More Bentley Than Ever: Getting to the Heart of the New Continental GT Speed

There’s a certain thrill in experiencing raw power wrapped in the finest craftsmanship, and Bentley has just raised the bar. The new Continental GT Speed isn’t just the most powerful Bentley ever—it’s a masterclass in luxury and performance. We went to school in the mountains of Japan to learn for ourselves.

At the heart of the new Continental GT Speed is a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 working in tandem with an electric motor, delivering an astonishing 782 PS (771 bhp)—600 PS (584 bhp) from the engine and 190 PS (187 bhp) from the e-motor. The result? A blistering 0-100 kph time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 335 kph. With 1,000 Nm of torque (450 Nm from the electric motor), acceleration is instant, relentless, and undeniably exhilarating.

When you look at the fourth generation Continental GT Speed, it’s clear Bentley has evolved without losing its DNA. Darren Purvin, project leader for the new Continental GT and Flying Spur, summed it up best: “We don’t keep design constant—we evolve. But we never forget Bentley’s history and values.”

One of the most striking changes is the return of single oval headlamps, a first since the 1950s. These aren’t just headlights; they’re sculpted crystal-cut works of art, sitting beneath a sharp horizontal eyebrow. At the rear, smoked oval taillights continue the theme, enhancing the car’s wider, more aggressive stance. 21-inch wheels complete the look, ensuring this Bentley turns heads even at a standstill.

Underneath, a twin-valve active air suspension adapts seamlessly—offering cloud-like comfort in Comfort mode and razor-sharp handling in Sport mode. Inside, a 12.3-inch rotating infotainment display puts navigation, audio, and climate controls at your fingertips, maintaining Bentley’s tradition of blending technology with elegance. Addressing questions about future battery upgrades, Purvin was clear: “We set a 75 km target and exceeded it—85 km on the coupe and 81 km on theFlying Spur. It’s optimized for its purpose.”

There’s no better way to understand a car than by driving it on the limit, and Bentley chose a venue as exclusive as the car itself—the Magarigawa Club in Minamiboso, Chiba, Japan. Nestled in the mountains, just a couple of hours from Tokyo, Magarigawa isn’t your typical racetrack. It’s a private, members-only driving club surrounded by more than just the usual flat track and straights. With dramatic elevation changes, blind crests, and a mix of highspeed and technical corners, it’s a playground that exposes a car’s strengths and weaknesses in an instant.

From the moment we hit the pit lane, a fleet of Bentleys awaited, ready for a true test of their limits. The GT Speed’s 11 percent power bump over its predecessor was immediately noticeable. On the fast sweepers, the all-wheel-drive system and electronically controlled limited-slip differential provided impeccable stability. Through tighter corners, the 49:51 rearbiased weight distribution made for a surprisingly agile, dynamic experience.

Stopping was equally impressive. With 28 pistons gripping either ventilated iron or carbon-silicon-carbide discs, the stopping power was astonishing—10-piston front calipers per wheel and fourpistonrears ensured rapid deceleration without a hint of fade.

Lap after lap, the GT Speed proved it wasn’t just about straight-line speed. It’s a true grand tourer, delivering performancewithout sacrificing the comfort and refinement Bentley is known for.

More and more nowadays, the true Bentley boys and girls make the cars their own. Through the Mulliner program, every detail can be tailored to individual taste, from custom veneers and artisan fabrics to precious metal inlays. It’s this level of personalization that makes eachvehicle truly unique.

When asked if there were limits to customization, Mulliner bespoke designer Adam Burnicle smiled: “We’re not the taste police. We won’t do anything offensive, but if it’s legal, and you have the time and money, we’ll make it happen.”

The Bentley Continental GT Speed is more than just the most powerful Bentley ever made—it’s a statement. A seamless blend of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship, built for those who demand the absolute best. Whether cruising through the city or attacking a mountain pass, this is a car that redefines what a grand tourer can be.

Bentley has set a new benchmark. And after experiencing it firsthand, one thing is clear—this is a car that demands to be driven.

This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Car Issue, May 2025.