2026 Bentley Continental GT Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
After introducing the latest-generation Continental GT, Bentley expands the grand touring car’s lineup with new trims and a base-level powertrain—if you can call a twin-turbo V-8 with plug-in hybrid assistance base level.
The 2026 Bentley Continental GT is offered as a coupe and as a convertible, squaring off against rivals such as the Aston Martin DB12, Ferrari Amalfi, and Porsche 911.
What’s New
- Base and Azure trims with lower-output V-8 PHEV powertrain developing 671 hp
- Base model’s exterior detailing resembles that of the Flying Spur Speed
- Azure trim gets additional exterior brightwork and a distinctive grille with 11 vertical slats
- A Black Edition variant with Mandarin brake calipers, Black Edition badging, and dark interior accents
- Available black exterior badging and black 10-spoke wheels
What We Think
Bentley took a gamble by taking the entire Continental GT lineup hybrid, but that risk has seemed to pay off. Although it’s no longer offered with an extravagant W-12 engine, Bentley’s high-performance PHEV system is excessive in its own way.
The discontinued W-12 pulled like a locomotive with smooth and seamless acceleration, but the high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain is no less indulgent. The snarling V-8 works with the transmission-integrated electric motor to deliver launches that shove you into your seat.
We’ve also driven versions of the 2026 Bentley Continental GT and GTC with the lower-output PHEV setup. There’s some hesitancy in the powertrain off the line, but once you get going, there’s plenty of grunt to whisk you around town or across the country on an open road.
With either of the Continental GT’s powertrains, you have all-electric range at your disposal to float around in near-absolute quiet.
From a ride and handling standpoint, the Continental GT is simultaneously a world-class sports car and an ultra-luxurious sled. Both coupes and convertibles have the poise to gobble up a back road and the plushness to dissipate harsh impacts. Our only gripes are that the Continental GT gives up some grip at the limit and that the dual-clutch automatic exhibits some uncertain behaviors.
When you’re not thrashing the Conti at the track, which we suspect is a rare occurrence amongst Bentley drivers, the coupe and convertible are well behaved. What’s more, they radiate opulence and elegance in a way that’s rare in this era of screen-stuffed automobiles.
Bentley has taken a chance by blending old-school luxury principles with new technologies in the 2026 Continental GT, but the move appears to have paid off in spades.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
Equipped with what Bentley calls its Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, the 2026 Continental GT is positively rapid off the line. It develops 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and its electric motor, which is integrated into the Continental’s standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 2.8 seconds.
New for 2026 is a lower-output setup that Bentley calls the High Performance Hybrid powertrain. This version of the PHEV system produces 671 hp and 686 lb-ft of torque combined. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.5–3.7 seconds depending on body style, according to Bentley. We wager these figures are a smidge conservative, however.
EV Range and Charging
All 2026 Bentley Continental GT models receive a battery with 25.9 kWh of usable capacity, allowing for up to 50 miles of all-electric driving range at speeds up to 87 mph. The battery charges in 2 hours and 45 minutes with an 11-kW Level 2 plug.
Safety Ratings and Features
Don’t buy a 2026 Bentley Continental GT if standard safety tech is your main concern. The super coupe and convertible are standard with only a few assistance features, such as parking sensors and front automatic emergency braking with swerve and turn assist.
Thankfully, there’s a long list of optional active safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control with lane following
- Lane keeping assistance
- Remote parking assistance
- Night vision
- A 360-degree camera with a 3D view
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2026 Bentley Continental GT coupe and convertible, frequently referred to as the Continental GTC, vary slightly in terms of interior room and cargo volume. The coupe has slightly more legroom and nearly double the storage space in the trunk.
Technology
Infotainment
All 2026 Bentley Continental GT models receive dual 12.3-inch displays. The central touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can equip the Continental GT with a head-up display so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Sound System
The default sound system for the 2026 Bentley Continental GT is a 10-speaker setup. However, you can option a 16-speaker arrangement from Bang & Olufsen or an 18-speaker system from Naim that includes two shakers.
Available Upgrades
Bentley’s rotating display remains an awesome party piece for the Continental GT. You can hide the touchscreen behind a panel showing three analog gauges including a clock, a compass, and an exterior thermometer. The swiveling unit has a third fascia that matches the dashboard’s veneer for an ultra-simplified look.
Maximize Personalization With the Continental GT Mulliner
The 2026 Bentley Continental GT is available in four trims: base, Azure, Speed, and Mulliner. Those who want to inject as much of their personality as possible into their Continental GT should spring for the Mulliner trim, provided they have sufficiently deep pockets—the base model likely begins around $250,000 and prices can easily reach the realm of $400,000.
At the Mulliner trim level, Bentley unlocks maximized personalization for its shoppers on top of some Mulliner-specific details. You can tell a Continental GT Mulliner apart from the other trims thanks to a floating-diamond grille, Mulliner-branded vents, and satin silver-painted mirror caps.
Bentley offers a range of 22-inch wheel designs with self-righting Bentley “B” center caps. Additionally, the Mulliner version of the Conti flexes when you open the door with an animated light show. Don’t be fooled by the finite options on Bentley’s online configurator. If you’re in the market for a Continental GT Mulliner, the automaker’s team will work with you to ensure your every wish is fulfilled as you build your car.
