2025 Bentley Continental

Bentley is calling this the fourth-generation Continental GT, and we'll play along, but it's hard not to see it as more of a version 3.5. Much of the car's basic architecture is unchanged — including the wheelbase, which is usually a giveaway of carryover components — but the styling is freshened and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain propels Bentley's opulent beast. What's underhood might be new, but like the styling, the way this 5,500-pound coupe drives is remarkable and familiar.

In the Continental's rarefied air, direct competitors are few. Those considering a greater commitment to electrification might be interested in the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, while shoppers who insist on a 12-cylinder yowl can console themselves with the Aston Martin Vanquish. If your priorities place a greater emphasis on performance than prestige, check out the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance with 805 hp, 1,047 lb-ft and an advertised 0-to-60 mph time of under 3 seconds.

The fourth-generation model is the first in modern Continental history to launch without a W12 engine. In its place is a new plug-in hybrid powertrain based around a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. On its own, the V8 churns out 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, but an electric motor wedged between the engine and transmission lofts total output to 771 hp and 738 lb-ft. That betters the third-gen GT's W12 by 121 hp and 74 lb-ft. And, with a 25.9-kWh battery pack, the Conti should have an electric range in the mid to high 40s. For silent getaways, top speed in electric mode is 87 mph.