Bentley Continental GTC Speed 2025 Review

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed V8 plug-in hybrid is priced from $639,800 before on-road costs (ORCs), well and truly placing it in the top end of the car and hybrid market. As Bentley pivots towards electrification, the new V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain not only replaces the outgoing W12, but improves upon it in some key metrics.

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a 25.9kWh battery pack. The electric motor alone contributes 140kW and 450Nm, while the V8 engine delivers 441kW and 800Nm. Combined outputs are a remarkable 575kW and 1000Nm, representing a 90kW and 100Nm bump over the outgoing W12. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The car has three pre-configured drive modes: Comfort, Bentley Mode and Sport. Comfort and Bentley will preference EV-only mode and switch into a hybrid setup when the battery runs low, while Sport is all about that raw V8 power.

This potent hybrid setup allows the Continental GTC Speed to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 285km/h. Despite this, Bentley claims a combined fuel economy figure of 10.6L/100km, with up to 81km of pure-electric range and a total driving range of 838km.

Underpinning the performance is Bentley’s latest-generation Performance Active Chassis, which integrates adaptive all-wheel drive, an electronic limited-slip differential, torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, Bentley Dynamic Ride (active anti-roll control), and an all-new electronic stability control system. It rides on 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Externally, the front end features full LED matrix headlights with adaptive high-beam assist, as well as Bentley’s signature Speed “welcome” and “coming home” animations. The fabric convertible roof can be raised or lowered in just 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50km/h.

Inside, the GTC Speed is a masterclass in craftsmanship and technology. Standard fare includes 20-way power-adjustable front seats trimmed in quilted leather, while the test car was optioned with Front Seat Wellness featuring Postural Adjust and Seat Auto Climate. These systems subtly shift muscle pressure and regulate temperature via embedded sensors to reduce fatigue on longer drives. Both front seats also feature heating, ventilation, massage functions, and adjustable bolsters.

The Bentley Rotating Display dominates the dashboard, housing a 12.3-inch central touchscreen that swivels to reveal analogue dials or a clean panel when not in use. A fully digital instrument cluster displays hybrid-specific readouts, while 30-colour ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the My Bentley App Studio bring modern connectivity.

A 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system was optioned in the test car, delivering an immersive listening experience which complemented the sounds of the outside world when the top is lowered. Voice control is enhanced with natural speech recognition and activated via the “Hey Bentley” wake phrase.

In terms of driver assistance, the GTC Speed is fitted with predictive adaptive cruise control, lane guidance, lane departure warning, emergency assist, remote park assist, and a comprehensive 3D surround-view camera system.

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed comes with a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty as well as three years of roadside assistance. Service intervals are indicated at every 16,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Driving the Bentley Continental GTC Speed through Victoria’s Yarra Valley gave me a true sense of its dual personality. It’s a heavy car – 2636kg of leather, metal and tech – but it doesn’t feel unwieldy. Instead, it feels planted, poised, and – when you want it to be – properly fast.

Transitions between petrol and electric power are seamless, and in EV mode the GTC glides along quietly, with enough torque to make city and regional driving easy. But it’s when you unleash the V8 that things get interesting. This twin-turbo V8 engine delivers not just impressive power, but also a beautifully authentic soundtrack. One that’s mechanical and real, not piped in through speakers.

It’s an aural reminder that, while offering some fuel-saving benefits, the hybrid system is really there to lift this Bentley’s performance game.

On the road, the GTC is a joy and in Sport mode, it comes alive. The ride remains supple thanks to the air suspension, while on twisty backroads the combination of all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and the active chassis control keeps things flat, agile and confident.

The steering is precise and communicative, helping shrink the car’s perceived size, while the four-wheel steering also makes a big difference in tight urban settings, where it makes light work of manoeuvres like U-turns and parking.

Taking it through the twists and turns of the Yarra Valley in both wet and dry conditions showed just how composed and capable this thing is. The grip and precision of the steering gave such a sense of confidence and safety and nothing could throw it off its game.

Driving with the top down is another highlight. The dynamic character of the car subtly shifts, becoming lighter and breezier while still remaining planted in corners.

On chilly days, the Front Seat Comfort Specification pack offers heated seats, armrest and steering wheel, plus a front-seat neck warmer that blows hot air from the headrest to ensure the experience remains enjoyable, even with wind curling into the cabin.

Inside, the GTC is a celebration of the craftsmanship of Crewe, where Bentleys have been painstakingly produced since 1946. The materials are incredibly soft and luxurious, with meticulous stitching and high-quality tactile buttons. The steering wheel, while large, feels supple and delicate in your hands, making light work of manoeuvring the beast through twists and turns.

At this end of the market, everything is customisable thanks to Bentley’s Mulliner service, with the ability to mix and match and personalise your vehicle beyond that offered by the standard configurator. I was told that one Australian customer opted for some stone from his property to be used within the interior of his new car.

The 12.3-inch Rotating Display adds a flourish of drama, spinning to hide the infotainment screen and reveal classic analogue gauges. These include a compass, outside air temperature and a chronometer that’s a nice nod to the history of Bentley’s of old, while also offering the choice to disconnect from tech and focus purely on the drive.

Despite its size, the infotainment screen is well sized and suits the interior layout. Wireless Android Auto works effortlessly and, while the system isn’t groundbreaking, it’s functional and easy to navigate.

Additional tech features like Night Vision and a head-up display make for a thoroughly modern grand tourer hiding beneath traditional elegance.

The fabric roof, while not as isolating as a coupe’s hardtop, adds a nostalgic charm, the rain tapping overhead evoking a bygone era of traditional convertibles. Driving around town and at higher speeds on the highway, you do hear road noise and other external sounds from the traffic, but it’s easy to forgive this because of the fabric roof. If anything, it adds to the allure – especially when the V8 kicks in and the purr of the engine opens up.

The exterior design continues Bentley’s classic GTC lineage: elegant, bold, and unmistakably Bentley. While the photos here show the GTC in blue, the car we had for this experience (see below) was finished in Tourmaline Green, a colour that Charli XCX would be proud to be seen in. Paired with the Continental Blackline Specification option pack, which adds a gloss-black radiator matrix grille with black surround, black door handles, tailpipes and other trim elements, this car has a real BRAT presence.

While the Bentley Continental GTC offers an exceptional grand touring experience, it’s not without its drawbacks. The most obvious compromise comes with practicality.

Practicality is its weakest point. The boot space is severely limited thanks to the roof mechanism, and while there are back seats, they’re more suited to handbags than humans. Even kids would struggle for legroom.

This is the perfect car for weekend driving escape, but unfortunately you won’t be able to take much away with you. If your idea of a weekend getaway involves more than a few soft bags or a wine haul, you’ll need to pack carefully or bring a second car.

Cabin insulation also takes a hit with the fabric roof. While acceptable for a convertible, outside noise is still quite present and cold air seeps through the door pockets, which is especially noticeable in chilly weather.

The infotainment system, though functional, lacks the wow factor expected in a car at this price point. It’s basic in operation and design, though thankfully easy to use. The wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto do much of the heavy lifting. And while the touchscreen is convenient, it is prone to fingerprints – an aesthetic letdown in an otherwise pristine cabin.

Visibility is another compromise. The A-pillars and large side mirrors can obstruct vision at intersections or during tight manoeuvres, which is not ideal – especially on more regional roads with more tighter and unique intersection formations.

If you’re in the market for a luxury grand tourer that blends tradition with innovation, then yes, this is one of the most compelling convertibles money can buy.

It’s not practical. It’s not subtle. And it’s certainly not cheap. But it delivers a level of presence, comfort and performance that few others can match. The addition of the hybrid system hasn’t diluted its charm, it’s enhanced it, making the GTC quicker, more refined, and (slightly) greener.

For those who want to make every journey feel like a celebration, top down and the wind in your hair, the Bentley Continental GTC Speed delivers, and then some.

But back to our first question: in a world chasing efficiency, is there still a place for a luxury convertible sports car? After a weekend behind the wheel, the answer is a resounding yes.

2025 Bentley Continental GTC Speed at a glance:
Price: $639,800 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol-electric V8
Output: 441kW/800Nm (electric motor: 140kW/450Nm)
Combined output: 575kW/1000Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Battery: 25.9kWh lithium-ion
Range: 81km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 27.9kWh/100km (WLTP)
Fuel: 10.6L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 29g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

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