New Bentley Continental GT goes PHEV with 771 hp, more tech and a Batur-inspired face

The model looks more like a vast facelift of its predecessor, highlighted by the new electrified V8.

Bentley has revealed the fourth generation of the Continental GT and GTC, which adds more technology and a powerful new plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain to replace the old W12 engine.

Each new generation of the Continental GT since the 2003 original has become more stylish while retaining similar proportions and several signature styling cues. The new model is instantly recognizable as a Bentley, although it replaces the quad headlight layout of its predecessors with a new pair of modern single-unit headlights.

More: Bentley Batur Convertible by Mulliner is an ode to the W12

The new face is reminiscent of the more exclusive Bentley Batur, but the headlights are larger, the grille smaller and the bumper air intakes are similar to those of the outgoing Continental GT. The profile does without the over-designed side vents of its predecessor, while the rear lights are more elongated with jewel-shaped LED graphics. The rest of the bodywork looks quite familiar, retaining the muscular fenders and swooping character lines that are strongly associated with the Crewe brand.

The same goes for the interior which appears to be largely carried over from the third generation Continental GT, proving that the fourth generation is more of a thorough facelift. Nonetheless, Bentley engineers improved the sound insulation, while adding a more advanced infotainment system compatible with wireless connectivity and over-the-air updates.

As with all models from the Crewe factory, the Continental GT offers high quality materials in different colors and finishes. If that’s not enough, owners can access more sophisticated customization options from the Mulliner department.

The strong point of the new Continental GT and GTC lies in what’s under the hood. The plug-in hybrid powertrain develops a combined 771 hp (583 kW / 782 hp) and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, surpassing the figures of the discontinued non-electrified V8 and W12 engines.

The setup includes a 591 hp (441 kW / 600 hp) twin-turbo V8 and a single electric motor bringing an additional 187 hp (140 kW / 190 hp). This is very similar to the PHEV powertrain in the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, although in the Bentley it is even more powerful. The 25.9 kWh capacity battery provides an EV range of 80 km (50 miles) according to the WLTP cycle. A full charge takes 2 hours and 45 minutes from an 11 kW outlet.

The new Bentley benefits from an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Additionally, the sophisticated chassis setup includes the 48V Active Roll Stabilization system, a new two-chamber air suspension with adaptive dampers and four-wheel steering, ensuring that the driving dynamics match its performance.

Despite the 192 kg (423 lb) weight gain compared to its predecessor, the new Continental GT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 335 km/h /h (208 mph). . This makes it 0.4 seconds faster than the previous generation W12-powered Continental GT Speed, while closely matching its top speed. On the other hand, the topless Continental GTC completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed limited to 285 km/h (177 mph).

Deliveries of the new Bentley Continental GT and GTC models will begin in the third quarter of 2024. The model will be manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, with pricing to be announced later.