Cover The Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition
The Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition
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Bentley’s Continental GT has always been a masterclass in luxury grand touring, and the latest fourth-generation model continues to build upon its prestigious lineage
Few names evoke the effortless glamour of grand touring quite like Bentley’s Continental GT. Since its debut in 2003, the Continental GT has remained the quintessential luxury coupe, blending aristocratic elegance with astonishing performance. Now, in its fourth generation, Bentley’s flagship grand tourer evolves once more, embracing electrification without sacrificing its indomitable character.
This latest iteration pays homage to its illustrious forebears, particularly the revered 1952 R-Type Continental. But it is far from a retro exercise—the new Continental GT is the most technologically advanced and powerful yet, setting a new benchmark in high-performance luxury.
Bentley has reimagined the Continental GT’s design while preserving its unmistakable identity. Most notably, the dual headlamp arrangement has been replaced with singular elliptical units, the first mainstream Bentley with single headlamps since the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental. With the signature ‘eyelash’ detailing, these intricately bejewelled LED headlamps add a modern yet timeless touch. At the rear, an all-new boot lid and elongated three-dimensional diamond-patterned tail lights enhance its sophistication.
In case you missed it: Driving your vision: The art of crafting a bespoke Bentley with Mulliner
Above The Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition in Tourmaline Green
The Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition in Tourmaline Green
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Its stance remains muscular and refined, reminiscent of a poised tiger, as Bentley aptly describes. This feline presence is further accentuated by newly designed 22-inch wheels, sculpted to resemble a cat’s claws. Fresh hues such as Gravity Grey and Tourmaline Green ensure each Continental GT remains as bespoke as its owner desires.
Our test car is the Continental GT Speed First Edition, with over $200,000 worth of extra features over the base car. Stepping inside the cabin, the Continental GT reveals an opulent sanctuary of craftsmanship and innovation. Bentley has introduced a new Precision Diamond quilt pattern on seats, inspired by modern fashion design, adding to the interior’s luxurious feel. The seating experience has been redefined with 20-way adjustable seats and an optional Wellness seating package featuring Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions for excellent comfort on long journeys.
Above New Precision Diamond quilt pattern on seats
New Precision Diamond quilt pattern on seats
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Three premium sound systems are available, culminating in the 2,200W Naim system with 18 speakers—setting a benchmark for in-car audio fidelity. The innovative Bentley Rotating Display remains a centrepiece, offering a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen that revolves between digital instrumentation, classic analogue dials, and a veneer panel, whichever one prefers.
Customisable ambient lighting with 30 colour options ensures the cabin ambience matches the mood of its occupants. There is still scope to customise the Continental GT Speed First Edition but should your tastes not be satisfied by the features of the First Edition, there is still the Mulliner Bespoke Programme through which one can indeed create a one-of-a-kind Bentley.
The most significant transformation lies beneath the sculpted bonnet. The venerable 6.0-litre W12 has made way for a hybridised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing a formidable 782 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful Continental GT Speed to date while promising an impressive range of 859km—perfect for intercity journeys with minimal interruptions.
Above A hybridised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the hood
A hybridised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the hood
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Bentley’s inclusion of a larger 25.9 kWh battery enables an 81km electric-only range and a top EV speed of 140 km/h—ideal for urban commutes. Yet, few owners will resist the allure of unleashing the full might of the hybrid V8.
Performance has taken a significant leap forward. The sprint from 0-100 km/h is dispatched in a blistering 3.2 seconds—half a second quicker than the outgoing W12-powered GT Speed—while the top speed nudges up to 335 km/h. The transition from EV to hybrid mode is perceptible, but once the V8 engages, the Continental GT delivers instant, relentless acceleration. Turbo lag is virtually nonexistent, thanks to the electric motor’s immediate torque delivery.
Despite the increased weight due to the hybrid system, Bentley has masterfully retained the Continental GT’s dynamic poise. The rear-mounted battery improves weight distribution to an almost perfect 49:51, enhancing handling. Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis integrates Active All-Wheel Drive and torque vectoring, ensuring agile handling with maximum performance.
Above The steering wheel and innovative Bentley Rotating Display
The steering wheel and innovative Bentley Rotating Display
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Braking prowess has been bolstered with ventilated 420mm front cast-iron discs or optional high-performance carbon-silicon-carbide brakes with massive 440mm rotors. Meanwhile, the updated ESC system allows controlled rear-axle slip in Dynamic Mode, adding a playful yet secure element to the driving experience.
The carefully calibrated drive modes cater to every scenario. The default Bentley Mode combines comfort and performance seamlessly, making it the ideal setting for most journeys. Comfort Mode further softens the ride but slightly dulls handling, while Sport Mode sharpens throttle response and stiffens the chassis for maximum engagement. However, the added firmness of Sport Mode may feel excessive in urban settings, and I prefer the Bentley Mode as the optimal all-rounder.
Active anti-roll technology plays a crucial role here. Unlike Porsche’s system, Bentley employs a 48V active anti-roll bar that resists body roll only during cornering, allowing the air suspension to remain supple yet responsive. The combination of dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air springs ensures the new Continental GT delivers an unrivalled balance between comfort and performance.
Above Newly designed 22-inch wheels, sculpted to resemble a cat’s claws
Newly designed 22-inch wheels, sculpted to resemble a cat’s claws
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Throughout its evolution, the Bentley Continental GT has masterfully balanced sporting prowess with grand touring luxury. This fourth-generation model, with its electrified powertrain, state-of-the-art technology, and unrelenting commitment to craftsmanship, ensures that its legacy not only endures but future-proofs the Continental GT in the modern era.
Purists may mourn the departure of the W12, but the hybrid V8 more than compensates, offering greater efficiency, superior performance, and an expanded breadth of capability. Whether gliding silently on electric power or surging forward with 782 hp underfoot, the new Continental GT remains the definitive grand tourer—now electrified, even more opulent, and undeniably Bentley.
Above Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition
Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition
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Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition
Engine: 4.0-litre Hybrid motor
Power: 782 hp
Torque: 1000 Nm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds
Top Speed: 335 km/h
Price (excluding COE): from $1,768,000 before options
Availability: Wearnes Automotive
Credits
Photography: Bentley Press
