Bentley Turns the Page: Continental GT Goes Hybrid, Electric SUV Next

For Bentley, 2024 marked the end of an era driven by twelve cylinders and decades of easy luxury. Originally roaring to life in the original Continental GT, the venerable W12 engine has formally retired. Bentley is, however, accelerating—its gears are switching into an electrified future.

Leading the charge is the all-new Continental GT, in its fourth generation currently. Under the hood, it substitutes modern hybrid tech—a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 coupled with an electric motor and a large 25.9 kWh battery—instead of old-fashioned displacement. That produces The Speed and Mulliner trims show shockingly 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $306,250 and running up to $330,950, fast, neat, and somewhat expensive.

Still, Bentley is aware not everyone is ready to spend supercar money on a luxury coupe. More friendly versions are therefore already under development. Though details are limited for now, when they arrive in 2025 you should expect somewhat less power and a somewhat friendlier price tag.

Beyond hybrids, Bentley sees the all-electric horizon. The brand is working turning Crewe's oldest plant into a full-scale EV manufacturing line. That's where its first electric SUV, billed as the first "true luxury urban SUV" worldwide, will be developed ahead of its 2027 release. This is the first phase of Bentley's larger scheme to launch a new electrified model annually and run entirely electric by 2035.

Though the future seemed bright, 2024 was on paper a little rough. Global sales suffered a 21.5% loss; revenue dropped 10%; profits sank by more than a third. Still, there is a benefit: personalization is exploding. Since almost 70% of consumers are opting for custom Mulliner touches, every automobile sold generates more income than it did years ago.

Bentley’s CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, has called 2025 a “milestone year” for the company, highlighting significant investments and a bold product transition ahead. While the journey won’t be without challenges, given the ongoing economic uncertainties and global unrest, Walliser remains confident in Bentley’s ability to push forward. 

Over the years, Bentley has consistently proven that luxury doesn’t just follow trends—it sets them. As the brand moves into this transformative phase, it’s clear that they’re committed to not just adapting to change, but leading it.