2025 Bentley Continental GT: The Grand Tourer Reinvented
For over two decades, the Bentley Continental GT has served as the very definition of a grand tourer—an opulent, powerful machine designed to devour miles in indulgent comfort. From the original W12 brute of the early 2000s to the polished, poised continent-crossers of more recent years, the Continental GT has always straddled the line between power and poise. With the arrival of the 2025 model, Bentley takes its icon into new territory—plug-in hybrid propulsion. But while the headlines may center on electrons and emissions, the real story lies in how Bentley has managed to push both ends of the GT spectrum further than ever: it’s not just more efficient, but also more luxurious, better balanced, and—somehow—more dynamic. Whether you opt for the flagship Speed or Mulliner, or the so-called junior varsity trims, GT and Azure, this Bentley is anything but entry-level.
A Hybrid Heart Beats Underneath
Bentley’s transition to electrified powertrains begins here, with the 2025 Continental GT being the first major step. Gone is the aging 6.0-liter W12 that defined the brand’s output for years. In its place comes a High Performance Hybrid system anchored by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, paired with a 188-horsepower electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The V8 alone is good for 512 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque in the GT and Azure models, but with hybrid assistance, the combined output jumps to an impressive 671 horsepower and 686 lb-ft. This system is fed by a 22-kWh battery pack, giving the car an EPA-rated electric range of 39 miles. While the numbers may not match the 771 hp found in the Speed and Mulliner variants, the performance here is still staggering. Bentley estimates a 0–60 mph sprint in the 3.2–3.5 second range, and top speed is limited to 168 mph. But what’s more impressive than the raw numbers is how smoothly and silently the power is delivered, especially when cruising in EV-only mode. In a car already renowned for its silence and refinement, the electric mode feels like the ultimate refinement—a wafting luxury yacht that glides effortlessly through its environment.
Luxury as Standard, Opulence Optional
It should come as no surprise that every Continental GT comes laden with luxury features, but the 2025 Azure trim elevates that experience to new heights. Both the GT and Azure come standard with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, rich leathers, and real wood trim. The Azure gets exclusive open-pore walnut veneers and optional pinstriped finishes, as well as Bentley’s 3D quilted door panels, typically reserved for its most high-end offerings. Also included are the Touring, Comfort, and Mood Lighting packages, which bundle essentials like adaptive cruise control, night vision, a head-up display, and interior ambient lighting. The Mulliner may be the brand’s customization flagship, but the Azure offers enough comfort and personalization to satisfy even the most discerning buyers. And for those who want to go a step further, Bentley still offers a “secret” options menu, which includes rare trims, bespoke paints, and virtually any cabin detail your wallet can afford. Pricing reflects this climb in luxury and performance: the 2025 Continental GT coupe starts at $296,950, while the open-top GTC convertible kicks off at $323,550. These figures ensure exclusivity, but also reflect the incredible craftsmanship and power under the hood.
Design Language That Speaks Volumes
Bentley’s latest Continental GT remains faithful to the design language it has evolved over the years, but it has been refined with subtle cues that separate the various trims. The core GT model is elegant and discreet, wearing a black matrix grille with a chrome surround and a single vertical chrome bar. It rides on 21-inch wheels, though larger 22-inch designs are available. The Azure takes a more ornamental approach, with 11 vertical chrome bars on the grille and chrome-finished lower intake accents. The Azure also comes with exclusive 22-inch wheels in silver and machined finishes, and it can be optionally equipped with the Mulliner’s animated welcome lamps. The silhouette of the Continental GT remains unmistakable—long bonnet, broad hips, and a tapering roofline—now enhanced with better aerodynamic detailing. Whether in coupe or convertible form, this is a car that exudes presence. The convertible GTC, with its fabric roof and wind-buffering technologies, is arguably even more luxurious, blending open-air motoring with unparalleled comfort.
The Weight of Progress
The move to hybrid power has undoubtedly increased the curb weight of the new Continental GT. At approximately 5400 pounds for the coupe and 5800 pounds for the convertible, the 2025 model is heavier than its predecessors. This mass is offset by smarter weight distribution, with the battery pack placed over the rear axle and the engine at the front, yielding a near-perfect 49:51 balance. While the extra heft may be cause for concern, the engineering wizardry behind the chassis makes it nearly irrelevant in most driving scenarios. Bentley equips the new GT with the same suite of chassis technology found in the Speed variant: dual-chamber air suspension, new twin-valve dampers, rear-wheel steering, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. These systems combine to keep the car composed and agile, though the Pirelli P Zero Elect tires may limit ultimate grip in spirited driving. Bentley’s choice of these low-rolling-resistance tires makes sense for efficiency, but driving purists may want to swap them out for something stickier. Even so, the car manages to be agile enough for mountain switchbacks while maintaining the serene ride expected from a Bentley.
Driving Experience: A Gentleman's Pursuit
Behind the wheel, the Continental GT Azure feels more like a high-speed spa retreat than a sports car. That’s not a criticism—it’s by design. Bentley’s mission with the new Continental isn’t just to improve performance metrics, but to enhance the quality of the journey. The torque-rich hybrid powertrain delivers power in a smooth, uninterrupted surge, whether you’re overtaking on the freeway or pulling away from a stoplight in electric mode. The adaptive air suspension reads the road ahead and continuously adjusts for maximum comfort, while the rear-axle steering subtly shrinks the car’s dimensions in tight corners. The result is a car that feels impossibly composed, even at speed. When driven hard, especially in Sport mode, the GT responds quickly and confidently, but it never loses its gentlemanly demeanor. It’s less a track weapon and more a cross-continental express train wrapped in leather and chrome. And while the GT Speed may still be the quicker machine, the Azure feels more balanced—its performance enveloped in a velvet glove.
Electric Efficiency with a British Accent
One of the key advantages of the new plug-in hybrid setup is its ability to offer meaningful electric-only driving. With an estimated 39 miles of EV range, many owners may be able to complete their daily commutes or run errands without ever firing up the V8. The onboard 11-kW charger ensures a full battery in just a few hours, making it convenient for overnight charging at home. On paper, the Continental GT boasts a combined rating of 52 MPGe and a gasoline-only figure of 19 mpg combined. While real-world numbers may vary—especially given the car’s weight and performance potential—it’s still a massive leap forward in efficiency for a Bentley. This newfound eco-consciousness doesn’t diminish the car’s luxury credentials, though. Instead, it adds a new layer of sophistication: a car that’s as comfortable gliding silently through city streets as it is blasting across the Autobahn.
The Big Picture: A GT for the New Era
What makes the 2025 Bentley Continental GT so compelling is how well it bridges the gap between old-world opulence and new-world performance expectations. It’s a car that respects its past while embracing the future, delivering V8 muscle, EV serenity, and Bentley elegance in one of the most cohesive packages on the road today. Some enthusiasts may miss the iconic W12, but Bentley has shown that hybrid power can offer both power and polish, with none of the drawbacks that typically plague hybrid sports-luxury vehicles. The core GT and Azure models may be seen as the “junior varsity” offerings compared to the Speed and Mulliner, but that label sells them short. With 671 horsepower, cutting-edge chassis tech, and a cabin that rivals five-star hotels, the 2025 GT is anything but junior. It’s a flagship in its own right, especially for those who value luxury and elegance over outright speed.
Final Verdict: Still the World’s Best GT
Bentley’s competitors have always struggled to match the Continental GT’s blend of refinement and performance. Whether it’s the Mercedes-AMG SL, the BMW 8 Series, or even Aston Martin’s DB12, none have managed to replicate the Bentley’s unique recipe. The 2025 model sharpens that recipe with modern electrification and superior craftsmanship. Sure, it’s heavier than before, and it might not beat a Tesla Plaid in a drag race, but that’s not the point. The Continental GT isn’t just a car—it’s a statement of taste, heritage, and the belief that luxury and performance can coexist without compromise. With prices starting just under $300,000 and options that can push it well beyond $350,000, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT remains a vehicle for those who demand the very best. And now, it offers that excellence with fewer emissions and more polish than ever before.
