Core summary
Fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT with plug-in hybrid V8 power
The current Bentley Continental GT is the fourth production generation of Bentley’s two-door grand tourer. It remains available as a fixed-roof GT coupé or a GTC convertible, with four seats. The generation began with the GT Speed in 2024 and retains the third-generation car’s Porsche Panamera-derived platform and broadly familiar exterior proportions. Its major technical change is the replacement of the outgoing W12 by hybrid V8 systems. The Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 in the Speed and Mulliner produces 782 PS and 1,000 N·m, while the later base GT and Azure use a 680 PS, 930 N·m High Performance Hybrid V8. The reference extract also describes a 2026 Supersports with a non-hybrid V8 driving the rear wheels. Because the supplied evidence covers several current derivatives, engine and drivetrain details should be read as version-specific rather than universal GT specifications.
History & generations
Bentley introduced the Continental GT in 2003 as its first new model after Volkswagen AG acquired the company and as its first mass-produced Bentley. The first generation used a twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12, permanent four-wheel drive and coupé or convertible body styles; the GTC convertible joined the range during that generation. The second generation ran from 2011 to 2018 and added a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 alongside the W12, followed by Speed, V8 S and Supersports derivatives. The third generation, produced from 2018 to 2024, moved to the MSB platform, gained a longer wheelbase and introduced a substantially revised cabin and superformed aluminium body sides. Its range included W12, V8, Speed and Mulliner versions. The fourth generation was announced in 2024, initially as a hybrid V8 Speed. Bentley then added current Mulliner, base GT and Azure versions, while the Supersports name returned for a 2026 non-hybrid model.
First-generation Continental GT
Introduced Bentley mass production to a wider customer base, with coupé and convertible versions and a twin-turbo W12 with permanent four-wheel drive.
Second-generation Continental GT
Moved to a new generation with W12 and V8 engines, coupé and convertible body styles, and successive Speed and Supersports derivatives.
Third-generation Continental GT
Adopted the MSB platform shared with the Porsche Panamera, a longer wheelbase, superformed aluminium bodywork and revised W12 and V8 powertrains.
Fourth-generation Continental GT
Introduced with hybrid V8 Speed power, later expanding to Mulliner, base GT, Azure and a non-hybrid rear-wheel-drive Supersports.
Body, platform & design
The fourth-generation Continental GT keeps the broad design direction of the third-generation car rather than introducing an entirely new silhouette. The supplied extract identifies retained exterior styling and the Porsche Panamera platform, but also notes detail changes influenced by the Mulliner Bacalar and Batur. New headlights give this generation a single-headlight arrangement, described in the extract as Bentley’s first such setup since the 1959 S2. The GT Speed, Mulliner, base GT and Azure are all identified as current fourth-generation variants, while Mulliner receives distinct crystal-cut headlamps, red taillights, a floating-diamond grille, welcome-animation lighting and two-tone mirrors. The car continues in coupé and convertible forms. The convertible is referred to as the GTC. The evidence does not establish a single body-panel specification for every current derivative, so detailed exterior differences should be attributed to the named version rather than generalized across the range.
Engine & drivetrain
The fourth-generation Continental GT replaces the third-generation W12 with hybrid V8 power in its principal versions. The GT Speed uses a twin-turbo Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 producing 782 PS and 1,000 N·m. Bentley’s stated acceleration for this version is 0–100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. A 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle, contributing to a stated 49:51 weight distribution, and the extract gives an electric-only range of 81 kilometres. The current Mulliner uses the same Ultra Performance Hybrid V8. The base GT and Azure, introduced in 2025, use a derated twin-turbo High Performance Hybrid V8 producing 680 PS and 930 N·m; the stated 0–100 km/h time is 3.5 seconds. The 2026 Supersports is a separate non-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 model with 666 PS and 800 N·m, driving the rear wheels.
Trim differences
The supplied extract identifies four current fourth-generation road-car positions: GT Speed, Mulliner, the base Continental GT and Azure. Speed was the launch specification for the generation and uses the 782 PS Ultra Performance Hybrid V8. Mulliner is described as the range-topping version and shares that powertrain, while adding exclusive lighting, grille, mirror, lighting-animation and interior options. The base GT and Azure were introduced in 2025 with the 680 PS High Performance Hybrid V8. Azure uses the same engine and drivetrain as the base GT and adds a contrasting black grille with a vertical chrome surround plus exclusive exterior and interior design options. The 2026 Continental Supersports brings back a performance name last used in the second generation, but it is presented as a distinct current derivative rather than as a conventional trim of the hybrid cars.
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Interior & seating
The fourth-generation extract confirms a rotating display in the third-generation car and identifies the rotating screen as present in the third-generation-based Speed description. For the current Mulliner, it specifies exclusive interior options but does not enumerate their materials or configurations. The current fourth-generation evidence therefore supports a version-conscious description of the cabin, not a complete interior catalogue. The car remains a four-seat coupé or convertible in the supplied general description. Historical Continental GT interiors included extensive hide, veneer and bespoke Mulliner choices, but those details belong to earlier generations and should not be treated as current equipment. Similarly, the two-seat cabin described for the second-generation GT3-R is a special limited-edition specification and not evidence for the current road car. No current-generation upholstery, dashboard material or seat design should be claimed beyond the specifically supplied Mulliner exclusivity statement.
Efficiency & range
The fourth generation introduces plug-in hybrid capability through a 25.9 kWh battery positioned behind the rear axle. The extract gives the GT Speed an electric-only range of 81 kilometres, or 50 miles, from the battery alone. This is the clearest current-generation efficiency figure supplied. The base GT and Azure use a lower-output High Performance Hybrid V8, but no electric range is stated for either. The 2026 Supersports excludes the hybrid system and instead uses a non-hybrid twin-turbo V8, so the Speed, Mulliner, base GT, Azure and Supersports should not be grouped under one efficiency profile. Earlier-generation cylinder deactivation and fuel-economy improvements are historical facts, not current specifications.
Safety & equipment
The supplied extract provides limited safety evidence for the current fourth-generation Continental GT. It identifies the battery behind the rear axle and gives a 49:51 weight distribution for the GT Speed, but it does not list current crash-test results, driver-assistance systems, airbags, braking packages or safety ratings. Historical generations used electronic stability systems, adaptive cruise control and optional carbon-ceramic brakes in certain versions, yet those details cannot be carried forward as fourth-generation equipment. The current profile therefore avoids claiming specific safety technology or test performance. The presence of a convertible variant also does not establish a particular rollover or occupant-protection system from the supplied material. Buyers comparing versions should verify the relevant market’s equipment list and certification separately; those documents are outside the provided extract.
Strengths
The current Continental GT’s documented strengths are its broad version range, very high output and continued four-seat grand-touring format. The GT Speed combines 782 PS and 1,000 N·m with a stated 0–100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, while the Mulliner applies the same Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 to a more exclusive specification. The 25.9 kWh battery gives the Speed a stated 81-kilometre electric-only range, making electrification a central change rather than a minor assistance system. Coupé and convertible body styles preserve the Continental GT’s established touring concept. The model also retains the third-generation platform and exterior design direction, which suggests continuity for the current generation. The 2026 Supersports provides a lighter, non-hybrid alternative within the nameplate, with 2,000 kg quoted weight and rear-wheel drive. These strengths are version-dependent and should not be read as identical characteristics across every current derivative.
A four-seat GT range transitioning from W12 power to hybrid V8 systems
Considerations
The current range is technically varied, so the badge alone does not define one powertrain or drivetrain. Speed and Mulliner use the 782 PS Ultra Performance Hybrid V8, base GT and Azure use the 680 PS High Performance Hybrid V8, and the 2026 Supersports uses a non-hybrid V8 with rear-wheel drive. The hybrid cars carry a 25.9 kWh battery; the extract does not supply charging information, luggage impact or real-world electric range beyond the Speed’s 81-kilometre figure. The fourth-generation car is also heavier than the third-generation model in the Speed specification, at 2,459 kg, partly because of the battery. Current pricing, standard equipment, transmission details and safety ratings are not provided. The Supersports is limited to 500 units globally, so it should be treated as a restricted performance derivative rather than a normal replacement for the hybrid GT range.
Recommended use
The Continental GT is oriented toward high-speed, long-distance grand touring rather than compact urban driving or track-only use. Its two-door format, four-seat configuration and availability as a coupé or convertible support journeys where rear-seat access and open-air travel matter alongside performance. The GT Speed is the clearest performance-led current version, combining the highest supplied hybrid output with a stated 81-kilometre electric-only range. Mulliner emphasizes range-topping customization, while Azure adds comfort- and appearance-focused differentiation without a different engine or drivetrain from the base GT. The 2026 Supersports serves a narrower use case: its lower quoted weight, rear-wheel drive, carbon-ceramic brakes and performance hardware indicate a more focused limited-production derivative. The extract does not establish towing, off-road, cargo or family-use capabilities, so those applications should not be inferred.
FAQ
Q: What is the current Continental GT generation? A: The fourth generation, introduced in 2024.
Q: What powers the current GT Speed? A: A twin-turbo Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 producing 782 PS and 1,000 N·m.
Q: Does the current Continental GT still use a W12? A: No. The fourth-generation road-car range replaces the outgoing W12 with hybrid V8 systems, except for the non-hybrid Supersports described for 2026.
Q: What body styles are offered? A: The Continental GT is offered as a two-door coupé or convertible; the convertible is called GTC.
Q: How far can the GT Speed travel electrically? A: The supplied manufacturer figure is 81 kilometres, or 50 miles, on battery power alone.
Q: Is the current Supersports hybrid? A: No. The 2026 Supersports uses a non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 and rear-wheel drive.
What makes the Bentley Continental GT different?
A four-seat GT range transitioning from W12 power to hybrid V8 systems
Who should consider it?
High-performance long-distance grand touring
Sources & updates
Research for this Bentley Continental GT profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 30, 2026.
Last editorial review: August 30, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.