680 hp, 2 tons, and 29 g of CO₂? Bentley’s ecological miracle

Bentley has unveiled the 4th generation of its best-seller Continental, whose hybrid powertrain works miracles in terms of power and emissions.

But how far will progress go? Or marketing. Bentley just introduced a brand-new range of Continental GT, GT Convertible, and Flying Spur, all powered by a new plug-in hybrid V8 called “High Performance Hybrid.” With 680 horsepower, 930 Nm of torque, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, over two tons on the scale… and CO₂ emissions as low as 29 g/km.

Yes, 29 grams. Less than a GPL Twingo or a bike going uphill (including the cyclist’s breath). It’s hard to tell whether to applaud technical progress or to praise the boldness of Bentley’s communication teams. Because convincing a luxury monster, covered in leather, screens, and chrome, to be a credible alternative to eco-mobility is almost genius.

Less CO₂ in Monaco?

But let’s not be unfair. It must be acknowledged that these Bentley hybrids can be virtuous… in the first 80 km, as long as the battery lasts according to the WLTP homologation cycle. In practice, it will likely be closer to 20 to 30 km, which is already a major step forward… if the driver plays along and recharges. Afterwards, it’s back to good old gasoline. But it doesn’t matter: the magic number of 29 g/km remains, homologated, certified, framed. It will shine in brochures, just like diamonds on dashboards. And in France, it will automatically save €70,000 in tax penalties. The weight tax, always hefty, will remain, but you can’t win on all fronts.

And really, is it so terrible? We are not talking about a mass-market car. These Bentleys target a select clientele, who are sold well-being and refinement, now sprinkled with a bit of good climate conscience. A rolling contradiction, perhaps, but with contrasting stitching and massage memory seats. Cars that only travel a few thousand kilometers a year, just to parade through the streets of Monaco, Dubai, or elsewhere. A drop in the ocean of global pollution.

Bentley, burdened by taxes?

But a different reality sneaks in and challenges this pleasant illusion: customs duties. In the United States, Bentley’s key market, the new taxes imposed on European luxury vehicles could hit hard. Very hard. With a base price around $265,900, the Continental GT may become less common on Beverly Hills streets. In Europe, its starting retail price will be about €210,900… before various taxes and penalties.

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