► Scoop on new Bentley Continental GT
► Due around 2027 as a full EV
► Hybrids first, then comes electric Conti
The next Bentley Continental GT will morph into a full electric coupe – and our artist’s impression reveals the Batur-inspired new look for the heartland Crewe car.
The British luxury car maker has very publicly stated its intent to jump on board the EV bandwagon as part of its Beyond 100 strategy, but it has been coy thus far about detailing the product plan to electrify its range.
Stepping-stone hybrids are already deployed across the Bentayga SUV range and soon they’ll stretch to the current family of Continental derivatives. These V6 plug-ins will reduce CO2 emissions and boost fuel economy (on paper, at least), but the big news brewing is that the next-generation Continental GT will make the leap to become a full EV.
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It will follow the all-electric Bentley crossover, due in 2025 to kickstart Crewe’s switch to electrification. It is depicted in our exclusive rendering above.
When can I buy an electric Bentley Continental GT?
The timetable is shrouded in secrecy, but CAR magazine’s sources suggest the e-Conti will be launched around 2027. It will be based around a steel and aluminium monocoque, packaged around a large-capacity battery estimated at around 100kWh in capacity to provide sufficient range.
Twin electric motors will provide the brand’s all-wheel drive capability for all-seasons traction – and to harness the likely prodigious power and torque outputs associated with an electric Bentley.
Asked if the Continental GT will survive into the electric era, Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark tells CAR magazine: ‘Yes, absolutely.’ Electric propulsion can be a good fit with a GT. ‘When I’m on a long journey, I’m not listening to the engine turn; I’m looking at the scenery, chatting and listening to a fantastic sound system.’
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Technical specs and design influences
Instead of having to re-engineer existing parts from within the VW Group as it has done in the past, Bentley has been a player from the start in the group’s battery-electric platform development. ‘It’s a bit of a game-changer,’ says Hallmark. ‘With this new generation, we’ve been at the top table from the very beginning.’
Bentley’s limited-run Batur by Mulliner (above) previews what Crewe’s future electric cars will look like.
The next Continental GT is also likely to be influenced by the dramatic Bentley EXP 100 GT concept, albeit with some of the current car’s most recognisable details (such as the double-headlight front end) likely to stay.