What's all this about?

Bentley has confirmed a new Continental GT is on the way, and it’s going to have a plug-in hybrid powertrain. With a total of 782hp and 1,000Nm of torque, the system will still be performance-orientated, though Bentley is promising up to 50 miles of electric-only range.

Impressive figures. What’s the system look like?

In essence, Bentley will continue to use a V8 petrol engine, a little like the one that’s already offered in the Continental GT, but it’ll be paired with an electric motor and a battery. Details aren’t available as yet – we’re expecting those when the car is properly unveiled in June – but we know the engine is new and the battery will offer 50 miles of range on the official economy test. We also know the aforementioned power outputs.

How will the new Continental GT look?

All Bentley has shown us so far is a couple of teaser shots of a camouflaged car on a track, so we don’t have that much to go on as yet. However, we know the fourth-generation Continental GT won’t look too different from the current car, which we think is quite an attractive thing. However, a close look at the images shows a slightly new headlight design and possibly modified bumpers, particularly at the rear. The oval rear lights look set to remain relatively unchanged, however, while the basic shape is immediately familiar.

What about the famous Bentley interior?

Bentley has said nothing about that as yet, but judging by the way Bentley is keen to reference previous iterations of the Continental GT, we don’t expect the company to deviate too far from its existing course. Expect lots of leather, wood veneer and perhaps a little new technology.

Has Bentley said anything else?

Not a huge amount, but it has confirmed the car’s official emissions will be lower than 50g/km, and some of the chassis technology has been announced. For example, we know the car will continue with all-wheel drive, and it’ll get an electronic limited-slip differential, plus four-wheel steering, new dampers and electric active anti-roll control. We’re expecting some of this tech to come from the closely related Porsche Panamera.

How much will it cost?

We don’t know yet, and Bentley is usually a little bit coy about prices – possibly because nobody buys a basic one anyway – so we haven’t even been given an indication. We expect it to be more expensive than the current Continental GT V8, but not drastically more expensive. But we’ll wait to see what happens when the car is launched next month.

James Fossdyke - 17 May 2024