Change is within the air, and it defines the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity. 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 Velocity 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, nevertheless it isn’t all new. It carries over the third-gen’s primary construction and a few of its lively suspension suite. Nonetheless, this fourth-gen automotive expands the breadth of its versatility with two-valve lively 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 vivid shades of Magenta, Tourmaline Inexperienced, Bronze, and Sweet Pink. Unaware of the epic mountain passes forward, I settled behind the wheel of a GTC Velocity carrying Jetstream paint, instantly dropped its prime, and set off with neck heaters engaged.
Assuming its 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack is sufficiently charged, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity will first transfer on electrical energy and, in response to the European WLTP cycle, cowl as much as 50 miles. This mode’s significance is barely much less so for US patrons, because it’s meant to grant this automotive entry to ultra-low emission zones throughout the pond. Nonetheless, it is going to enable the GT to journey as much as 87 mph with out waking its V8. Crucially, on this present day, it created the right software for crossing a quiet ski city within the early morning with out making a sound.
It’s evident that Bentley’s latest coachbuilt initiatives have influenced the fourth-gen GT. Just like the Bacalar, it replaces the 2 headlight association this mannequin is known for with a single lens sporting an elongated daytime working mild. Just like the Batur, its tail lights at the moment are significantly wider, pushing proper as much as the perimeters of its bodywork and sporting clear lenses. In the meantime, its trunk now not wants lively parts to generate the mandatory downforce, because of a brand new lid that curves barely upward. Coupled with sharper traces on its entrance and rear bumpers, the GT wears a extra angular, sporty aesthetic.
As I started my cost up the primary mountain cross, 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 Velocity produces a staggering 121 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque extra than the discontinued W12. In complete, it generates 771 hp and 738 lb-ft.
Mixed with electrical and inside combustion energy, the GTC Velocity sprints by Switzerland’s winding roads and its intensive tunnel system with shocking pace. It responds instantaneously to throttle inputs, with each propulsion methods 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 subsequent gear, and the wave of energy retains going.
Method a bend, and its normal carbon-ceramic brakes will effortlessly scrub off the tempo whereas its dual-clutch automated immediately works its approach 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 Velocity and the GTC provide an almost good weight distribution of 49:51. Its lively anti-roll system limits undesirable physique actions, whereas its air shocks agency up however by no means spoil its trip.
But, as you sluggish 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 gained’t pay a penalty for the Velocity’s added athleticism, additional pushing the boundaries of a grand tourer’s adaptability.
About midway by our drive route, I hopped out of the GTC Velocity and right into a Magenta-finished GT. Apart from 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 lively suspension methods masking their heft, you’ll really feel it when stepping out of 1 and within the different.
Of the 2, the Bentley Continental GT Velocity would be the one for these on the lookout 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 vary course, the GT is faster nonetheless, eager to confidently deal with a mountain street on command. The one draw back of choosing the fixed-roof automotive is how all of the sudden distant its exhaust notice feels, now not crackling behind your ears.
The upside is the GT’s almost silent cabin, which, except for a brand new digital instrument cluster, basically 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 listing grows, including a darkened trim possibility supplied together with the usual chrome finishes this grand tourer is understood for.
For now, a minimum of, this plug-in hybrid V8 stays the one powertrain possibility supplied for the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity and GTC Velocity. The pair begin at $302,100 and $332,200, respectively.
As I turned again in direction of Andermatt, impressed with how succesful and fast the Bentley Continental GT Velocity has turn out to be, I couldn’t assist however discover that I wasn’t lacking the now departed W12. Though I’ve coated, at this level, 1000’s of miles in automobiles powered by it, this plug-in hybrid V8 represents a step ahead in seemingly each side. It generates extra energy, is extra responsive, and, because of 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 Velocity’s up to date lively suspension shines, making it extra athletic on a winding street and softer sprung for longer drives. There isn’t any query that the Continental GT Velocity has modified, however a drive by the mountains confirms it has for the higher. Stricter emissions rules could have compelled Bentley to vary, ending the manufacturing of its iconic 6.0-liter W12, however the Continental enters its plug-in hybrid period from a place of power.
