BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain replaces trademark Wi2 for grand tourer’s fourth era

- MATT PRIOR 

TESTED 16.5.24, PARCMOTOR CASTELLOLI, SPAIN ON SALE SEPTEMBER

To replace its departing W12 engine, Bentley is introducing a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

Badged Speed, it is at the heart of this new-generation Continental GT, the fourth version of Bentley's staple four-seat grand tourer since 2003 and makes it the company's most powerful car yet.

Combined, the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol engine and electric motor make 771bhp and 738lb ft of torque-or, working alone, the motor gives up to 188bhp for more than 50 miles. All four wheels are driven (but the rears are heavily favoured) through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The late prototype I'm driving is still wearing a disguise, but I'm told there is some carryover glass and metal from the Mk3 Continental. I'd wondered whether that meant this was a mildly tweaked car, rather than a new-generation one, and therefore subject to less testing and homologation. Not so, said Bentley: the new powertrain, new suspension and additional connectivity and cybersecurity measures mean this is all-new and the most tested and most regulated Continental yet.

Alone, the V8 makes 591bhp at 6000rpm, so at 148bhp per litre it's blowing fairly hard, and even though peak torque comes in at 2000-4500rpm, the motor is partly there to boost torque and reduce lag at low revs. Depending on the driving mode (more on which in a sec), it's also sometimes used to smooth gear changes: the motor sits between the engine and gearbox.