Change is within the air, and it defines the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Pace. Now in its fourth technology, Crewe’s grand-tourer enters its plug-in hybrid period with extra energy, absolutely electrical driving, and stellar seems inherited from the one-of-12 Bacalar. This GT is the primary new Bentley powered by the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 and electrical motor combo to serve the upcoming Flying Spur Pace and the Lamborghini Urus SE. As such, it doesn’t simply shut the W12 chapter that outlined the marque for 21 years. It units the tone for the one which follows.
On this case, what’s modified defines it as a lot as what hasn’t. This can be the new Continental GT, but it surely isn’t all new. It carries over the third-gen’s primary construction and a few of its energetic suspension suite. Nonetheless, this fourth-gen automobile expands the breadth of its versatility with two-valve energetic dampers, an digital limited-slip differential, and extensively reworked software program. The brand new GT guarantees improved efficiency, Consolation, and effectivity, however is the plug-in hybrid Continental extra than simply the by-product of tightening emissions rules?
I stepped out of the lodge in Andermatt, Switzerland, to an idyllic scene. Towering, snow-capped mountain peaks surrounded the small village, the climate simply warming as much as the low 40s. A neat row of GTs and GTCs lined the car parking zone, completed in vibrant shades of Magenta, Tourmaline Inexperienced, Bronze, and Sweet Purple. Unaware of the epic mountain passes forward, I settled behind the wheel of a GTC Pace sporting Jetstream paint, instantly dropped its high, and set off with neck heaters engaged.
Assuming its 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack is sufficiently charged, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Pace will first transfer on electrical energy and, in keeping with the European WLTP cycle, cowl as much as 50 miles. This mode’s significance is barely much less so for US consumers, because it’s meant to grant this automobile entry to ultra-low emission zones throughout the pond. Nonetheless, it can permit the GT to journey as much as 87 mph with out waking its V8. Crucially, on today, it created the proper software for crossing a quiet ski city within the early morning with out making a sound.
It’s evident that Bentley’s latest coachbuilt tasks have influenced the fourth-gen GT. Just like the Bacalar, it replaces the 2 headlight association this mannequin is legendary for with a single lens sporting an elongated daytime working gentle. Just like the Batur, its tail lights are actually significantly wider, pushing proper as much as the perimeters of its bodywork and sporting clear lenses. In the meantime, its trunk not wants energetic parts to generate the required downforce, due to a brand new lid that curves barely upward. Coupled with sharper strains on its entrance and rear bumpers, the GT wears a extra angular, sporty aesthetic.
As I started my cost up the primary mountain go, progressively leaning extra on its accelerator, its V8 joined the dialog. Its presence was instantly felt with a delightfully burbly rolling chilly begin accented by off-throttle crackles. Switching out of the adaptive “B” mode and into Sport ensures it’s always engaged whereas concurrently charging the battery pack within the rear. On this setting, the Pace produces a staggering 121 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque extra than the discontinued W12. In whole, it generates 771 hp and 738 lb-ft.
Mixed with electrical and inside combustion energy, the GTC Pace sprints via Switzerland’s winding roads and its intensive tunnel system with stunning pace. It responds instantaneously to throttle inputs, with each propulsion programs working seamlessly to remove delays. Collectively, they create only one violent and relentless burst of acceleration. There’s by no means a drop-off level, whilst you close to the redline. Click on as much as the following gear, and the wave of energy retains going.
Strategy a bend, and its normal carbon-ceramic brakes will effortlessly scrub off the tempo whereas its dual-clutch computerized immediately works its manner down its eight speeds. Flip in, and the Continental’s entrance finish follows now {that a} hefty W12 doesn’t urge it to proceed pushing ahead. With its battery pack stuffed beneath its trunk space, the Bentley Continental GT Pace and the GTC supply a virtually excellent weight distribution of 49:51. Its energetic anti-roll system limits undesirable physique actions, whereas its air shocks agency up however by no means spoil its experience.
But, as you gradual issues down and transfer into Consolation mode, the fourth-gen Continental is extra gently sprung than its predecessor. Credit score for this versatility goes to its two-valve dampers and two-chamber air springs, permitting it to be firmer in Sport and softer in Consolation, increasing the areas the place the GT and the GTC excel. You received’t pay a penalty for the Pace’s added athleticism, additional pushing the boundaries of a grand tourer’s adaptability.
About midway via our drive route, I hopped out of the GTC Pace and right into a Magenta-finished GT. Except for a hard and fast roof, probably the most important distinction between the pair is weight. The coupe ideas the scales at 5,421 kilos or about 400 lb greater than its W12-powered predecessor, whereas the GTC pushes that determine to five,811 lb. These are each substantial machines and regardless of their suite of energetic suspension programs masking their heft, you’ll really feel it when stepping out of 1 and within the different.
Of the 2, the Bentley Continental GT Pace would be the one for these searching for a sportscar-like expertise. Its relative lightness allows its 0-60 time of three.1 seconds, however extra importantly, its agility within the bends. If the GTC was keen to alter path, the GT is faster nonetheless, eager to confidently deal with a mountain highway on command. The one draw back of choosing the fixed-roof automobile is how all of the sudden distant its exhaust observe feels, not crackling behind your ears.
The upside is the GT’s practically silent cabin, which, except for a brand new digital instrument cluster, primarily carries over from its third technology. As such, it retains the choice of a rotating show and a middle console adorned with bodily buttons. Nonetheless, its choices checklist grows, including a darkened trim possibility provided together with the usual chrome finishes this grand tourer is understood for.
For now, not less than, this plug-in hybrid V8 stays the one powertrain possibility provided for the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Pace and GTC Pace. The pair begin at $302,100 and $332,200, respectively.
As I turned again in the direction of Andermatt, impressed with how succesful and fast the Bentley Continental GT Pace has change into, I couldn’t assist however discover that I wasn’t lacking the now departed W12. Though I’ve lined, at this level, 1000’s of miles in vehicles powered by it, this plug-in hybrid V8 represents a step ahead in seemingly each side. It generates extra energy, is extra responsive, and, due to a vocal exhaust system, sounds higher, too.
Including a battery pack provides a usable all-electric vary for commuting. It improves its weight distribution and, thus, its dealing with. Nonetheless, the Pace’s up to date energetic suspension shines, making it extra athletic on a winding highway and softer sprung for longer drives. There is no such thing as a query that the Continental GT Pace has modified, however a drive via the mountains confirms it has for the higher. Stricter emissions rules might have pressured Bentley to alter, ending the manufacturing of its iconic 6.0-liter W12, however the Continental enters its plug-in hybrid period from a place of power.
