The automotive world stands at a fascinating crossroads where traditional luxury craftsmanship meets cutting-edge electrification technology, and nowhere is this transition more evident than in Bentley’s reimagined Continental GT. As the model that single-handedly revitalized the storied British marque over two decades ago, the Continental GT has consistently represented the pinnacle of grand touring excellence. Now, as we examine the latest iteration for 2025, Bentley has fundamentally transformed this icon by introducing a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain that replaces the legendary W12 engine. This isn’t merely an incremental update—it represents a comprehensive rethinking of what a modern luxury GT should deliver. With 771 horsepower on tap, near-perfect weight distribution, and the ability to glide silently through city streets on electric power alone, the new Continental GT promises to redefine expectations for this segment while maintaining the opulent character that has made it a favorite among discerning enthusiasts worldwide.
Fourth-generation continental GT architecture and W12 powertrain evolution
The transformation of the Continental GT for 2025 centers on a revolutionary shift in its fundamental architecture. While Bentley maintains that approximately 68 percent of components are entirely new, the underlying structure continues to utilize the MSB platform shared with Porsche’s Panamera. What has changed dramatically, however, is the weight distribution philosophy. The previous W12-powered Speed model carried 2,273 kilograms with a decidedly front-biased weight distribution, creating handling characteristics that required extensive electronic intervention to manage. The new hybrid architecture addresses this inherent limitation by positioning a substantial 25.9-kWh battery pack behind the rear axle, achieving a near-perfect 49:51 front-to-rear weight split that fundamentally alters the car’s dynamic behavior.
MSB platform integration and lightweight construction techniques
The Continental GT’s chassis represents a sophisticated blend of steel and aluminum construction, with body panels crafted from a combination of aluminum and composite materials. This mixed-material approach allows Bentley’s engineers to strategically place mass where it benefits structural rigidity while minimizing weight in less critical areas. The MSB platform’s inherent flexibility accommodates the considerable packaging requirements of the hybrid system, including the substantial battery pack, electric motor, and associated cooling systems. Despite adding electrification components, the engineering team has worked meticulously to contain weight gain to approximately 186 kilograms compared to the previous W12 Speed model—a remarkable achievement considering the 25.9-kWh battery alone represents significant mass.
Enhanced Twin-Turbocharged W12 TSI engine specifications
The departure of the iconic W12 engine marks the end of an era, but the replacement powertrain offers compelling advantages that extend beyond regulatory compliance. The new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 produces 600 horsepower independently, creating a foundation for exceptional performance. This all-new V8 architecture—not simply a detuned version of existing engines—has been specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with the hybrid system. The characterful sound of the V8, with its distinctive burble and snarl under acceleration, provides an auditory experience that many enthusiasts actually prefer to the more subdued W12. When you activate Sport mode, the exhaust note sharpens considerably, delivering that visceral engagement that makes spirited driving so rewarding.
48-volt Mild-Hybrid system and active Anti-Roll technology
Beyond the primary plug-in hybrid system, the Continental GT incorporates a sophisticated 48-volt electrical architecture that powers various performance-enhancing systems. The active anti-roll bars, which operate at both front and rear axles, utilize this 48-volt system to counteract body roll in real-time based on cornering forces and driver inputs. This technology works in concert with the triple-chamber air suspension system—a new development for this generation—to deliver exceptional body control without compromising ride quality. The system can adjust damping rates independently at each corner, responding to road conditions within milliseconds. When you encounter a mid-corner bump that would typically unsettle a vehicle of this size, the active systems work harmoniously to maintain composure and traction.
Eight-speed Dual-Clutch transmission refinements
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In the 2025 Bentley Continental GT, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission has been recalibrated to work hand-in-glove with the plug-in hybrid system. Shift logic now takes into account not only throttle position and vehicle speed, but also battery state of charge and the selected drive mode. In Comfort or the default Bentley mode, upshifts are almost imperceptible, with the electric motor filling any gaps in torque delivery so you never feel the momentary pause you might associate with a conventional dual-clutch gearbox. Switch into Sport and the transmission becomes far more assertive, holding gears longer, downshifting earlier, and using the electric motor’s instant response to deliver the kind of rapid-fire acceleration you would expect from a dedicated supercar. Crucially, Bentley has managed to preserve the creamy refinement that defines the Continental GT while making the transmission feel more intuitive and predictive than ever when you push on.
Exterior design language and aerodynamic engineering
While the 2025 Continental GT retains the familiar long-bonnet, cab-rearward proportions that have defined the nameplate since 2004, its design language has evolved in meaningful ways. The most obvious change is at the front, where Bentley has abandoned the traditional twin-lamp arrangement in favor of a single, more technical headlamp per side, framed by a distinctive “eyebrow” signature. This shift, inspired by the limited-run Batur, gives the coupe a wider, more planted stance and a more contemporary identity on the road. At the same time, subtle changes to the surfacing, bumpers, and tail treatment have all been guided by aerodynamic efficiency, helping the 2025 Bentley Continental GT slice through the air with less drag while remaining unmistakably Bentley from every angle.
Illuminated matrix LED headlamp technology and Crystal-Cut grille
The new illuminated matrix LED headlamps represent a major step forward in both function and form. Each unit incorporates up to 120 individual LEDs, allowing for precise control of beam pattern and intensity, as well as adaptive functions that can selectively blank out portions of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Beyond the technical benefits, the headlamps feature an intricate crystal-like internal structure that echoes the brand’s traditional cut-glass aesthetic. Paired with the upright, dark-tinted matrix grille and carefully sculpted front bumper, the lighting design helps the 2025 Continental GT project a more assertive, almost jewelry-like presence, particularly at night when the signature light graphic is instantly recognizable even from a distance.
From a practical perspective, the matrix LED technology enhances long-distance grand touring by improving visibility in poor weather and on unlit roads. The beam can automatically adapt to changing conditions, widening its spread in urban environments and focusing further ahead at motorway speeds. This means you can cover big distances with less eye strain, which is exactly what you want from a true luxury GT. The illuminated grille option, available through Mulliner, adds yet another layer of theater when you approach or unlock the vehicle, subtly backlighting the intricate mesh pattern to create a visual effect normally reserved for concept cars.
Active aerodynamics package with deployable rear spoiler
Underneath the elegant bodywork, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT hides a comprehensive active aerodynamics package designed to balance stability, efficiency, and refinement. At the rear, a redesigned boot lid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic profile that reduces the reliance on a large deployable spoiler. When required—typically at higher speeds—the spoiler rises seamlessly from the deck, offering multiple positions depending on drive mode and speed to optimize downforce and drag. This is not mere theater; the system plays a key role in keeping the car composed at the 200+ mph top speeds targeted by the GT Speed variant.
Additional airflow management features include carefully shaped underbody panels, subtle front air curtains around the wheel arches, and a reprofiled rear diffuser. Together, these elements help reduce turbulence around the wheels and improve overall stability at speed, without resorting to oversized wings or overtly aggressive aero add-ons that might clash with the car’s luxury brief. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit lined with high-tech performance fabric—on the surface, it is discreet and elegant, but beneath that style lies serious engineering intent. For owners who regularly undertake high-speed continental journeys, this translates into a car that feels calm and unflustered even when conditions are less than ideal.
Mulliner bespoke personalisation options and coach line detailing
Personalisation has always been central to the appeal of the Bentley Continental GT, and the 2025 model pushes that philosophy further through Mulliner’s expanded capabilities. Bentley claims there are tens of billions of possible configurations when you factor in exterior paints, wheel finishes, interior hides, veneers, and embroidery options. For many buyers, working with Mulliner is akin to commissioning a piece of fine art; you can specify unique coach lines hand-painted by artisans, bespoke badging, and even custom color palettes inspired by personal objects or locations. The result is that no two 2025 Continental GTs need look—or feel—exactly alike.
Coach line detailing, in particular, has become a hallmark of Mulliner’s craft. Applied by hand along the flanks of the coupe, these pinstripes can be color-matched to interior accents or contrast sharply with the body color for a more dramatic statement. You might, for instance, pair a deep Verdant green exterior with a subtle gold coach line that echoes the stitching on the seats inside. For customers who want a more contemporary aesthetic, Mulliner offers de-chromed exterior packs, gloss black grilles, and smoked lighting elements that lend the car a stealthier, more modern vibe without sacrificing the timeless elegance that defines the Continental GT.
22-inch forged alloy wheel configurations
The stance of the 2025 Continental GT is further enhanced by a range of 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, with the latter being most frequently specified on Speed and Mulliner models. Forged alloy construction allows Bentley to reduce unsprung mass compared with a conventional cast wheel, which has clear benefits for both ride quality and handling. Less weight at each corner allows the air suspension and adaptive dampers to respond more quickly to road imperfections, contributing to the “floating yet connected” sensation that characterizes the latest car. At the same time, the larger diameter wheels fill the arches more convincingly, reinforcing the coupe’s muscular, athletic posture.
Buyers can choose from intricate multi-spoke designs, more minimalist five-spoke patterns, or directional wheels that emphasize the sense of motion even when the car is stationary. Finishes range from bright machined faces to gloss black and even darker “black crystal” looks that pair well with the Speed’s dark-tinted exterior trim. Pirelli P Zero tires are standard, developed specifically for the 2025 Bentley Continental GT to provide the right blend of low noise, high-speed stability, and wet-weather grip. For those planning year-round use, Bentley also offers all-season and winter tire packages, ensuring that this grand tourer can confidently tackle a wide range of climates and road conditions.
Interior craftsmanship and rotating display technology
Step inside the 2025 Bentley Continental GT and you are reminded instantly why this model has long been considered the benchmark for luxury GT interiors. The cabin combines traditional craftsmanship—hand-stitched leather, real metal switchgear, exquisite veneers—with the latest digital technology. For this generation, Bentley has focused on refining the user experience rather than chasing screen size for its own sake. The result is an environment that feels both modern and timeless, where touchscreens never overwhelm the sense of occasion. You are surrounded by tactile materials, intricate detailing, and thoughtful ergonomics, all engineered to make long days behind the wheel feel effortless.
Three-sided rotating display with 12.3-inch touchscreen integration
At the heart of the dashboard sits Bentley’s now-iconic three-sided rotating display—a feature that remains one of the brand’s most distinctive pieces of interior theater. When the car is started, the triangular section of the center console can rotate to reveal one of three faces: a 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen, a set of three analog gauges, or a seamless veneer panel that blends into the rest of the dashboard. This clever mechanism allows you to tailor the cabin’s character to your mood. Prefer a more tech-forward experience for urban driving and navigation? Leave the touchscreen exposed. Want a more classic, analog ambience on an evening drive? Rotate to the trio of dials—a compass, outside temperature gauge, and chronometer.
The latest version of the infotainment system shares its underlying architecture with other high-end Volkswagen Group products, but the interface has been reskinned and re-tuned to align with Bentley’s brand values. Menus are logically arranged, animations are smooth, and response times are snappy, whether you are adjusting the suspension settings or browsing media. Over-the-air update capability means the system can receive feature enhancements and bug fixes without a visit to the dealer. Crucially, physical controls remain for essential functions like climate control and volume, so you are not forced to dig through sub-menus while cruising at motorway speeds—something that sets the 2025 Bentley Continental GT apart from many luxury rivals that have gone fully touch-driven.
Diamond-quilted leather upholstery and Sustainably-Sourced veneers
Few interiors showcase the art of upholstery like a modern Bentley, and the 2025 Continental GT continues this tradition with intricate diamond-quilted leather across the seats, doors, and sometimes even the rear quarter panels. Each diamond is precisely stitched using advanced automation and hand-finishing, ensuring perfect alignment and tension throughout the cabin. You can choose from a wide palette of hide colors, from classic Beluga black and Camel tan to more adventurous shades like Cricket Ball and Cumbrian Green. Contrast stitching, piping, and embroidered Bentley logos can all be tailored to your specification, allowing you to create anything from a subdued, business-like environment to a more expressive, two-tone lounge.
Veneers, too, have evolved, with Bentley placing stronger emphasis on sustainability. Open-pore woods such as Koa, Crown Cut Walnut, and Tamo Ash are available alongside traditional high-gloss finishes, each sourced from responsibly managed forests and documented through a traceability program. The open-pore options use fewer lacquer layers, allowing you to appreciate the natural texture of the wood, while also reducing the environmental impact associated with high-gloss finishes. If you prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, you can opt for technical finishes like carbon fiber, dark-tint aluminum, or the “piano” painted veneers that give a glassy, uniform appearance. In every case, the joinery and alignment are exemplary, with veneer patterns mirrored across the dashboard and doors to create a sense of visual harmony.
Naim for bentley premium audio system with 18-speaker configuration
For audiophiles, one of the highlights of the 2025 Bentley Continental GT is the optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system. This 18-speaker configuration includes active bass transducers integrated into the front seats, a powerful subwoofer, and a 2,200-watt amplifier that can adapt its output to cabin conditions in real time. The system uses advanced digital signal processing to maintain clarity whether the roof is up or down in GTC models, or whether you are cruising quietly in EV mode or unleashing the full might of the V8 hybrid. It’s the kind of setup that can reveal new layers in familiar tracks, turning even a mundane commute into a private concert.
Sound tuning has been carried out specifically for the Continental GT’s cabin geometry, taking into account reflections off glass surfaces and the absorption characteristics of various interior materials. Owners can choose between several preset sound profiles—ranging from “Studio” accuracy to more immersive, bass-rich settings—or dial in their own preferences via an intuitive equalizer. Compared with many high-end systems that prioritize sheer volume, the Naim unit in the 2025 Bentley Continental GT focuses on refinement and detail, avoiding listener fatigue on long journeys. If you consider your car an extension of your living space, this audio system is one of the most compelling reasons to tick the upgrade box.
Wellness seating with postural adjustment and climate control
Long-distance comfort has always been central to the Continental GT’s mission, and for 2025 Bentley has further refined its wellness-focused seating technology. The front seats offer up to 20-way adjustment, including fine-grained control over bolstering, lumbar support, and cushion length, allowing drivers and passengers of all sizes to find an ideal position. Integrated heating and ventilation are now governed by an intelligent climate control algorithm that can automatically toggle between the two based on cabin temperature and humidity, reducing the need for constant manual adjustment. In practice, this means you stay at a consistent, comfortable temperature whether you are crossing the Alps in winter or navigating a city center in midsummer.
Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the postural adjustment system, which subtly alters seat support over time to reduce fatigue on longer journeys. By making tiny, almost imperceptible changes to pressure points beneath the occupant, the system encourages better circulation and helps prevent stiffness. It’s akin to having a discreet physiotherapist constantly fine-tuning your posture as you drive. For buyers who plan to use their 2025 Bentley Continental GT for regular cross-country trips, these wellness features may be as valuable as the headline performance figures. After all, what good is a 200-mph GT if you arrive at your destination feeling exhausted rather than refreshed?
Driver assistance systems and bentley intelligent safeguarding
As performance and complexity increase, so does the importance of robust driver assistance systems, and the 2025 Bentley Continental GT does not shy away from this reality. Bentley Intelligent Safeguarding is the umbrella term for a suite of active safety technologies designed to reduce driver workload and mitigate the consequences of human error. Standard equipment now typically includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. These systems are calibrated with a focus on subtlety; rather than constantly intervening or pinging you with alerts, they work in the background, stepping in only when necessary.
The adaptive cruise system, for example, can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and bring the Continental GT to a complete stop in heavy traffic, resuming automatically when conditions allow. On longer motorway drives, this reduces fatigue and makes it easier to exploit the car’s vast cruising refinement. Lane-keeping assistance gently nudges the steering to keep you centered in your lane, and can be turned off quickly via a configurable steering-wheel button if you find the corrections intrusive. For many owners, particularly those new to high-performance plug-in hybrid grand tourers, these systems provide an extra layer of reassurance that the car is always looking out for them.
Additional features include a 360-degree camera system with high-resolution overlays, making tight parking maneuvers or narrow driveway entries much less stressful. Night vision, available on some markets, uses infrared sensors to detect pedestrians and animals beyond the range of the headlights, highlighting potential hazards in the digital instrument cluster. While the 2025 Bentley Continental GT is not attempting to be a self-driving car, it does aim to be a more intelligent, watchful partner on the road. The net effect is that you can relax and enjoy the powertrain and craftsmanship, knowing that a sophisticated digital safety net is working quietly behind the scenes.
Continental GT speed variant and performance specifications
For those who want their luxury grand tourer with an extra dose of adrenaline, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed sits at the top of the range. Described by Bentley as an “Ultra-Performance Hybrid,” the Speed variant pairs the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a more aggressively tuned electric motor for a combined output of up to 771 bhp (782 PS) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb ft) of torque. In real-world terms, this means 0–60 mph in around 3.1 seconds (0–100 km/h in 3.2 seconds) and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h), making it the most powerful and fastest road-going Bentley ever produced. Considering the car still weighs in the region of 2.4–2.5 tonnes, those numbers are nothing short of astonishing.
How does the Speed feel on the road compared with the standard High Performance Hybrid models? The core character remains one of immense composure and refinement, but the Speed sharpens every response. Throttle mapping is more immediate, the transmission’s Sport calibration holds gears even more assertively, and the chassis systems—four-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars, and torque vectoring—are all tuned for a more dynamic balance. You still won’t mistake it for a lightweight sports car like a Porsche 911, but the way the Continental GT Speed changes direction and deploys its power feels surreal for a car with this level of comfort and craftsmanship. It’s the automotive equivalent of a velvet hammer: devastatingly effective, yet always polished and controlled.
Braking performance in the Speed is equally formidable, thanks to massive carbon-ceramic discs clamped by 10-piston front calipers. These components are engineered to withstand repeated high-speed stops with minimal fade, an important consideration if you ever take your 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed onto a track or exploit its top-end on unrestricted Autobahn sections. Some reviewers have noted that, like many plug-in hybrids, the brake pedal can feel slightly artificial at lower speeds as the system blends regenerative and friction braking. However, the harder you push, the more the car leans on its mechanical brakes, and the more confidence-inspiring the pedal becomes. If you are considering whether the Speed’s extra performance is “worth it” over the already potent standard model, ask yourself how often you truly plan to explore the outer edges of its capabilities. For many buyers, the High Performance Hybrid GT will be more than sufficient; for a select few, only the Speed will do.
Pricing structure and UK market availability timeline
Given the level of engineering and craftsmanship involved, it is no surprise that the 2025 Bentley Continental GT commands a significant price premium over more conventional luxury coupes. In the UK, early indications suggest that the High Performance Hybrid models will start in the region of £200,000–£210,000 before options, with the GT Speed sitting closer to—or above—the £250,000 mark. As with previous generations, it is realistic to expect most customer cars to leave the factory with a healthy selection of options, pushing real-world transaction prices well beyond list. Mulliner commissions, bespoke paintwork, and high-end audio upgrades can all add substantial sums, but for many owners, these customizations are an essential part of the ownership experience rather than optional extras.
In terms of timing, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT has already begun reaching key markets, with UK customer deliveries expected to ramp up through late 2024 and into 2025. Initial allocations are typically focused on existing Bentley clients and high-priority markets, so if you are considering placing an order, engaging with a dealer early is advisable. Lead times will vary depending on specification complexity and production capacity, especially for highly bespoke Mulliner builds. While the plug-in hybrid architecture is partly a response to tightening global emissions regulations, it also brings tangible ownership benefits in the UK: lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates for company car drivers, reduced VED in some cases, and improved real-world fuel economy if you make good use of the electric range.
Of course, nobody chooses a 2025 Bentley Continental GT primarily to save on running costs, but the hybrid system does broaden its appeal in markets where high CO2 emissions attract heavy taxation. In urban areas with low-emission zones, the ability to travel up to 39–50 miles on electric power alone (depending on variant and test cycle) means you can use the car more often without compromise. When you step back and consider the total package—performance, craftsmanship, technology, and evolving environmental expectations—the pricing structure starts to look more like an investment in a future-proof grand tourer than a simple indulgence. For buyers who demand a car that can waft silently through city centers one moment and devour continents the next, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT makes a compelling case for itself.