The Continental GT Speed remains the benchmark uber-luxurious grand tourer in an age when sustainability supersedes performance.
The new Continental GT has its immediate roots in the model first introduced in 2003, following Bentley’s acquisition by Volkswagen. It wasn’t long before that model became a success, and in 2006, Bentley released the Continental Flying Spur limousine.
One of the Continental GT’s iconic design elements is its dual headlamps, which make the grand tourer so recognisable. After more than 20 years, however, Bentley decided it was time to make some significant changes.
The Continental GT’s face is now framed by single headlights, which are a nod to the 1959 Bentley S2 Continental. True to the brand’s form, these still retail a jewel-like quality to them, while the “eyelash” trim adds a timeless character.
At the rear, there’s a new boot lid and three-dimensional, diamond-patterned tail-lights. Bentley claims that the car’s stance is inspired by that of a tiger poised to strike, with the 22-inch wheels as the “claws”. These can be had in several finishes that include polished or dark tints.
As for paintwork, clients can select from a seemingly endless palette of standard colour options or specify their own hue, which the carmaker can match.
A RE-INTRODUCTION
The Continental GT Speed you see here is the First Edition and it is loaded with nearly $200,000 worth of optional bespoke features. Inside, the cockpit welcomes the driver with sumptuous craftsmanship that befits the brand.
For instance, there’s a new quilt pattern, supposedly inspired by modern fashion, that upholsters the seats, which feature 20-way adjustability. Clients can further enhance these with a Wellness seating package. With regard to audio, Bentley offers three options, with the top one being the Naim system that delivers 2200 watts via 18 speakers.
The highlight of the dashboard is the Rotating Display, which lets the driver swap between a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen display, a set of analogue dials, or a veneer panel that matches the rest of the dashboard trim. It combines the modern with the traditional and allows the driving experience to be further personalised.
Speaking of which, the Continental GT also comes with 30-colour ambient lighting, to help match the mood of the driver. And should this level of customisation still be inadequate, the Mulliner Bespoke programme will aim to create a one-of-a-kind model for the client.
A STOUTER HEART
The biggest change to the Continental GT Speed is to its powerplant. To meet ever-tightening emission regulations and sustainability goals, the emblematic twin-turbocharged 6-litre W12 was retired. In its place is a twin-turbocharged 4-litre V8 that’s paired to a plug-in hybrid system.
Together, both the petrol and electric powertrains deliver a combined 771hp and 1000Nm of torque – these figures make this Continental GT Speed the most powerful one that Bentley has ever produced.
At the same time, the plug-in hybrid system makes this coupe more efficient when pottering around town. It also gives the car a claimed range of 859km, which suits the Continental GT’s remit as a grand tourer.
Torque‘s Dr Andre Lam found the GT Speed’s low-speed performance particularly convincing.
The Continental GT Speed is capable of zero emissions motoring, too. Thanks to the 25.9kWh battery, Bentley claims it can travel up to 81km solely on electric power, and clock a top speed of 140km/h.
Ignoring the temptation to drive the car at full tilt, however, will be difficult, especially when true to its moniker, the Continental GT Speed crushes the century sprint in 3.2 seconds. Given enough unrestricted road, it tops out at 335km/h.
The switchover from hybrid to electric mode is not always seamless. However, once the V8 comes on, the grand tourer responds with immediacy, even if it “only” has single-scroll turbochargers. Any lag is eliminated by the electric motor, which fills the gaps in delivery.
Hence, despite weighing 2459kg (about 200kg heftier than previously), the Continental GT Speed’s inertia is imperceptible. The Performance Active Chassis, Active All-Wheel Drive, and torque vectoring, all contribute to this character, too.
A NIMBLER GRAND TOURER
Bringing the car to a halt are standard-fit 420mm cast-iron brakes, but clients can also opt for larger 440mm carbon-silicon-carbide brakes for even greater stopping power.
Owners can choose from several driving modes to suit their preferences. The default Bentley Mode blends comfort and performance and is ideal for daily driving. Comfort Mode ensures a pliant ride at the expense of handling, while Sport Mode heightens the engine’s responsiveness and firms up the dampers for improved body control.
Complementing this is the active anti-roll system, along with dual-valve dampers and dual-chamber air suspension. This lets you enjoy the car’s sharper handling, while still retaining a good amount of pliancy.
The handling is further enhanced by all-wheel steering, which ensures stability at high speeds, while also shrinking the turning radius at low speeds.
REMAINING RELEVANT
The Continental GT Speed has always balanced sporting prowess with luxurious grand touring abilities, and this is reflected once again in the fourth-generation model.
But at the same time, the brand recognised that to remain relevant, it also needed to become more sustainable. Hence, the move to pair a smaller V8 with a plug-in hybrid system, which, for a relatively small weight penalty, gives the Continental GT Speed better efficiency, greater driving range, and a boost in performance.
Coupled with the carmaker’s talent for bespoke craftsmanship, the Continental GT Speed is once again the benchmark in the world of grand tourers.
Bentley Continental GT Speed 4.0 (A)
ENGINE 3996cc, 32-valves, V8, twin-turbocharged, plug-in hybrid
MAX ENGINE POWER 591hp at 6000rpm
MAX ENGINE TORQUE 800Nm at 2000-4500rpm
ELECTRIC MOTOR POWER 187hp
ELECTRIC MOTOR TORQUE 450Nm
TOTAL SYSTEM POWER 771hp at 6000rpm
TOTAL SYSTEM TORQUE 1000Nm
BATTERY CAPACITY 25.9kWh
POWER TO WEIGHT 313.5hp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 3.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 335km/h
CONSUMPTION 9.7km/L (combined)
PRICE EXCL. COE On application
AGENT Wearnes Automotive
