British luxury carmaker Bentley has unveiled a hybrid electric version of its high-performance Continental GT Speed in Singapore, marking the model’s regional debut on Wednesday (Nov 20).
Boasting 782 horsepower and a top speed of 335 km/h, the grand touring coupe is Bentley’s second plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) introduced in Singapore, following the launch of the Flying Spur PHEV in 2022.
The Continental GT Speed combines a four-litre V8 petrol engine with a 190-horsepower electric motor and a 25.9 kWh battery, offering the longest electric-only range of any Bentley to date—up to 81 km. The battery can be fully charged in under three hours, providing a greener option compared to its predecessor’s six-litre W12 petrol engine, which emitted 319 g/km of carbon dioxide. The hybrid’s emissions are significantly reduced to 141 g/km, earning it a neutral Band B classification under Singapore’s Vehicular Emissions Scheme.
Bentley showcased the new model at W Residences Singapore’s Marina View Sales Gallery, offering two variants:
The coupe, priced at S$1,538,000, and The convertible, priced at S$1,688,000.
Prices exclude the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), customisation, and optional add-ons.
A Revised Strategy for a Shifting Market
The Continental GT Speed is Bentley’s third PHEV globally, reflecting the company’s updated electrification strategy. Originally planning to sell only electric vehicles by 2030, Bentley now aims to extend the sales of fossil fuel vehicles, including hybrids, until 2035.
This shift comes amid slower-than-anticipated global adoption of electric vehicles. A Bentley Singapore spokesperson highlighted that customers and governments have been less urgent in embracing EVs than initially expected when the company first announced its electrification goals in 2020.
Despite these challenges, Bentley is set to launch its first fully electric vehicle in 2026, continuing to expand its hybrid lineup as part of its transitional roadmap. Other automakers, including Ford, Toyota, Porsche, and Volvo, have also delayed plans to fully transition to electric vehicles.
The Continental GT Speed’s hybrid debut reflects Bentley’s commitment to balancing luxury performance with environmental sustainability, as it adapts to evolving market demands.
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