- Exterior Design that Balances Power and Elegance
- Luxurious Interior with Fine Details
- Impressive Hybrid Performance
- Driving Dynamics and Unmatched Comfort
- Comprehensive Luxury and Advanced Features
- Minor Drawbacks
Bentley continues to cement its status as a symbol of luxury and performance with the launch of the fourth generation of its legendary Continental GT Speed, now in a new hybrid version. This car combines classic elegant design with modern technology to deliver an exceptional driving experience that meets the expectations of luxury high-performance car enthusiasts, setting a new standard in the luxury sports coupe segment.
Exterior Design that Balances Power and Elegance
At first glance, the Continental GT Speed appears as a masterpiece on wheels. The car features an aluminum body crafted with advanced techniques, with muscular yet balanced lines giving it a strong road presence without excessive aggressiveness. The headlights, inspired by the limited-edition Bacalar model, add a unique modern touch, complemented by massive 22-inch wheels and a sleek fastback roof. Some critics note that the oval taillights seem overly extended, but this does not detract from the overall beauty of the car.
Luxurious Interior with Fine Details
Inside, the driver and passengers find themselves in a world of true luxury. Bentley combines masculine engineering rigor with soft feminine touches through the finest materials, such as three-dimensional embroidered leather and polished steel. Highlights include classic circular air vents, a brake pedal adorned with the Bentley logo, and doors that close smoothly and automatically. Ambient lighting adds a luxurious welcoming atmosphere.
The interior technology features a customizable digital display and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen supported by traditional buttons for quick control. The standout feature is the rotating screen that switches between a touchscreen, analog gauges, or an elegant wooden interface, showcasing Bentley’s mastery in blending modernity with classic style.
Impressive Hybrid Performance
Bentley has retired its famous W12 engine in favor of a hybrid system combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a 190-horsepower electric motor, delivering a total output of approximately 800 horsepower and 1000 Nm of torque. The car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, with an electric-only range of 81 km and a total range of up to 859 km under ideal conditions (closer to 650 km in real-world driving).
The 25.9 kWh battery can be charged in under three hours using a fast charger, or about eight hours via a home outlet. In electric mode, the car moves in complete silence, while the Sport mode reveals a fierce sporty character and the distinctive roar of the V8 engine.
Driving Dynamics and Unmatched Comfort
Despite weighing 2459 kg, the Continental GT Speed delivers astonishing sporty performance thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, electronic rear-wheel steering, and advanced air suspension that provide an ideal balance between comfort and stability. Massive brakes and tire grip ensure high confidence in corners, while the turning radius of just 11.3 meters facilitates maneuvering in tight spaces.
Comprehensive Luxury and Advanced Features
The car offers a premium 2200-watt Naim sound system with 18 speakers, rivaling theater-quality audio, alongside an advanced climate control system with ventilated seats and cabin air purification. Safety features include advanced emergency braking, lane departure and turn assist, adaptive cruise control, lane guidance, and a 3D surround-view camera. However, some systems like lane-keeping assistance may require improvement.
Minor Drawbacks
Despite all these advantages, some points of criticism include limited rear seat space and difficult access, as well as a small trunk volume due to the spare tire and charging cables. The high price also makes it an exclusive choice for a select elite.
The Bentley Continental GT Speed Hybrid embodies the pinnacle of creativity in luxury cars, where handcrafted artistry meets modern technology and powerful sporty performance. It is a car that combines absolute luxury, immense power, and offers its owner an unforgettable driving experience, with artistic touches befitting enthusiasts of excellence and sophistication. If you seek a luxury coupe that blends performance, efficiency, and innovation, this car undoubtedly deserves to be at the top of your list.
