First Drive: 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed Is an Electrifying Engineering Marvel

The Swiss Alps didn’t take long to captivate my imagination while exploring the mountain terrain using the heroics of the new 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed, the perfect vessel when venturing to faraway lands. After experiencing the exciting roads, refreshing air, and timeless moments in the quaint village town of Andermatt, I vowed to return again, especially if a Bentley coupe or convertible is at my disposal.

Bentley held the international press drive of its all-new 2025 Continental GT Speed (and GTC Speed cabriolet) in Switzerland, where the cities are vibrant and sophisticated and the countryside is breathtaking. You will also find more banks than dentists here, so ultra-luxury, performance automobiles are everywhere, allowing the Continental GT Speed to feel right at home. 

Bentley Engages EV Power

We began the experience with a 1.5-hour drive from the central city of Zurich to The Chedi Andermatt, which resides 4,715 ft above sea level in the Urseren valley, known for its cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, high peaks, and pure mountain lakes. Upon arrival, Bentley displayed all four generations of the Continental GT Speed for us to fancy while comparing the design evolution of each model.

I distinctly recall when the Continental GT first hit the scene. It was a cultural phenomenon that became a universal driveway display for influential individuals from pro athletes to savvy real estate investors. Today, the British grand tourer represents inventive wizardry in engineering, design, and technology as it relates to performance and interior personalization from Bentley’s traditional system of bespoke materials and decorative finishes.

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The current GT and CTC Speed—designed simultaneously on the same platform—are plug-in hybrids featuring a 25.9 kWh battery and 140 kW e-motor providing 50 miles of electric range for driving quietly and efficiently through the city. You can use 75 percent of throttle power in EV drive before the gasoline engine kicks in. The vehicle also starts up in this mode. The other three eco modes include Regeneration, E-boost, and Charge. 

The hybrid setup is a precursor for the automaker’s Bentley Beyond100, a mission of becoming the leader in sustainable luxury mobility. Along with innovation, the core values of the strategy include Bentley’s devotion to environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and enduring luxury. A complete EV is coming shortly, yet Rolls-Royce is already ahead of the game with its all-electric Spectre.

The British marvel is powered by a stalwart 4-liter twin-turbo V8 (shared with the Porsche Panamera) that produces a combined 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque for a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. The electric motor directly contributes 188 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to the total output. 

Alpen Cruising in Performance Luxury

Cruising around the ski town while enjoying the fresh air in the British supercar was a joy. The Continental GT Speed handled the tight bends, narrow mountain tunnels, and switchbacks with dignified mannerisms thanks to wide 22-inch rims outfitted with Pirelli performance tires, a fully active chassis system, and Bentley Dynamic Ride for extraordinary body control.

Top speed is a blistering 208 mph if you decide to blow through the mountain roads while absorbing the enchanting scenery. But I wouldn’t do that; save the theatrics for the track. Added performance stems from active AWD, all-wheel steering, torque vectoring, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, and twin exhaust outlets that rumble when pushed. 

Switch drive modes to Sport to automatically open the valves and exhaust for thrilling audible notes. Bentley mode represents the best of all modes and will adjust accordingly to your style of engagement. Moreover, Manual will hold each gear longer so the GT won’t upshift prematurely unless you are close to redlining. However, the Continental GT Speed felt a bit heavy, especially during takeoffs, and was not as light as I imagined.

Design Tweaks Up Muscularity, Comfort, Tech 

Whether you select the Continental GT Speed coupe or the GTC Speed soft top, Bentley accentuated both with a commanding front fascia, confident stance, and protrusive hips. Design director Robin Page likens the vehicle’s muscular physique and features to specific animal traits. The Continental’s upright elegance imitates a thoroughbred’s stance to represent self-assurance. This vertical confidence has traditionally been a part of the company’s heritage. 

Significantly, Bentley has implemented single headlamps for the first time in 29 years. Page compares the front end to a tiger's face with focused eyes and lowered brows, represented by a horizontal matrix LED line running through the lamps. In a resting state, the tiger is relaxed and composed but ready to deliver incredible potency, like a Bentley. To entertain onlookers, captivating GT and GTC colors include Candy Red, Jetstream, Magenta, Tourmaline Green, and Bronze.

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Step inside the sporty and modern cockpit and witness the latest tech enhancements. Bentley is famous for bespoke premium materials, whether dark chrome or stone veneers. Owners consistently come to Bentley to present their unique expressions, mainly through color combos and hand-finished materials. The vehicle has been upgraded with connected services using Google’s network, air ionization, and wellness seat technology. 

Quilted doors, three-dimensional leather textures, and perforated bucket seats set the tone for stellar craftsmanship. The icing on the cake comes in the form of the 3-way Bentley Rotating Display, which is interchangeable to show either a handcrafted veneer, three analog dials, or the 12.3-inch navigation screen.

With a starting MSRP of $302,100 for the Continental GT Speed and $332,200 for the GTC Speed, expect deliveries by the end of the year. In the interim, take some time off and visit The Chedi Andermatt to release the mind and re-energize the spirit. You work hard and deserve the benefits of your labor while your Bentley chariot is being custom-built. 

Bentley Continental GT Speed Specs

• Engine: 4.0 litre V8 hybrid engine 
• Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch automatic
• Horsepower/Torque: 771 hp/738 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 208 mph
• MPG: 27 combined
• Range: 534 miles/50 miles EV mode
• Price: From $302,100

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