Comparing the performance of the most powerful hybrid GT, the Bentley Continental GT Speed, and the Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE

Bentley Continental GT Speed

×

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE PERFORMANCE

The Continental GT is finally hybrid

Aiming to be the ultimate Gran Turismo, Bentley will unveil the fourth-generation Continental GT, equipped with a newly developed PHEV “Ultra Performance Hybrid,” in June 2024. The top model, the Speed, will replace the 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine that was synonymous with the car’s days under Volkswagen with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine paired with an electric motor.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance Coupe is the top-performance model of the Mercedes-AMG GT, incorporating electrification technology honed in the world’s most prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix. Compared to the conventional coupe-style Continental GT, the body size is 165mm longer in overall length and 151mm longer in wheelbase. The Continental GT, equipped with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, is also over 300kg heavier.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Body size = Length 4895mm x Width 1966mm x Height 1397mm

Wheelbase = 2851mm

Vehicle weight = 2459kg

Tire size = 275/35ZR20

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance

Body size = Length 4730mm x Width 1985mm x Height 1355mm

Wheelbase = 2700mm

Vehicle weight = 2150kg

Tire size = 295/30R21 (front), 305/30R21 (rear)

Acceleration power surpasses the Continental GT

The Continental GT Speed is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 400V motor with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that boasts an output of 600PS on its own. The system’s maximum output is 782PS and maximum torque is 1000Nm.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 is equipped with a 612 PS 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine in the front and an electric motor on the rear axle. It boasts an astonishing system output of 816 PS and a maximum torque of 1,420 Nm. While the Continental GT Speed boasts an overwhelming top speed, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63’s lightweight design makes it 0.4 seconds faster from 0 to 100 km/h.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Engine type = V8 twin turbo + motor

Displacement = 3996cc

Maximum output = 600PS / 6000rpm

Maximum torque = 800Nm / 2000-4500rpm

Maximum system output = 782PS

Maximum system torque = 1000Nm

Transmission = 8-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Maximum speed = 335km/h

0-100km/h acceleration = 3.2 seconds

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance

Engine type = V8 twin turbo + motor

Displacement = 3982cc

Maximum output = 612PS / 5750-6500rpm

Maximum torque = 850Nm / 2500-4500rpm

Maximum system output = 816PS

Maximum system torque = 1420Nm

Transmission = 9-speed AT

Drive method = AWD

Maximum speed = 316km/h

0-100km/k acceleration = 2.8 seconds

Ultimate luxury or F1-derived driving performance?

The interior of the Continental GT Speed offers a gorgeous interior space worthy of a leading British luxury brand. The 12.3-inch rotating display and beautiful analog clock are still present. The door panels are covered in newly developed, exquisite “3D diamond leather.” The AMG GT 63 features a dual-screen large display layout, a familiar feature of Mercedes-Benz, and a dazzling cockpit that makes extensive use of chrome.

The Continental GT Speed, which has a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the luggage compartment, has a range of approximately 80 km in EV mode. The AMG GT 63’s electric mode range is only about 13 km, so in terms of efficiency, the Continental GT Speed wins, as it is more than enough to cover city driving.

The Continental GT Speed has a four-seater seating layout that provides ample living space, while the AMG GT 63 comes standard with a two-seater configuration. A folding rear seat is also available as an additional cost option, which makes it a 2+2 seater, but improves usability.

Although the two cars are equipped with the same plug-in hybrid powertrain, they excel in very different fields. If you want a luxurious interior and ample grand touring, the Continental GT Speed is the better choice, despite the price difference of over 10 million yen. However, if you want the overwhelming driving performance of electric technology directly derived from F1, the AMG GT 63 would be your best friend.