by Bentley is preparing for the release of “lower-powered derivatives” of the new Continental GT. The current model has a hybrid powertrain that produces 771 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque. In 2024, revenue and operating profit took a serious hit and sales dropped by 21.5 percent. 2024 became a year of change for Bentley, which debuted the first generation Continental GT. This model helped relaunch the luxury brand and also entered its fourth generation last year.
As part of the update, Bentley replaced the W12 with a new hybrid powertrain consisting of a multi-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, an electric motor, and a 25.9 kWh battery pack. This provides Speed and Mulliner variants with a combined output of 771 hp (575 kW / 782 ps) and 738 pound-feet (1000 Nm) of torque. These numbers are impressive, but prices start at $306,250 for Speed and rise to $330,950 for Mulliner. It’s quite expensive, but more affordable options are expected in the future. While the company did not provide specifics, they confirmed that “lower-powered derivatives” of the Continental GT will be introduced in 2025.
Little is known about them at present, but it seems they will use a downsized version of the hybrid powertrain. Speaking about future models, Bentley began transforming the oldest building at their Pimms Lane factory into a future electric vehicle assembly line. The electric vehicle is planned for launch in 2027, and the company previously described it as “the world’s first true luxury urban crossover.”
The crossover is part of the company’s strategy to transition to all-electric production by 2035. This deadline has been delayed once, but we can expect “a new hybrid or electric model annually over the next decade.”
Despite the unexpected outcome, Bentley stated that 70 percent of customers choose the bespoke Mulliner option. Thanks to demand for personalization, the company is now achieving the highest revenue per vehicle in its history.
However, this does little to help when global sales fall by 21.5% to 10,600 units. Bentley CEO Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser said: “The past year was crucial in our transformation as we prepare for our electric future. We are investing at levels never before seen at Bentley as we not only revolutionize our product cycle plan but also transform our 85-year-old site for a new era of electrification. These are critical foundations on which our long-term sustainability and success are built.” Walliser continued, saying that 2025 looks challenging due to “complex global market conditions and a persistently volatile political and economic environment.”
