Overview
For more than 20 years, the Bentley Continental GT has been the go-to grand touring two-door for monied buyers with a taste for both Louis Vuitton-style luxury and super-sedan performance. With the introduction of the new 2025 model, that won't change-though what's under the elegant skin does. Bentley has restyled the Continental GT ever-so-slightly but its two-door silhouette remains the same. Sumptuous accommodations again await you inside, whether you choose the GT coupe or GTC convertible. Under the hood, however, is its first-ever plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which pairs a twin-turbo V-8 engine with an electric motor, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. In the top-spec Speed trim, this powertrain pumps out 771 horsepower. Performance should be explosive based on what we experienced during our prototype drive of the new model. But if you're seeking a refined long-distance cruiser, the Continental also has that task covered-its GT moniker stands for "Grand Touring," after all. And touring grandly it will undoubtedly do; no matter the length of your journey, you're guaranteed to arrive in style.
What's New for 2025?
The Continental GT enters its fourth generation for the 2025 model year sporting freshened-but still recognizable-styling and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new grand tourer will go on sale by the end of 2024.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed are powered by a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that is shared with other new PHEVs from elsewhere in Volkswagen Group's (Bentley's corporate parent) product portfolio, namely the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. The twin-turbo V-8 engine is a 4.0-liter unit and is assisted by an electric motor. The two combine for a whopping 771 horsepower in the Bentley, making it the most powerful road-going Continental GT to date. This powertrain is a direct replacement for Bentley's 6.0-liter W-12 engine, which made up to 650 horsepower; the previous nonhybrid V-8 has been eliminated, though lower-spec models are likely to be added later, and we think a detuned version of this powertrain is likely. We sampled a prototype of the Speed model on a racetrack and found it to be remarkably athletic considering the Continental GT's size. The PHEV V-8 has a nice sound and, according to Bentley pulls harder.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
It isn't a Bentley unless the interior is draped in high-end leather and wood, and that's exactly what you'll find inside the 2025 Continental GT. Heavily-cushioned chairs with quilted leather upholstery are all-day comfortable, feature 20-way power adjustability, and can be equipped with both a massage feature and an automatic climate control system that activates the heat or ventilation function if it detects you're too cold or too warm. The rear seats aren't spacious but should be able to fit two adults for short trips. The GTC convertible model features a cloth top that's power-operable and can deploy in as little as 19 seconds should it start to drizzle; the top is available in seven colors. Speaking of which, buyers can spec their Continental GT any way they want through the company's Mulliner bespoke-build customization service. when the standard list of options isn't quite hitting expectations.
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www.caranddriver.com/bentley/...
24 июн 2024
