Together with the 4.0-litre V8 and 190 PS electric motor, the vehicle is the most powerful Bentley ever (All photos: Emily Yap/ The Edge)
When it comes to evaluating grand tourers, one cannot be faulted for wishing for a scenic and circuitous route. From cruising cliffside along the Amalfi coast in Italy to piercing through mountain ranges and glacier-carved valleys along Milford Road in New Zealand, the list goes on for road trippers who adore long-distance rides with spectacular views.
Grand tourers, or GTs, are built for such occasions. Priority is placed on performance and luxury to ensure those who hit the open road can do so hours on end without losing time or experiencing discomfort.
The Bentley Continental GT has long been the ne plus ultra of grand touring and a statement of refined power for those whose portfolios allow for such luxuries. With the fourth generation model, which recently arrived on Malaysian shores, the British marque ushers in a new era, one that eschews the 12-cylinder tradition and embraces a potent V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. But is that a good call?
The delicate act of maintaining the emotional connection to their heritage, all while navigating a swiftly transforming automotive scene is a major challenge for many historic carmakers. Yes, purists are lamenting the absence of the W12 engine. After all, the distinctive motor powered the original Continental GT, which brought about a watershed moment for the brand under the new ownership of Volkswagen. Plus, parting with that sonorous symphony is like saying goodbye to the voice of a familiar and gregarious friend. But replacement is not the point, evolution is. And many will come to find that growth only expands its character, not to mention performance.
Together with the 4.0-litre V8 and 190 PS electric motor, the vehicle churns out a combined output of 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, eclipsing all its predecessors and making it the most powerful Bentley ever. But all that power only comes if you command it.
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Pulling out of the Bentley showroom in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the GT barely made a peep, like a stealthy predator silent before it pounces. In pure electric mode, the car can travel 80km (WLTP), perfect for your daily commutes to the office, business lunches and date nights in town. There is no loud rumbling interfering with your morning mental prepwork or conversations with a beloved after a long day. But after whispering through the Klang Valley most of the time, weekend trips out of town is when the car can unleash its full, considerable potency.
The century sprint is dispatched in an ephemeral 3.2 seconds, delivering an acceleration that was once the preserve of dedicated sportscars with unflappable poise. While a blistering performance will no doubt raise eyebrows, it was its buttery smooth transition between electric and petrol power that left a lasting impression. En route to Sepang, a quick glimpse at the speedometer indicated high triple figures when we thought we were casually cruising.
Its improved weight distribution of 49:51, thanks to the positioning of the hybrid battery, also contributes to an inherently balanced feel during dynamic driving, though one can certainly sense the weight (almost 2.5 tons) hurting its handling and braking performance around tight corners.
Peering into the side mirrors, the rear haunches look strapping and defined. The designers at Bentley drew inspiration from a tiger at rest to conjure up a muscular but relaxed image. They also tried to mimic the upright elegance of a thoroughbred horse.
There are a few design changes that make this GT distinctive. Single front headlamps have not been done since the 1950s. They now feature a new horizontal “eyebrow” sundering the deep crystal cut diamond effect on the top of the lamps and the illuminated pattern on the bottom. Upon closer inspection of the grille, the sensor and camera could be better hidden, we thought.
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The vehicle’s rear has also been redesigned. The boot lid incorporates an integrated aerodynamic form to provide rear downforce without the need for a deployable spoiler while the bumper is styled to emphasise the width of the car. The taillights, which stretch into the boot lid, have a 3D diamond pattern that creates a molten-lava-like visual effect when illuminated.
While the Continental family already flaunts some of the most beautifully executed interiors in the world, the latest grand tourer adds a new sculptured quilting, fading perforations and embroidery throughout the cabin. The 20-way adjustable seats allow front occupants to find their optimal position, minimising fatigue and providing another level of comfort with cooling and heating options. The same cannot be said for backseat passengers though, who will find themselves a little cramped.
The technology, while present, never overwhelms. A 12.3in high-definition infotainment touchscreen comes as standard, but you might not see it at first. That is because Bentley has engineered a three-sided rotating console that can flip around to either hide the display behind a panel of handcrafted veneer or three old-school analogue dials. Apart from the standard 10-speaker stereo, audiophiles will be pleased to know that a Bang & Olufsen 1,500W, 16-speaker system also comes as an option. But to take it up a notch, the Naim 2,200W, 18-speaker system is paired with active bass transducers built into the front seats, converting your cabin into a concert.
Ultimately, the new Continental GT Speed represents a successful negotiation of tradition and modernity. It is a car that will continue to appeal to those who demand effortless performance, peerless craftsmanship and a subtle statement of intent. The electrification, far from diluting the experience, enhances it, providing a glimpse into the future of grand touring.
And if this is just the start, we cannot wait to see what comes next.
This article first appeared on May 5, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
