Get ready, because the world of automotive luxury has just received a very welcome shake-up. Bentley, that legendary British icon of prestige and performance, has launched the new 2025 Continental GT Core and Azure models, and frankly, they’re causing quite a stir. But don’t think it’s just more of the same; we’re talking about a shift in focus that might surprise even the most skeptical. Is this a masterstroke or a misstep?
This article dives deep into what these “newcomers” in the Continental GT lineup really offer. Whether you’re a high-performance car enthusiast or simply appreciate the pinnacle of automotive luxury, keep reading. We’ll uncover every detail, every engineering insight, and every controversy surrounding these machines that promise to redefine the concept of “grand touring.”
Redefining Hybrid Luxury: What’s Changing at Bentley’s Core?
Bentley has always been synonymous with raw power and unapologetic luxury, right? But the 2025 Continental GT Core and Azure models arrive with a slightly different approach. While the “varsity” variants – the Speed and Mulliner – have already impressed us with their 771-horsepower Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, these new members come with a slightly more “restrained” version of the same high-performance hybrid system.
What does that mean in practice? The new High Performance Hybrid, found in the Core and Azure, delivers a respectable combined output of 671 horsepower. It’s a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 512 horsepower, paired with a 188-horsepower electric motor, all managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s quite a machine, but the point here is intent: Bentley is, quite openly, directing these models toward grand touring and wellbeing rather than pure track performance. It’s a bold bet given the brand’s legacy.
The New Continental GT Lineup Hierarchy
- “Varsity” Line (Extreme Performance): Speed and Mulliner, with 771 hp.
- “Junior-Varsity” Line (Luxury and Grand Touring): Core and Azure, with 671 hp.
Design and Elegance: How to Distinguish the New Generation?
In a world where every detail screams exclusivity, how does Bentley differentiate its new models? Visually, the Core and Azure have distinct identities, although they share the same undeniable luxury foundation. The Azure, for example, features an “Azure” badge on the fender and an abundance of chrome details that make it shine even more—though if it really needed to, right? The grille, with its 11 vertical slats and chrome lower air intakes, is a spectacle on its own, crowned by exclusive 22-inch wheels. It’s the car that says “I’ve arrived” without a hint of modesty.
The Core, meanwhile, takes on a more discreet stance, with a black matrix grille framed by a chrome outline and a single central vertical chrome bar. It’s the kind of design that doesn’t need to shout to get noticed. Both, however, offer Mulliner’s “animated welcome lamps” as an option, a treat that makes you feel royal every time you walk up. It’s Bentley showing that even in the “entry-level” models (and I hate that term for a car like this), the attention to detail is obsessive. For an even deeper luxury experience, see how the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 raises the bar for unmatched luxury.
A Sanctuary on Wheels: Unmatched Interior Comfort
If there’s one thing Bentley does like no other, it’s turning a car cabin into a sanctuary of wellbeing. The new Continental GT Core and Azure are no exception. Every inch of the cabin is an ode to the highest quality leather and “self-care,” as they like to call it. It’s a place where you feel embraced by luxury, even in the Core model. It’s almost indecently comfortable.
The Azure, as an apprentice to the top-tier Mulliner, takes this “self-care” philosophy to the extreme. It comes standard with open-cut walnut wood veneers and 3D quilted padding on the doors that is pure delight. And if you have a bank account to support your most extravagant desires, get ready: striped veneers and a “secret menu” of options will drive anyone wild. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats are standard, as are the Touring, Comfort, and Mood Lighting packages. The Touring package is the ultimate “relaxer,” featuring adaptive cruise control, night vision, and a head-up display. To better understand how luxury brands focus on specific attributes beyond just power, check out how the 2026 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid prioritizes other qualities.
Performance and Controversy: Do the Tires Really Limit Potential?
Now we’ve hit the nerve center, the sour cherry on the cake. The Core and Azure models promise 0 to 60 mph acceleration in about 3.2 to 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. Impressive numbers, right? They share handling technologies with the “varsity” lineup, like dual-valve dampers, dual-chamber air springs, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and a rear steer axle. In theory, these are machines built to devour curves.
But here’s the “but,” the Achilles’ heel, the damn thing nobody expected: the tires. The 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Elect, which prioritize low rolling resistance over maximum grip, are described as a “limiter” to the chassis’s potential. The source of this briefing, Car and Driver, even mentioned that this is “the first Continental GT that really smoked its tires well below our fear threshold.” Just imagine the frustration of having all this engineering and getting held back by the tires. Bentley seems to be leaning toward a philosophy of more power and better efficiency, with handling pushed to the margins of the graph. It’s a paradigm shift that could split opinions. For those seeking truly insane hybrid power, the 2026 Corvette ZR1X promises to blow your mind with its 1250 hp hybrids.
Efficiency and the Future: Is Hybridization Worth It?
The electrification era is here, and Bentley is not left behind. The Core and Azure models offer an electric range of approximately 39 miles (EPA estimate), which is decent for daily urban use. Combined fuel economy is about 29.4 mpg (8.0 liters per 100 km), or an impressive 4.5 MPGe combining gas and electric power. This shows the brand is serious about its transition to the future without giving up what makes it unique.
Base prices start around $296,950 for the GT Coupe and $323,550 for the GTC Convertible. A considerable investment, but one that reflects the exclusivity and embedded technology. With a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an onboard 11.0 kW charger, the hybrid experience is more than just a “green badge”; it’s an integral part of the machine. For more insights on the electric battery revolution and its surprising range, see our detailed article.
Key Specifications (2025 Bentley Continental GT/GTC Core & Azure)
Engine and Power
- 32-valve DOHC twin-turbo V-8 with intercooler: 512 hp, 568 lb-ft.
- AC motor: 188 hp, 332 lb-ft.
- Combined Output: 671 hp, 686 lb-ft.
- Battery: 22 kWh lithium-ion pack.
- Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW.
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Dimensions and Weight
- Wheelbase: 112.1 – 112.2 inches.
- Length: 192.5 inches.
- Width: 77.5 inches.
- Height: 54.8 – 55.0 inches.
- Trunk Capacity: 5.0 – 9.0 cubic feet.
- Estimated Curb Weight: 5,453 – 5,850 lbs.
Performance (Estimated)
- 0-60 mph: 3.2–3.5 seconds.
- 0-100 mph: 7.0–7.3 seconds.
- Quarter mile: 11.6–11.3 seconds.
- Top Speed: 168 mph.
Comparison: Bentley Continental GT Core/Azure vs. Hybrid Luxury Competitors
By positioning the Continental GT Core and Azure on the market, Bentley isn’t just competing in luxury—it’s also entering a new frontier of hybrid performance with a focus on grand touring. How do they stack up against the heavyweights and new challengers?
- Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid: Offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a stronger focus on sporty performance, but without the same level of handcrafted opulence as Bentley. It might have a slightly lower starting price, but customization drives the cost up.
- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: A hybrid power monster focused on pure performance with brutal acceleration. Luxury is present, but the priority is the track, unlike Bentley’s more relaxed approach.
- Aston Martin DB12: A traditional grand tourer focused on combustion elegance and performance. While not a hybrid, it is a direct competitor in the luxury grand touring segment but follows a different powertrain philosophy.
- BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé (top trims): Offers a balance of luxury and performance, with engine options that may include mild hybrids. It’s a more affordable alternative but lacks Bentley’s pedigree and exclusivity. The BMW strategy with the 2026 XM also bets on monstrous power, similar to the quest for excellence in their respective segments.
Bentley stands out by blending traditional craftsmanship, unmatched luxury, and introducing hybrid efficiency that doesn’t compromise the grand touring experience, even if the tires cause a slight “tilt” in track performance. They don’t want to be the fastest car on the track, but the most enjoyable and luxurious on the road. That’s an important nuance, and maybe a relief for those who don’t live on a racetrack.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Bentley Continental GT
- What is the main difference between the Core/Azure and Speed/Mulliner models? The main difference is in the hybrid powertrain: Core and Azure use the High Performance Hybrid (671 hp), while Speed and Mulliner use the Ultra Performance Hybrid (771 hp), with a stronger focus on dynamic performance and superlative luxury, respectively.
- Are the Pirelli tires really a problem for performance? Yes, the briefing suggests that the Pirelli P Zero Elect tires, which focus on low rolling resistance, limit the chassis’s dynamic potential, which is actually capable of much more.
- What is the electric range of the new models? The estimated electric range is 39 miles (approximately 63 kilometers) in full electric mode.
- What is the starting price for Core and Azure models? The base price for the Continental GT Core is about $296,950, while the GTC Convertible Azure starts around $323,550.
Look, in the end, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Core and Azure mark an incredible evolution in Bentley’s strategy. They’re not just adding an electric motor to tick boxes; they’re redefining what it means to be a luxury grand tourer for a new era. The clear priority is grand touring and wellbeing—a more relaxed and sophisticated vibe rather than an obsession with lap times. And honestly, for most Bentley owners, what matters is the journey, not the race, right? The tire issue is a detail, yes, but it reveals a priority: comfort and efficiency over raw performance. If you want a machine that envelops you in luxury, with a touch of electrification and is a delight for hours of driving, these Bentleys are, damn, a spot-on choice. If you want to scorch the asphalt, maybe you need a stickier “set of rubber” or to look to the more “varsity” siblings. But for real life, the promise of “grand and touring” is more than fulfilled.
What do you think about this new direction from Bentley? Leave your comment below and let’s chat!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br