Change is within the air, and it defines the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Velocity. Now in its fourth era, Crewe’s grand-tourer enters its plug-in hybrid period with extra energy, absolutely electrical driving, and stellar appears to be like 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, however it isn’t all new. It carries over the third-gen’s fundamental construction and a few of its energetic suspension suite. Nevertheless, 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 laws?
I stepped out of the resort 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 parking zone, completed in brilliant shades of Magenta, Tourmaline Inexperienced, Bronze, and Sweet Crimson. Unaware of the epic mountain passes forward, I settled behind the wheel of a GTC Velocity 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 Velocity will first transfer on electrical energy and, in accordance with 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 automobile entry to ultra-low emission zones throughout the pond. Nevertheless, it’s going to permit the GT to journey as much as 87 mph with out waking its V8. Crucially, on at the present time, it created the right device 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 operating 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 energetic components to generate the mandatory downforce, because of 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 Velocity 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 inner combustion energy, the GTC Velocity sprints via Switzerland’s winding roads and its in depth tunnel system with stunning pace. It responds instantaneously to throttle inputs, with each propulsion programs working seamlessly to get rid of 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.
Strategy a bend, and its normal carbon-ceramic brakes will effortlessly scrub off the tempo whereas its dual-clutch automated 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 Velocity and the GTC provide a virtually good 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 trip.
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 Velocity’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 Velocity and right into a Magenta-finished GT. Apart from a set roof, essentially the most vital 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 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 route, the GT is faster nonetheless, eager to confidently sort out a mountain street on command. The one draw back of choosing the fixed-roof automobile is how instantly distant its exhaust word feels, now not crackling behind your ears.
The upside is the GT’s practically silent cabin, which, apart from a brand new digital instrument cluster, primarily carries over from its third era. As such, it retains the choice of a rotating show and a middle console adorned with bodily buttons. Nevertheless, its choices checklist grows, including a darkened trim choice supplied together with the usual chrome finishes this grand tourer is understood for.
For now, at the least, this plug-in hybrid V8 stays the one powertrain choice 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 change into, 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 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, 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. Nevertheless, the Velocity’s up to date energetic suspension shines, making it extra athletic on a winding street and softer sprung for longer drives. There is no such thing as a query that the Continental GT Velocity has modified, however a drive via the mountains confirms it has for the higher. Stricter emissions laws might 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 energy.
