Bentley launches new plug-in hybrid powertrain

The trio of Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur gain access to the 671-hp powertrain with more than 80 km of electric driving range.

Bentley Continental GTC, Flying Spur and Continental GT in Azure trim — *The newly launched Bentley Continental GTC, Flying Spur and Continental GT are available in core and Azure (seen here) variants. – Bentley Motors photo*

Bentley has dropped details of a new, less-powerful but still a powerhouse, powertrain that is coming to the trio of Continental GT (coupe), Continental GTC (convertible) and Flying Spur (sedan).

The models gain what the company calls its High Performance Hybrid powertrain. The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a 4-litre V8 engine and an electric motor.

Total power output is 671 hp and 686 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s 100 hp less than what the previously launched Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain delivers in the same cars.

Bentley says the cars with the new High Performance Hybrid are able to drive 80 kilometres in electric mode.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur exterior — *The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a luxury sedan. – Bentley Motors photo*

Zero to 100 km/h acceleration by model is reported as:

Continental GT – 3.7 seconds
Continental GTC – 3.9 seconds
Flying Spur – 3.9 seconds

*The Bentley Continental GT is a grand tourer. – Bentley Motors photo*

Electric driving range by model is reported as:

Continental GT – 85 km
Continental GTC – 82 km
Flying Spur – 80 km

*The Bentley Continental GTC is a luxury convertible. – Bentley Motors photo*

While this V8 hybrid powertrain is less powerful than the Ultra Performance Hybrid that was introduced in 2024 on Speed and Mulliner models, Bentley points out the cars still outperform the previous generation’s W12-powered Speed models.

The High Performance Hybrid trio of cars are each available in core and Azure variants.

The Azure variants prioritize wellness and comfort, Bentley said.

Bentley Continental GTC Azure external — *The Bentley Continental GTC Azure focuses on comfort. – Bentley Motors photo*

Continental GT and GTC Azure models

Bentley said the focus on well-being is evident immediately in the two Continental models. The two-door cars feature a gloss black matrix grille with a bright chrome surround and vertical vanes, with some contrast elements in the front.

The cars ride on 22-inch Azure wheels and feature Azure interior design elements, including embroidery on the seat headrests.

Bentley Continental GT Azure interior — *It’s all class inside the Bentley Continental GT Azure. – Bentley Motors photo*

On the interior, you’ll find wellness seating with open pore crown cut walnut veneer trim, contrast stitching on the leather upholstery, standard inclusion of Bentley’s Touring, Comfort and Lighting Specification packages and more.

The GT includes a panoramic sunroof and the GTC gets a neck warmer to make top-down driving more comfortable in cooler weather.

Bentley Flying Spur Azure exterior — *The Bentley Flying Spur Azure model includes some distinguishing features, including a vertical grille. – Bentley Motors photo*

Flying Spur Azure model

The Flying Spur Azure model also gains some distinguishing design elements and rides on 22-inch Azure wheels.

The car has a focus on reducing stress and promoting well-being, Bentley said. The car features assistance technologies for a smoother and safer drive. The two front seats and the two outer rear seats have heating and ventilation as well as a massage function with six programmable setting.

Bentley Flying Spur Azure rear seats — *The Azure variant of the Bentley Flying Spur features heated and ventilated rear outer seats. – Bentley Motors photo*

The car also features mood lighting, Harmony quilting on door inners and seats, the inclusion of the Touring, Comfort and Mood Lighting packages, and more.

“With the arrival of the new models alongside the acclaimed Speed variants, Bentley customers can now choose the Continental GT, GT Convertible or Flying Spur that most closely reflects their esthetic values and driving priorities,” a Bentley news release said. “But this is just the start of the journey; the near-infinite choice of paint finishes, veneers, trim, interior upholstery and Mulliner options enables each customer to create a Bentley that is truly individual.”

For updates and vehicle availability, visit the Bentley Motors website.