Bentley is built for Trans-Europe excess

Luxurious Continental sees the miles melt away, writes Tom Sharpe

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Any sense that the electrification of Bentley's Continental GT Speed might diminish its credentials as a rapid and luxurious crusher of miles are quickly banished.

Alright, the new plugin hybrid drivetrain starts-up in electric mode as a default, meaning no instantaneous V8 rumble, but scroll the drive mode dial to 'Sport' and that sonorous warble ensues.

Once the drivetrain is warmed through there is further petrolhead heaven to tap into.

Come to a halt, plant the brakes, floor the accelerator and launch control coils the Conti into a springlike state, dialling up optimum revs for the perfect standing start.