The Bentley Speed Range

Last year, Bentley launched its fourth generation of Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur, Speed models. Styling-wise, the Continental Range featured a sleeker Batur-inspired sleek singular headlight look, in stark contrast with the Flying Spur which maintained its dual-headlight look of the third generation Flying Spur.

The real changes occurred under the bonnet. Gone was the iconic 21-year-old 6.0l twin-turbo W12, and in its place was what Bentley called the new Ultra Performance Hybrid system. This system saw the firm’s 4.0L twin-turbocharged 584 horsepower V8 working in tandem with a 187 horsepower 25.9 kWh Electric Motor.

Together, they unleash a jaw-dropping 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, making these three new Speeds the most powerful Bentley ever built. The result was 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds for the GT, (3.5 for both the GTC and Flying Spur models) and a top speed of 208 mph, (207mph for the Spur and GTC respectively).

Yet due to the hybrid setup, the Continental now had an electric-only range of 50 miles, a total driving range of 534 miles and CO2 emissions now less than 30g/km. The Flying Spur too offered an impressive 47 miles of electric-only range, a total range of 515 miles and emissions down to 33g/km.

So these new cars aren’t just the fastest and most powerful Bentleys in history but also the most economical. Bentley also offered a staggering 46 billion configurations for their new speeds with various exterior paints, interior materials and packages. So it’s no wonder a Continental Speed starts from $285,000 and Flying Spur Speed, $300,000.

New High Performance Hybrid Powertrain: For the More Mild Gentlemen

But if 771 horsepower is a bit much, and let’s be honest, it is, Bentley now offers a more mild variant across all three models. These feature what’s known as the High-Performance Hybrid, in essence, it’s still a 4.0l twin-turbo V8 working in tandem with a 25.9 kWh Electric Motor. However, the V8 now produces just 484 horsepower.

Meaning in total, these new models generate 671 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque. 0-62mph now takes 3.5 seconds in the GT (3.8 in the Flying Spur and GTC) but the Top Speed still remains at 208mph (207mph for the Flying Spur and GTC).

However, the electric-only range is now 53 miles, CO2 Emissions are now below 35g/km and the total range increases to 550 miles. Price is also down to $260,000 for the Continental ($285,000) a whopping $25,000 below the Speed variants.

The More Vaned Styling: What Do They Rival

From the exterior, not much has changed except these standard models now feature a new Vertical grille, which looks far more distinct and grand than the mesh grill of the Speed variants. Certainly, they make these standard cars look a lot more Grand and more Rolls-Royce-like.

But other than that, it’s pretty much the same as before. The Continental range still uses the iconic Matrix Batur-Inspired LED headlamps and the Flying Spur still uses rear-wheel steering and a 48V anti-roll system to ensure this enormous barge can outhandle nearly anything from Mercedes or Rolls Royce.

Speaking of Rolls-Royce, the new Flying Spur is still firmly a chief rival for the far more expensive and far less impressive Rolls-Royce Ghost. Whilst with less power, the Continental Range are now direct competitors for the Aston Martin DB12 and Ferrari Roma, in stark contrast with the Speed models that took on the more powerful and outlandish, Vanquish and 12 Cilindri variants.

The new Azure Models Elevate the Experience

However, with these standard variants, Bentley now offers a new Azure Trim. From the Exterior this sees a black matrix grille with chrome surround, exclusive 22-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof and subtle Azure badging. However, as with all Bentleys, it isn’t the exterior worth shouting about, it’s the interior.

Inside you get “Wellness Seating” with heating, ventilation, neck warmers and massaging functions. Paired with cabin air ionisers, mood lighting and bespoke diamond quilting, long journeys are still a joy. Azure packages also include Touring, Comfort, and Lighting Packs for maximum convenience.

Why the High Performance Standard Variants are better than the Ultra Performance Hybrid Speed?

So the final question all your footballers, real estate moguls and oil sheikhs would like to wonder is whether this High-Performance Variant is superior to the more powerful and expensive Ultra Performance Speed. And the answer is a self-resounding yes. So far as I can see the only advantage the Speed variants have is a slightly quicker acceleration.

But these High-Performance Hybrids are noticeably less expensive, far more efficient, and still as grand to sit inside, especially with the new Azure package, and with that new Vaned grille, significantly better-looking. It’s also worth noting the same type of customer who wants a Bentley will probably not consider a V12 monster like a Vanquish or a 12 Cilindri. He’ll just want something to tour across Europe and the UAE in rapid silence. And on that basis, the standard variant is sufficient.

F1rstMotors: Bentley “High-Performance Hybrid” comparison

Model	GT	GTC	Flying Spur
Year of Release	2025	2025	2025
Engine	4.0L Twin–Turbo V8 with 25.9kWh Electric Motor	4.0L Twin–Turbo V8 with 25.9kWh Electric Motor	4.0L Twin–Turbo V8 with 25.9kWh Electric Motor
Horsepower	671hp	671hp	671hp
Torque	686 lb–ft	686 lb–ft	686 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	3.5 seconds	3.8 seconds	3.8 seconds
Top Speed	208mph (335 km/h)	207mph (333 km/h)	207 mph (333 km/h)
Weight	2,459kg (2.4 tonnes)	2,636 kg (2.6 tonnes)	2,675kg (2.7 tonnes)
Power to Weight	272 hp per tonne	254 hp per tonne	251 hp per tonne
Gearbox	8–speed Porsche PDK Dual Clutch Reverse	8–speed Porsche PDK Dual Clutch	8–speed Porsche PDK Dual Clutch
Driven Wheels	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Rivals	Ferrari Roma, Aston Martin DB12	Ferrari Roma Spider, Aston Martin DB12 Volante	Rolls–Royce Ghost, Maybach S680

Source: Bentley