Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur Get New Lower Powered Alternative On Engine
A second plug-in hybrid V8 option has been added by Bentley Motors to its Flying Spur, Continental GT, and GTC (convertible) vehicles. The powertrain, known as the High Performance Hybrid, is a little less potent version of the current 782 horsepower, 1,000 Nm Ultra Performance configuration.
Like the Ultra Performance model, the new PHEVs are powered by a gearbox-mounted electric motor pair and the well-known 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but their combined output is lower at 680 horsepower and 930 Nm. The Continental GT and GTC take 3.7 and 3.9 seconds, respectively, to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (the latter statistic also applies to the Bentley Flying Spur). With the same 25.9kWh battery, the GT and GTC have an electric-only range of 85 and 82 kilometers, respectively.
The Crewe-based automaker said, “The new hybrid outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque, and performance parameters, even though the Ultra Performance Hybrid of the Speed remains the most extreme powertrain in Bentley’s range.” Only the base-spec core and Azure of the Flying Spur and Continental GT get this new configuration, while the top-spec Mulliner and Speed are the only ones with the more potent hybrid system.
The Flying Spur, Continental GT, and GTC luxury vehicles with Ultra Performance and High Performance hybrid drivetrains are listed on the Bentley India website. It also includes the Bentayga and its EWB variant.
Bentley Motors continues its strategic push towards electrification with the launch of the High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which does not sacrifice performance or luxury. The Flying Spur, Continental GT, and GTC models all come with this new plug-in hybrid V8 option, which provides an alluring combination of power, economy, and sustainability. Despite having a lower output than the Ultra Performance Hybrid, its 680 horsepower and 930 Nm still outperform the W12 Speed of the previous generation, indicating a significant advancement in Bentley’s engineering prowess.
The generous electric-only range of up to 85km adds real-world usability for city driving, while retaining the grand touring essence the brand is known for. By making this powertrain available in the core and Azure variants, Bentley is also expanding access to electrified luxury across a broader customer base. As the brand moves towards a fully electric lineup by 2030, the new High Performance Hybrid is a key step in balancing tradition with innovation.
