In a world where electric cars are about as thrilling as a soggy dishcloth, Bentley storms in with something that makes your eyebrows shoot up and your pulse race. The Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur have a new ace up their sleeve: a plug-in hybrid V8 that whispers through city streets but roars like a lion the moment you mash the throttle. This isn’t some dreary eco-stab at wooing trendy millennials. No, this is Bentley saying, “We’ll do green, but on our terms – with 680 horsepower and torque that’d make a lorry green with envy.”
Let’s start at the beginning. The iconic W12 engine, which powered Bentley’s monstrous beasts for years, has been pensioned off. Don’t shed too many tears, because what’s taken its place is no half-baked substitute. The new powertrain, dubbed “High Performance Hybrid” by the marketing lot, pairs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to churn out 680 hp and 930 Nm of torque, flung onto the tarmac with gusto. For the non-engineers among us: that’s enough to rocket you from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds in the Continental GT. The drop-top GTC and stately Flying Spur take a smidge longer, at 3.8 and 3.9 seconds respectively. Quicker than your mother-in-law charging at a clearance sale, and a damn sight classier.
But it gets better. Thanks to a 25.9 kWh battery, you can drive up to 85 km on pure electric power in the GT, 82 km in the GTC, and 80 km in the Flying Spur. That means you can glide through town in silence, without the neighbours filing noise complaints. Perfect for those living in posh suburbs who want to impress without setting off every dog in the street. Let’s be real: if you’re buying a Bentley, you don’t just want to roar – you want to flaunt a bit of refinement too. With a CO2 output of just 29 g/km in hybrid mode, you can almost claim with a straight face that you’re doing your bit for the planet. Almost, mind you.
Now, the looks. Bentley hasn’t just slapped on a few LEDs and called it a day. The new models sport a refreshed grille with vertical slats – think of a swanky fence around a country estate – and an Azure trim that takes luxury to another stratosphere. Step inside, and it’s like walking into the first-class lounge of a private jet. Hand-stitched leather, exquisite materials, and seats that hug you like a long-lost mate. The Azure version goes further with extra comfort options, like an interior so plush you might forget you’re in a car. This isn’t transport; it’s an experience.
Then there’s the drive. Because let’s face it: horsepower and torque are all well and good, but if it handles like a tractor, what’s the point? Thankfully, Bentley’s tweaked the chassis with tech that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi flick: Bentley Active Chassis, Dynamic Ride, rear-wheel steering, and an electronic limited-slip differential. In plain English: these cars stick to the road, whether you’re tackling a hairpin in the Alps or just cruising to the golf club. Flick it to Sport mode, and you’ll feel the adrenaline; switch to Comfort, and you’ll float over the asphalt like you’re on a magic carpet.
It’s not all roses, though. With a starting price likely hovering around €250,000 – before taxes, naturally – this isn’t a toy for the average Joe. But then, if you’re eyeing a Bentley, you’re probably not the type to rummage through supermarket discount bins. This is a car for those who’ve already cracked life and now just want to enjoy the ride. Literally and figuratively.
What makes these Bentleys truly special is how they blend the best of both worlds. They’re eco-conscious without being dull, powerful without being crass, and luxurious without tipping into tacky. It’s like a perfectly tailored suit: it fits, it flatters, and it lets everyone know you’ve got taste. Whether you pick the sleek GT, the wind-in-your-hair GTC, or the regal Flying Spur, you’re getting a car that doesn’t just drive – it makes a statement.
So, if you’re dreaming of a machine that sets your heart racing while soothing your conscience, these new Bentleys are for you. They prove you don’t need a bellowing W12 to steal the show. A hybrid V8 with a hefty dose of electric grunt does the job just as well – maybe even better.
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