Bentley’s W12 Replacement Is A 740bhp V8 Hybrid

We’re in the final days of the Bentley W12. Having taken the reigns as its flagship engine ever since it appeared in the first Continental GT in 2003, the unusual configuration has been the engine you’d find in the big-boy cars from Crewe ever since. It must make way, though, and now we know what’ll replace it.

Shock horror, it’s a V8. That’s not really all that surprising given how commonplace the VW Group’s EA825 has become for its high-end cars, and even in ‘entry’ level Bentleys. It will however be paired up with an electric motor as part of a hybrid system.

With a peak output of 740bhp, it’s got 90bhp more than existing W12 Speed models and whatever car uses it first will lay claim to being the most powerful Bentley road car ever, even if only for a short while.

For the eco-conscious, you’ll be pleased to hear the system will allow for a WLTP-tested figure of 50 miles on electric power and for an official CO2 figure below 50g/km. Bentley hasn’t stated how big the battery from which the new electric motor will draw power from, so we can only hazard a guess for now, although the 25.9kWh pack found in Porsche’s V8 hybrids feels a safe bet.

Where exactly the new V8 hybrid will crop up first is still unknown, although the manufacturer has promised its entire range will be available with some electrified option eventually. We’re not expecting any major new models from Bentley to arrive imminently, so it’s more likely the powertrain will slowly find its way into existing line-ups over the next year or so.

The announcement of the new powertrain follows recent confirmation from Bentley that its delaying earlier plans to go EV-only by 2030, with no new target date confirmed.