Bentley is set to offer more affordable versions of its flagship models in Israel, shaving hundreds of thousands of shekels off the price while slightly reducing performance figures. The move aims to attract buyers considering other luxury brands such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
The new entry-level variants include the Continental GT (starting at 2.11 million shekels, down 480,000), the GTC convertible (2.32 million shekels, down 540,000) and the Flying Spur (1.98 million shekels, down 460,000). All three retain the same powertrain architecture as Bentley’s high-end Speed models: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor.
However, output in these new versions drops to 680 horsepower—102 hp less than the Speed variants. The reduced power slightly impacts acceleration: 0–100 kph now takes 3.7 seconds in the GT, 3.9 seconds in the GTC convertible and 3.9 seconds in the four-door Flying Spur—0.4 to 0.5 seconds slower than their more powerful counterparts.
Despite the cut in power, the hybrid setup remains unchanged, featuring a 25.9 kWh battery that allows up to 80 km of theoretical all-electric range and speeds of up to 140 kph. The drivetrain also retains its eight-speed automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive, limited-slip rear differential, adaptive air suspension with active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering.
Bentley’s long-standing hallmark—a W12 engine under the hood of every model—is now being replaced with a more modest, hybrid-assisted V8, which on paper should improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. While performance-focused buyers may find this appealing, fuel economy isn’t typically top-of-mind for Bentley’s clientele.
Industry analysts suggest the real objective is to position Bentley’s pricing closer to more widely sold German luxury brands. Still, one reviewer quipped, “We’re waiting for the first Bentley buyer to say they chose the cheaper option.”
