2025 Bentley Continental GT Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 Overview
We knew that the iconic W-12 from Bentley was gone, and a new hybrid system was coming to replace it. What we didn’t know was which Bentley vehicle would get the replacement first. We’ll finally see the first Ultra Performance Hybrid (UPH) with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 this June.
That vehicle is the 2025 Bentley Continental GT, a car worthy of the hybrid replacement of the W-12. We also finally know a few more details on this UPH powerplant just before it arrives. When both the ICE-powered 4.0-liter and electric motor are engaged, around 771 hp and 737.5 lb-ft of torque will be sent to the wheels. This is 121 hp and 73.5 lb-ft of torque more than the W-12 in the Mulliner W12 Coupe.
While a transmission hasn’t been announced, the Continental GT will drive all four wheels with its active AWD system that allows for torque vectoring. We won’t be surprised to see the return of the ZF-based eight-speed automatic transmission that’s likely. Also returning is the electronic limited slip differential to ensure maximum traction torque hits at the drop of the accelerator pedal. As a hybrid model, the 2025 Continental GT will be able to drive up to 50 miles on all-electric power.
New Driving Dynamics
While you’re driving on either EV or ICE power, the 2025 Continental GT will still be as athletic as the original W-12 – perhaps even better. This is attributed in part to the tuning of the 48-volt electric anti-roll control system, a retuning rear-wheel steering system, and a set of new advanced dual-valve dampers. Bentley promises that this latest generation of the Continental GT chassis tech will deliver “exceptional dynamics” from this popular, beastly GT coupe.
Other Hybrid Options?
Potentially, this won’t be the only hybrid version of the Continental GT. Although Bentley hasn’t announced any other hybrid platforms, we expect the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid powertrain to come in future Continental GT Base, C, S, and Azure models, including coupes and convertibles. We would anticipate seeing more than the 456 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque that the Bentayga currently produces.
The New Continental GT Exterior
In addition to the news of the arrival of the UPH V-8, the Continental GT will receive a new look. The quartet of front lights is replaced by a pair of enhanced headlights with an integrated side marker light. The side grilles and lower fascia will also receive updates, but these features may not be present on all Continental GTs. The iconic grille of this large coupe appears to be sporting a new module, which may indicate the introduction of modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features in the Continental GT. The front brakes are designed with eight-piston units.
Despite its hybrid engine, the dual exhaust pipes remain on the updated rear fascia. The area around the rear license plate is now more prominent than before, blending into the rear bumper in a similar U-shape to the rear decklid, albeit upside-down. Additionally, the new taillight design is much wider and extends deeper into the decklid face. With a cutline that splits when the trunk opens, the taillights represent a significant aesthetic update. Interestingly, the fuel filler door has possibly moved from the right-side rear quarter panel to the left side, maintaining the body lines seen in the 2024 model.
Dude, Where’s My Charge Port?
What we don’t see in these images is a charge port location. This new left-hand port could potentially be the charge port, but currently, no evidence shows a matching cover on the right side of the Continental GT, as was the case in the Bentayga PHEV and previous test mules of a PHEV Continental GT, which had port covers on each rear quarter. Consequently, it remains uncertain whether the Continental GT with its UPH system is not a PHEV, the charge port is hidden, or located elsewhere under camouflage wrapping.
Regardless, the new UPH-powered Continental GT arrives in time to potentially mark the 100,000th example built since its arrival in 2002, although the U.S. did not see one until the 2004 model year. What an exciting milestone for Bentley!
