Bentley Continental GT Speed: A Rare Blend Of Performance And Luxury

Hurtling down the Los Angeles Crest Highway in a nearly 2.5-tonne car, driving it like a hot hatch, I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.

When Bentley first launched the Continental GT in 2004, it was hailed as one of the world’s finest grand tourers—boasting both comfort and luxury. But over time, its focus has evolved from being a car to be pampered in, to one you can actually enjoy driving. Now, in the Continental GT Speed I am behind the wheel of, it’s as if the angel has grown a pair of horns. I am left in disbelief that this was a Bentley I'm tossing around corners with a wide grin on my face.

The new Continental GT Speed embraces a more dynamic character, now powered by a plug-in hybrid. The heavy W12 engine up front has been replaced with a lighter, more agile twin-turbo V8, which was previously the lower-spec engine. Paired with batteries in the rear, the weight distribution is much better balanced.

While the engine may be smaller, the performance is anything but, with the GT Speed now becoming the most powerful Bentley ever made. The V8, working in conjunction with an electric motor, produces a staggering 782hp and 1,000nm of torque. This mighty force propels the 2,459kg coupe to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds—a figure you would expect from a sports car, not a grand tourer.

Before I know it, I’m at the bottom of the hill, so blown away that I immediately make a U-turn to climb the winding road again. As I tackle the tight corners, propelled by an endless surge of torque, I am astounded by the car’s body control, its near-perfect balance and the joy it delivers. I try everything I can to unsettle the speed, but it never loses composure.

The massive 22-inch wheels, shod in 275/35 tires up front and 315/30 at the rear, provide unparalleled grip. It is a truly remarkable engineering feat. There is a host of tech helping the Bentley handle like a mountain goat. A limited-slip differential, active anti-roll bars, rear-wheel steering, all-wheel drive and active dampers work seamlessly together. And the best part? You can adjust the ride height, making it perfect for tackling the “speed bumps” we often call mountains in our country.

I may have spent a lot of time talking about the dynamics, but equally thrilling is the car’s outright performance. The launch control feature is the real showstopper. I find an empty stretch and prepare. Left foot on the brake, right foot on the throttle—I rev the engine, then release, and am instantly slammed back in my seat. The acceleration is brutal. The nine speed dual-clutch transmission shifts seamlessly, with the speedometer climbing so quickly I hit triple digits before I can process it. Though part of me does not want to, I reluctantly lift off the throttle to avoid an absurd speeding ticket.

A playful Bentley was something I never imagined. In my mind, a Bentley was always a chauffeur-driven luxury machine—where the back seat was the place to be. That focus has clearly shifted. While the rear seats are still there, they are better suited for small children, as accessing them can be tricky. This is a Bentley built for the front seat—the driver’s seat. The difference is that instead of offering up a waltz, it now feels like a salsa: spicy and fast paced. It offers all the opulence and luxury as before and the thrill of a sports car.

Bentley Continental GT SpeedBentley

If you want to experience this rare blend of performance and luxury, be prepared to spend around ₹6.5 crore for the privilege.

The Look and Feel

Bespoke Touches

First Edition hallmarks: exterior badges, treadplates and embroidery.

Analog and Digital

Rotating display adds a modern spin, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Luxe Finish

A striking two-tone interior with bold accents complements the exterior. Engraved brushed aluminium and rich Alcantara upholstery enhance the sporty elegance. The bright exterior, with its wide mesh grille and helix patterned oval headlamps, makes a statement.