2026 Bentley Continental GTC Azure
By Lorenzo Bianchi July 3, 2025
A fresh Azure entry joins the flagship Continental GTC lineup—it's still a looker.
Hybrid power’s hum alongside the wind when the roof’s down: ~671 hp, ~50 mi EV range.
Focused on calm behind the wheel; ambient comfort steals the scene this time around.
An Open-Top Arrival with Quiet Intentions
In a world chasing EVs by the dozen, the 2026 Bentley Continental GTC Azure quietly arrives with its roof folded back and a hybrid heart that softly roars. First glance: long bonnet, taut shoulders, and a stance that’s all poise—like a thoroughbred ready to gallop but content to loaf.
Proportions and Presence, Nailed
The proportions are immediately striking. That sweeping fastback line carries almost to the rear, interrupting only for the neat tonneau cover. New vertical chrome vanes pop against a gloss-black grille—an upright smile that feels more welcoming than aggressive. Throw in 22‑inch Azure-specific wheels, and the car leans into both presence and subtlety.
Surfacing and Stance That Catch the Light
Surface treatment is another story: polished chrome work up front, deeper shadow around the lower bumper, and a few deliberate contrasts—a thoughtful play to catch light and hint at motion, even at a standstill. It's not shouting "I'm electric,” yet the hybrid powertrain is woven into its persona.
Performance: Power, but Not the Shouting Kind
Under the skin, it's no slouch: 4.0‑liter twin‑turbo V8 plus electric torque for roughly 671 hp and 686 lb-ft, hitting 0‑60 in about 3.8 seconds and a top speed around 168 mph (bentleyofranchomirage.com). What’s more intriguing is that those electric miles—around 50—aren’t just cherry on top; they're central to the open‑air experience, letting you drift through urban sprawl in pure silence.
Interior Focused on Serenity
Inside, Bentley doesn’t hide its intentions. It’s about serenity. Think Diamond 3D quilting, Azure‑embroidered headrests, open‑pore walnut trim and illuminated treadplates, all part of a cabin calibrated for calm. Comfort gets real: heated armrests, neck‑warmers, massage seats and ventilated 48‑volt active anti‑roll handling systems—this is a convertible that wants you relaxed before the twist comes.
Who It’s Up Against
Rivals? Sure, other lux tourers can go topless or hybrid, but few combine the tactile comfort Bentley aims for. Porsche’s Panamera Turbo S E‑Hybrid drops sharper, but leans clinical. Rolls‑Royce Dawn feels plush, yet it’s about indulgence—not that grounded open‑air balance. The GTC Azure walks a tightrope between those extremes.
Light-Tech, Heavy Ambience
Tech is kept smart, not showy. There’s Apple/Android connectivity, mild driver‑aids for city and touring, and a 5 G Wi‑Fi hotspot. It doesn’t overload you with screens—it’s about atmosphere, not distraction.
What feels real here is Bentley treating its hybrid future like a comfort upgrade, not just a green badge. It’s about tuning less tension and more presence—letting you feel the road, the wind, but not the stress. Not perfect prose, maybe, but when you’ve got metal and craftsmanship this good, polish can wait.
Technical Specification
Performance
- Combined system output: 671 hp (500 kW)
- Combined torque: 930 Nm (686 lb-ft)
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): approx. 3.8 seconds
- Top speed: 168 mph (270 km/h)
Body Measurements
- Length: 4,895 mm (192.7 in)
- Width (mirrors included): 2,187 mm (86.1 in)
- Height: 1,392 mm (54.8 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,848 mm (112.1 in)
Powertrain
4.0 L twin-turbo V8 petrol
Electric motor integrated in hybrid system
High-performance hybrid layout with plug-in capability
All-wheel drive system with 48 V active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering
8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Capacities & Features
- Battery: 25.9 kWh, enabling up to 85 km (53 miles) of EV-only rang
- Fuel tank: 80 liters
- Cabin ventilation: PM2.5 filtering HVAC with CO₂ sensing
- Wellness seating with auto climate, massage, ventilation
- Convertible roof deployable in 19 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph
- 22″ Azure wheels standard
Price
- Starting U.S. MSRP: approximately $311,000 for the GTC Azure V8 Convertible
- Convertible Azure V8 on-road price in India: approx. ₹6.94 crore (~USD 850,000)























