For 20 years now, the Bentley Continental GT has been a symbol of the Grand Tourer segment. Brilliantly disguising its weight—it’s about as heavy as a big SUV—the luxurious coupe (GT) and cabriolet (GTC) have no 100% direct rivals, despite what Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, and Maserati will tell you. And while that’s not going to change in the short term, the car itself will. Starting with the upcoming facelift (think: 2025 Continental GT), the W12 engine is going away, with at least one plug-in hybrid set to enter the range.
Over the previous months, a group of facelifted Continental GTs have been spied while winter testing. And I’ve brought along a video (lens tip to CarSpyMedia) that shows these prototypes up close.
Interestingly, one of the test drivers even attempts to get away from the spy photographer once he realizes the latter is able to film inside the car. And, with all the ice and snow on the road, this lets us see the rear bias of the AWD system as the driver dips his toes into the throttle, while the V8 soundtrack also makes itself noticed. This sort of display is a rare occurrence since testers usually avoid heavy throttle applications in the presence of the cameras.
2025MY Bentley Continental GT facelift
As the British carmaker announced earlier this month, it will build its final W12 engine in April 2024—the total production sits at around 100,000 units, for the Conti GT, Flying Spur sedan, and Bentayga SUV. However, it was the Continental GT that introduced this mighty unit to the brand back in 2003, so what are we losing here?
The history books will tell you that Bentley’s twin-turbo 6.0L W12 is based on a VW Group engine. The latter, which first showed up on the Audi A8 in 2001, brings together four rows of three cylinders, essentially using a single crankshaft for a pair of fictional 15-degree VR6 engines.
In theory, compared to a V8, the only other engine configuration currently available on the Continental GT, the W12 is more compact, offers a superior output, and, more importantly for such a car, shoes extra refinement. On the other hand, the W12 is heavier, sips more fuel, and is more difficult to service versus a V8.
But what about the real world? Having driven both the W12 and the V8 versions of the first-gen Conti GT (we are now in the second generation), I can talk about the main bits you feel when behind the wheel. And I don’t have too many arguments to build a case for the twelve-cylinder.
Yes, the W12 (here is one powering a Nissan 350Z) is better at making you forget there are explosions under the hood. But Bentley has already committed to an all-electric future starting in 2030, so that advantage wouldn’t have lasted for too long anyway. The V8, on the other hand, packs a sportier exhaust sound. And while the exhaust itself is doing the heavy lifting here, even with the Sports Exhaust options, the eight-cylinder is the winner.
What about the hybrid Continental GT?
The gas-electric Continental GT will likely adopt the plug-in hybrid powerplant offered on the Bentayga Hybrid and Flying Spur Hybrid, as this isn’t an all-new generation of the two-door.
We’re looking at a twin-turbo 2.9L V6 and a single electric motor offering a combined output of 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Further down the road, though, a more powerful and exuberant hybrid system incorporating a V8 is expected.
As far as the exterior changes go, the only visible bits so far include the headlights and taillights. These sport a more precious look, akin to what we’ve seen on the EXP 100 GT Concept of 2019.
The cabin changes will also be limited, with the revamped model set to offer a few tech updates along with new trim options.
The Timeline
The current, Gen II Continental GT entered the market in 2018 as a 2019 model. Its platform has even been used for a few coach-built specials like the Bacalar convertible of 2020 and the Batur coupe of 2022.
As for the Continental GT facelift, this is expected to go on sale in 2024, coming as a 2025 model year. In the meantime, you may wish to see what happens then a Continental GT become a tank, a drag car or a drift car.
