Bentley Continental 2025 Review

In recent years, Malaysia's luxury GT sports car market has gradually shifted towards a "balance between performance and environmental protection." Consumers pursue the luxurious texture of top brands while also hoping to reduce daily usage costs. The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed PHEV is precisely targeting this niche demand. As the brand's first plug-in hybrid Speed model, it not only retains the luxurious genes of a traditional GT but also achieves a combined 782PS horsepower through the combination of a 4.0T V8 engine and an electric motor, with an 80km pure electric range. This "getting the best of both worlds" setup raises the question: Can it truly balance track enthusiasm with urban commuting? This test drive will focus on its static luxury feel, dynamic performance, and hybrid system practicality to provide potential buyers with a direct reference.

The exterior continues the classic fastback coupe silhouette of the Continental GT, with sleek and powerful overall lines. The front features the iconic matrix chrome grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides that include dynamic turn signals, giving it a highly recognizable look. On the side, the 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels complement the proportion of the short front overhang and long rear overhang, while the "Speed" exclusive badging on the lower door discreetly highlights its identity. At the rear, the quad oval exhaust layout matches the smoked LED taillights, while the small spoiler on the trunk lid automatically rises at high speeds, enhancing aerodynamics and emphasizing the sporty atmosphere. The lighting system comes standard with full LED light sources, including automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and rear fog lights, offering a mature and refined visual effect when lit at night.

Stepping inside, the extensive Nappa leather upholstery combined with matte walnut trim provides a delicate and premium texture. The dashboard features a symmetric design with a 12.3-inch touchscreen embedded in the center, which supports CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, delivering a user experience in line with luxury car standards. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel has electric adjustment functionality, provides a solid grip, and integrates shortcut buttons for adaptive cruise control and voice commands; the paddle shifters are made of metal, enhancing the sense of operation ceremony. Regarding the seats, the front row features 12-way electrically adjustable sport seats with soft padding and ample lateral support, ensuring comfort on long drives. The rear seats, while being a two-seat layout, offer reasonable legroom with the 2851mm wheelbase, suitable for short journeys. In terms of configuration, an 18-speaker premium audio system, front and rear automatic climate control, 360-degree panoramic camera, and automatic parking assist are all standard, ensuring maximum convenience for daily use.

In terms of space, the dimensions are 4895mm/2187mm/1397mm (length/width/height), with a wheelbase of 2851mm. The front-row seating space is ample, with a 180cm-tall individual leaving a fist of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear legroom provides about two fists' worth of space, while the headroom is slightly tight due to the fastback design, making it more suitable for children or smaller passengers. Regarding storage capability, the front door pockets can accommodate two 500ml water bottles, and the center armrest has a deep compartment that can hold wallets, phones, and other personal items. The trunk has a standard volume of 358L, which, while not exceptionally large, can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the needs for short trips. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail.

The powertrain consists of a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine and a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a combined system output of 782PS and a total torque of 1000N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 335km/h. In actual driving, switching to pure electric mode provides smooth and quiet motor output, with an 80km pure electric range that essentially covers daily commuting needs. It can be fully charged within 3 hours by slow charging. In hybrid mode, throttle response is quick: the motor engages first during take-off, and the engine starts taking over after the rpm exceeds 2500. Mid-to-late acceleration still offers a continuous push-back sensation. When overtaking, simply pressing the accelerator deeply delivers power without delay. Driving modes include Comfort, Sport, and Customization. In Sport mode, the transmission shift logic becomes more aggressive, and the exhaust notes are deeper and richer.

Handling and chassis performance are commendable. The front MacPherson and rear multi-link air suspension systems support adjustable stiffness. In Comfort mode, it absorbs most road bumps effectively. While crossing speed bumps or rough roads, the body remains steady, and vibrations are well-damped. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, significantly enhancing lateral support. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range. The steering wheel provides precise control with minimal play. It offers a stable feel at high speeds while remaining light and flexible during low-speed parking maneuvers. The all-wheel drive system performs excellently on slippery roads, with no significant slippage during take-off and providing ample traction. In terms of braking, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes deliver linear stopping power, with short braking distances and reliable confidence.

The practicality of the hybrid system is particularly noteworthy. In pure electric mode, range achievement is high, with actual urban road performance at about 75km, sufficient for daily commuting. In hybrid mode, combined fuel consumption is approximately 9.5L/100km, a reduction of about 30% compared to the pure gasoline version, significantly improving fuel efficiency. Noise control is excellent, with virtually no motor noise during electric driving. At highway speeds, tire and wind noise are present but not intrusive, and the sound of the engine, when engaged, is well-optimized, preserving cabin comfort. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator produces a drag effect similar to the engine braking of a gasoline car. Once accustomed, frequent braking becomes unnecessary.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed PHEV lies in its "balance of luxury and performance": it boasts the comfort and sophistication of a traditional luxury GT while enhancing performance and reducing fuel consumption through its hybrid system. Compared to similar models such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S E-Hybrid, it offers more advantages in terms of configuration richness and rear-seat practicality and is relatively more affordable (Malaysia market suggested price: RM 3,120,000). This car is well-suited for two types of people: young entrepreneurs pursuing brand prestige and driving pleasure, and middle-class families requiring a balance of business receptions and short family trips.

In summation, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed PHEV is a "no significant shortcomings" luxury hybrid grand tourer. It integrates Bentley’s legacy of luxury, powerful performance, and practical hybrid technology into one package, satisfying consumers' demand for high-end brand identity while adapting to current environmental trends. If your budget allows and you’re looking for an “all-rounder” luxury GT, it is undoubtedly worth considering.