End of an era at Crewe: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed ditches W12 for hybrid V8 to challenge Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin DB12

Yet another ‘most powerful’ brand record is broken, this time by the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed plug-in hybrid. 

Although exciting, it marks a sad end to Bentley’s unique W12 engine configuration after production ceased at Crewe in April 2024. 

The revised cross-plane single-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine is allied to a 140kW/450Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission. The system punches out 575kW and 1000Nm, enough to get the grand tourer from rest to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds. 

For the first time, the Continental GT hardtop is launched alongside its rag-top GTC relation – excitingly available with tweed as a material choice for the hood. 

Though visually similar to the car it replaces, Bentley's muscular fourth-generation Continental GT features 68 per cent all-new componentry. 

The Continental GT is the first mainstream non coach-built model since the 1959 S2 to feature single headlights; modern Matrix LED items, naturally. 

An active anti-roll system powered by the 48-volt electrical system, new ESC programming and a rear-axle active eLSD help harness all the punch. 

Mounted behind the rear wheel, the larger 25.9kWh battery allows 81km of electric-only driving range (WLTP) and can charge in two hours and 45 minutes at 11kW (AC). Bentley claims a ‘perfect’ 49:51 weight distribution for the all-wheel drive grand tourer. 

To show off the new powertrain’s capability, Bentley set a unique ‘underwater speed record’ using the world’s longest tunnel. The two-door hit 335km/h in the 14.4km long Ryfylke undersea road tunnel in Norway, running on renewable biofuel and green electricity. 

To haul up the Continental GT Speed, steel brakes are standard though Carbon-Silicon-Carbide brakes with 440mm front and 410mm rear rotors are optionally available. 

Inside, luxury and personalisation is the name of the game for the four-seater. The Continental GT has 20-way power-adjust seats with quilted leather upholstery, 'Auto Posture Adjust' and automatic heating plus ventilation.

The Continental GT gets a 650-watt stereo as standard with both 16-speaker 1500W Bang & Olufsen or flagship 18-speaker 2200W Naim sound system with 'Active Bass Transducers' available. 

Australian pricing and specification is yet to be confirmed for Bentley’s Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin DB12 and Ferrari 12Cilindri rival.