Bentley recently unveiled the latest version of the Continental GT. The 2024 Continental GT Speed reveals that the automaker is moving on from its beloved W12 engine to a powerful hybrid powertrain, a platform shared with the new Porsche Panamera.
So yes, the grand tourer is a plug-in hybrid, but its electric-only range is just 50 miles. As expected, the main reason for going hybrid is to boost the car’s performance. The 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is paired with an electric motor for a total max output of 782 horsepower and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Those are 19% and 11% gains respectively over the outgoing W12, making the Continental GT Speed the most powerful road going Bentley yet.
It may not be the best-looking Bentley though. It’s not easy for classically styled cars like this to keep up with the times, and a lot of gearheads are disappointed that the Continental GT Speed ditched the iconic dual headlamp setup for a single lamp with an edgy eyebrow. Bentley does claim that the horizontal lamp is more practical as it provides a wider field of view, but yeah looks-wise this ain’t it. The sensor sticking out of the grille is also a clumsy solution for a luxury car.
The Continental GT Speed does have more going for it than its hybrid power and looks. It has a dual-valve damper system and dual-chamber air springs, which also sounds similar to what the new Panamera has. Paired with all-wheel steering, torque vectoring and an anti-roll system, this suspension setup should make for a comfortable and responsive ride.
The interior of the car is dominated by microfiber, metal, and leather. It also has a completely digital dash and a huge infotainment screen. Thankfully, the car still has lots of clicky buttons and knobs. The multimedia display can also be hidden at the touch of a button, with three analog instruments appearing in its place.
Bentley also went ahead and launched the convertible variant of the Continental GT Speed alongside its coupe headliner. The Continental GTC Speed is limited to a top speed of 177 mph, but is otherwise the same as the coupe.
I’m not sure why Bentley seemingly prepared only digital renders for the car’s release, but there are already video reviews of the car online, including this one from Autogefuhl:
A pseudo-rear seat, a grill pimple, and fake exhaust. I’m sure the car drives well and is meticulously crafted, but Bentley could have done better with their design choices.