Bentley was in a nasty state on the finish of the twentieth century. It was a brilliant low-volume producer with a handful of vehicles that seemed similar to Rolls-Royces (as a result of they had been), however then within the early 2000s, the automaker modified its whole fortune round by introducing the Continental GT to the world. Its quad headlights, W12 engine and supreme consolation took the world by storm, and now the remaining is historical past.
Over 20 years later with almost 100,000 Continental GTs bought world wide, Bentley is launching its newest creation: the fourth-generation Continental GT Velocity. Positive, it could not look terribly totally different from the skin, however the plug-in-hybrid mechanics beneath make it a complete new automobile. The GT Velocity could also be out-of-this-world costly, nevertheless it’s additionally out-of-this-world good, and that’s what’ll actually matter to Bentley consumers.
Full Disclosure: Bentley flew me out to Switzerland, put me up in a deeply extravagant lodge and paid for all of my meals simply so I might drive the 2025 Continental GT Velocity.
The massive information with the 2025 Continental GT Velocity is that the twin-turbo W12 that powered it since its inception is not any extra. Instead is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (borrowed from different areas of Volkswagen group and already used within the V8 Contis) mated as much as a 187-hp electrical motor that sits within the transmission and will get its juice from a 25.9-kWh battery pack. Positive, the outdated W12 had a hell of lots of character and it is going to be missed, however rattling does this new plug-in-hybrid setup make up for its absence. Altogether, the automobile produces 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, up from 650 hp and 664 lb-ft within the outdated W12 Velocity. That’s sufficient to get this over 5,400-pound automobile from 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.1 seconds, and in the event you maintain your foot in it, you’ll high out at 208 mph. These are some severe numbers.
This kind of pace, as you will have imagined, is sort of ferocious — and it’s aided by the wonderful-sounding V8. I’m undecided how Bentley was capable of make a 4.0-liter motor sound like a World Conflict II fighter aircraft, however wow it’s fabulous. Regardless, thanks partially to the lightning-fast gear shifts and torque fill from the electrical motor, this automobile feels as near an electrical automobile when it comes to acceleration as you will get with one thing powered by God’s particular liquid. Put your foot down, and it’s extra like a aircraft taking off down the runway than a automobile accelerating on a highway. I’ve pushed a number of the quickest EVs on the earth, and the feeling may be very comparable, simply with the added bonus of a incredible soundtrack.
What’s actually sensible, although, is that when you get into city and don’t wish to trouble your neighbors, a fast flick of the drive-mode selector will put you in electric-only mode. It’s good for speeds as much as 87 mph, and you should utilize as much as 75 p.c of the throttle earlier than the gasoline motor kicks in. Meaning you may nonetheless get fairly a transfer on even if you wish to be utterly silent and emissions-free. The EV mode can be good for almost 50 miles of pure-electric vary, which is healthier than most different PHEVs in the marketplace, and Bentley says the entire system may be recharged in about two hours and 45 minutes. Not too shabby.
That being mentioned, in the event you aren’t affected person sufficient to try this, simply drive the automobile tougher in Sport mode. The powertrain makes use of sufficient regen you can just about fill the battery all the way in which up on a single spirited drive. Very similar to Porsche, it makes use of regen by way of the brakes, somewhat than having it come on mechanically. All of it works somewhat seamlessly and is sensible. Bentley’s hybrid system is advanced and costly, and it’s additionally probably one of the best within the enterprise. It higher be for what you’re paying, however we’ll get to the value in a bit. I’m nonetheless busy speaking about how brilliantly the Velocity drives.
All that energy will get transferred to all 4 wheels by way of a Porsche-sourced PDK gearbox (to my data, that is the one non-Porsche product that will get a PDK, in order that’s kind of neat). The 2025 Velocity additionally comes with an digital limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering, which is nice while you’re maneuvering across the twisty roads of the Swiss Alps as I did in three separate Contis Speeds, in each GT and convertible GTC varieties.
I’d actually like to know simply how a lot engineering assist Bentley acquired from Porsche (it does share a platform with the Panamera, in any case), as a result of holy hell does this factor know easy methods to get round a nook. Whether or not it’s lengthy sweepers by way of a valley or tight hairpins whereas traversing up a mountain, the Continental GT Velocity is as much as the duty. It’s virtually utterly impartial with perhaps a touch of understeer on the actually tight stuff, which may be remedied somewhat shortly with some extra throttle. It’s all simply so progressive. The Pirelli tires offer you ample quantities of grip and can let you recognize while you’re getting a bit too near the restrict with a slight squeal. All of the whereas, the steering feels sharp and direct. There isn’t an excessive amount of highway really feel, this being a luxurious grand tourer and all, nevertheless it’s nonetheless rattling good. When you’re out of the nook, you simply stomp on the gasoline pedal, the engine roars and also you’re rocketed out of the exit like a rollercoaster. Hit the elective carbon ceramic brakes to haul you in such as you’ve crashed into an Alp, flip the wheel and the enjoyable begins another time.
After all, the Continental GT Velocity is about greater than, effectively, pace. It’s additionally about trying good. Whereas the physique stays the identical, Bentley made some pretty substantial adjustments for the Conti’s fourth era. Gone are the now-iconic quad headlights and oval tail lights. Of their place up entrance is a brand new round headlight with a “forehead” and extra rectangular taillights that stretch onto the trunk lid. The bumpers are redesigned, the grille is bigger, Bentley ditched the facet vents and there are new wheel and trim choices. To be trustworthy, it feels extra like a heavy refresh than an all-new era, however just like the Dodge Viper, I’m going to take the corporate at its phrase for what it considers a era. Anyway, I’m not completely positive I find it irresistible. The general design continues to be incredible, however I don’t know. These quad headlights had been iconic to the Continental GT model, so to me it’s a little bit of a disgrace Bentley did away with them for a extra fashionable look. Hey, perhaps you prefer it extra appears to be like are subjective in any case.
The inside of the 2025 GT stays a near-total carryover from the automobile it replaces. I do know that won’t sound nice, however I promise you that it’s for one of the best. I’ve pushed a hell of lots of vehicles, and there’s an actual argument to be made that the Continental has one of the best inside in the marketplace. Other than the actual fact it’s very well-built, the design and structure is incredible. There’s simply the correct amount of buttons, switches and knobs that complement the elective rotating “forbidden Toblerone” middle show. You’ve acquired a display screen there for while you want it, however the second you don’t you may press a button and have three gauges seem as a substitute, and use the driving force’s gauge cluster show for main automobile features. It’s the proper mix of tech and old-school luxurious. There’s nothing like utilizing a very nice driver-assist system whereas an analog compass tells you what route you’re headed.
Since it is a Bentley, you received’t be shocked to seek out out the inside is deeply customizable. Each single floor and materials may be specified to your liking, and meaning you may create some actually heinous specs, like one of many vehicles I drove. It was painted inexperienced and its inside was blue and orange with walnut wooden paneling. For higher or worse, it was really a sight to behold. That being mentioned, it doesn’t actually matter the way you spec your inside — all the actual steel, wooden, lifeless cows and Alcantara will nonetheless appear and feel fabulous, and that features the three-dimensional leather-based that Bentley is implementing. Principally, it’s textured leather-based with none stitching. I don’t know the way this was carried out, nevertheless it’s rattling spectacular.
I suppose now it’s time to modify gears to the disagreeable matter of value. You see, the Continental GT Velocity is just not a automobile for us. No. It’s not even a automobile for our bosses. It’s a automobile for his or her boss’s boss’s boss. The GT Velocity coupe begins at $302,100, not together with vacation spot or the gasoline guzzler tax it’ll certainly endure from. The GTC is much more cash, beginning at $332,200. However whereas these costs might sound loopy to us mere mortals, it’s truly in step with the outgoing GT Speeds — in each coupe and convertible guise, the costs are just about the identical because the vehicles they exchange. That’s not one thing you see day by day. We’re additionally nonetheless ready on pricing for the non-Velocity 2025 Continental GT lineup, which has but to be revealed. The 2024s stickered at about $245,000 to start out.
Let me let you know, not a single considered one of these vehicles will ever have a transaction value anyplace close to these numbers. Very similar to Porsche, each little factor is an elective further that Bentley consumers will fortunately pay. That Tourmaline Inexperienced GT? Buddy, that value about $380,000, and it was the most affordable one I drove. Granted, a giant chunk of that value $39,940 to be precise) is for the First Version Specification. It will get you issues like a Naim audio system, the rotating show, a complete lot of badges, totally different lighting components and higher seats. Carbon-ceramic brakes are an additional $18,820 and that hanging inexperienced paint is over 12 grand. There have been just a few different multi-thousand-dollar choices as effectively, nevertheless it’s not value entering into.
Once more, that was the most affordable one I drove. The Bronze (it’s brown) GTC I drove prices about $410,000, and the Sweet Crimson automobile with its $41,190 First Version spec, carbon ceramics, Blackline Specification and distinction stitching would sticker for north of $420,000. These are some severe costs for a really severe automobile. You get my level. That is an costly automobile for folk who need one of the best, and the GTC is definitely one of the best. Truthfully, it blows lots of its competitors straight out of the water, and it ought to. You’re paying a premium for that “B” on the hood.
Fairly often, I’ve a tough time accepting extraordinarily costly vehicles due to the oldsters who have a tendency to purchase them, however that is a kind of uncommon events the place I see precisely the place the cash goes. The Continental GT Velocity justifies its value (after which some) by being second to none in terms of driving pleasure, engineering, consolation and luxurious. It might not be one thing attainable for poors like us, however rattling is it good.
If you’re somebody who has the funds to buy a Continental GT Velocity, then I implore you to take action, as a result of I can’t think about issues getting significantly better than this.
