation. However, the party piece is the rotating display that flows elegantly between the touchscreen, three analog measuring devices, and an unbroken dashboard veneer.
As far as gripes are concerned, the plastic medium-piece console in wood or glass feels more in place. And the steering column could only use one centimeter more expansion for an ideal driving position. And there is no graceful way to enter the rear cabin, but your pride is safe if you know that you enter a Bentley.
Drive Train & Performance
The smooth 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 has now been banned into history. This new hybrid version retains the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo V8 and adds an electric motor of 190 hp, which delivers almost 800 hp and 1,000 NM torque to pull an 18-grade.
It begins tacitly in electric vehicle mode (EV) with a stressed range of 81 km and glides like a sedan unless it provokes it. It also claims to reach 859 km before the tank is triggered, which can be closer to 650 km in the real world. You can fill up the 25.9 kWh battery in 2H45M with an 11-kW charger or 8H30M via a household socket. In sports mode, the V8 burble awakens and grows, and throws itself from a standstill to 100 km/h without drama, tire smoke, or rear shimmer in just 3.1 seconds. And they will love the satisfactory crackling between shifts.
For something that weighs 2,459 kg, this car is incredibly quick, which is a thought to improve the scientific spirit.
The air suspension with two-valve dampers offers a composed ride – more refined than a 911 and more involved than a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Electronic all-wheel drive aid maneuverability with a rotary radius of 11.3 meters, while the electronic differential and massive tires with electronics loss ensure a confidential curve for the curve. And it also comes with some of the largest production brakes.
Functions and Functionality
The 260-liter boot is considerable for a coupé and fits into the obligatory golf bag, but the spare tire and the charging cable reduce it to the capacity of the food back. The standard audio with 650 W 10 speakers is loud at home, but the 2,200W Naim system of our test car delivers a sound in orchestral quality, although the Bluetooth playback was occasionally distorted.
The wireless Android Auto of the car worked seamlessly for navigation and apps. You can also say "Hey Bentley" to access different functions, although the system is sluggish and the VAE points are not supported. Fortunately, handwritten input worked, although slowly. In addition, the wireless telephone charger is a bit inaccessible and is in the middle. Keeping it cool is an excellent climate system, which is supported by seat ventilation and improved air.
The security features include advanced emergency braking, evasive and gym assistant, adaptive speed control, track counseling, and a 3D camera with surround view, although there are occasional lane support.
Verdict
The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed is timeless beauty as a two-door coupé. It has a cossetting cabin made from exotic materials – a playground of a designer who speaks for the money elite. The electrical drive and the air suspension provide a soft and silent refinement, while the possibility of calling all 800 horses through brilliant engineering immediately, converting this Grand Tourer into a crazy but still sophisticated sports car. Smaller errors can be swept under the carpet unless you choose long-distance stays with friends and luggage.
Good
- Beautiful body
- Exquisite materials
- Unnecessary strength and comfort
- 81 km pure electric range
Bad
- The steering column could use more adaptation
- Limited trunk
- Cramped back seats
- Expensive
Specifications
- Body type: 2+2-seater; 2-door premium high-performance luxury coupé
- Motor: Front engine; Twin turbo 4.0-liter V8 + electric motor with 25.9 kWh battery; All-wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-course DCT (automatic manual)
- Top performance: 782 PS (total system); 600 PS@6,000 rpm (ICE) + 190 PS (E-Motor) – 1,000 Nm (total system); 800 Nm@2,000 – 4,500 rpm + 450 Nm (E-Motor)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 3.2 seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 335 km/h (drag limited; claimed)
- Price: from 1,750,000 DH approx.
- Evaluation of the publisher: 8.5/10 stars
