2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed: A New Breed of Everyday Supercar

By Jeff Gibbs

Picture this: a two-door luxury coupe that delivers jaw-dropping speed, stunning elegance, and hybrid power—all in one beautifully crafted package. Bentley’s 2025 Continental GT Speed aims to do just that, offering a unique blend of performance, sophistication, and modern eco-conscious engineering. This is not just a car; it’s an experience, a statement, and perhaps the only supercar you’d genuinely want to drive every day.

Performance: Where Power Meets Precision

At the heart of this beast lies a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid, replacing Bentley’s legendary W12 engine. This move might raise eyebrows among die-hard fans, but Bentley didn’t hold back on power. The hybrid setup pushes a breathtaking 575kW (about 770 horsepower) and a colossal 1000Nm of torque. This machine surges from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds—a feat that’s almost hard to fathom when you remember that this car weighs 2.5 tonnes. This car isn’t just fast; it’s thrillingly responsive, with the roar and pops of a performance exhaust that make it feel alive.

The addition of an electric motor gives it something unique—a dual nature. Imagine gliding through city streets in pure silence with an all-electric range of 81km, only to switch into hybrid mode and unleash all that power. It’s perfect for slipping unnoticed through urban areas before hitting the open road and letting that engine roar.

The Design: Unmistakable Bentley, with a Bold Twist

The 2025 model makes a bold design shift. Gone are the four iconic headlights, replaced by two striking “eyes” that lend the Continental GT Speed a more modern, assertive presence. Every angle of this car is designed to turn heads, from its ‘Tourmaline Green’ exterior (one of 18 standard colours) to the meticulously crafted lines that exude luxury and power. Each detail, Bentley says, is inspired by animal-like strength and elegance—the car’s side profile is even called the “Resting Beast,” reminiscent of a tiger poised to pounce.

Inside, the cabin is nothing short of spectacular. Bentley claims it has the finest car interiors in the world, and sitting in this car, it’s hard to argue. The front seats are more like grand armchairs than mere car seats, with 20-way adjustability, massage features, and a unique “Wellness Facility” offering postural adjustments to prevent fatigue. Touching anything in the cabin feels like an indulgent experience, from the soft leather upholstery to the precisely crafted metal details. And if you need a ‘digital detox,’ Bentley’s 12.3-inch central touchscreen cleverly rotates to reveal either classic analogue dials or a smooth dashboard surface. Every inch of this car feels bespoke and high-end.

Driving: The Everyday Supercar

The 2025 Continental GT Speed is built for any road and any mood. On a spirited drive around Japan’s exclusive Magarigawa Club racetrack—a tight, challenging circuit nestled into the mountains—the car demonstrated its “everyday supercar” charm. The Continental GT Speed can switch from a calm cruiser to a track beast in an instant. Its adaptive suspension makes this possible, balancing between comfort and dynamic agility.

In ‘Sport’ mode, the car’s all-wheel drive and torque vectoring systems work magic on tight corners and long straights. Despite its weight, the Continental feels planted and surefooted, with minimal body roll even at high speeds. It’s not just about brute force; the handling, braking, and all-wheel steering give you full control, even at speeds you’d expect only on a supercar.

The engineering genius continues with the hybrid system’s unique ability to use engine power to recharge the battery. So, if you’re in Sport mode, the harder you drive, the faster the battery recharges. This system was even put to the test on the track, running for two weeks without needing to plug it in—Bentley’s approach to hybrid innovation adds a level of freedom rarely found in such a high-performance car.

Safety and Tech: Luxury Meets Peace of Mind

Despite being packed with high-end features, Bentley keeps safety simple, including its ‘Safeguard’ suite, which covers advanced braking, lane guidance, and emergency assist. Though only four airbags (front and side) are included, Bentley focuses on front-occupant protection, likely assuming that rear-seat passengers are less common.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

Let’s not mince words—the 2025 Continental GT Speed comes at a premium. Starting at AUD $581,900 (before on-road costs), it’s priced alongside exotic sports cars. But here’s where Bentley has carved a unique niche: buyers of the GT Speed aren’t just seeking speed; they’re after a high-performance machine that’s also comfortable, refined, and fit for daily use. It’s a supercar without the typical sacrifices of a supercar—comfort, luxury, and a touch of eco-friendliness.

Final Thoughts: Bentley’s Bold New Direction

For those worried about Bentley’s shift from 12-cylinder engines, the Continental GT Speed should put those fears to rest. It’s a car that embraces the future of hybrid performance without sacrificing the spirit of luxury grand touring. This car isn’t just fast; it’s effortlessly fast, thrilling to drive, and surprisingly versatile.

Bentley has designed the 2025 Continental GT Speed as a true “everyday supercar,” seamlessly merging power and luxury. It’s a car you can take on a cross-country road trip or a quick city run in EV mode. For those looking to make a statement, enjoy incredible power, and still indulge in creature comforts, this car delivers.

For more local news, click here.