2025 Bentley Continental vs 2026 BMW 7 Series

$302,100 · Coupe

$99,300 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between ultimate luxury and supreme daily practicality often comes down to balancing sheer desire against sensible spending. The 2025 Bentley Continental, starting at an imposing $302,100, throws horsepower figures like 771 hp at the pavement, offering intoxicating performance compared to the 2026 BMW 7 Series, which starts nearly $203,000 less at $99,300. While the Bentley boasts an AWD advantage and an extra 30 miles of electric range (though based on its higher price point, this comparison leans toward sheer ICE capability), the efficiency gap is telling: the BMW nets a combined 28 MPG versus the Bentley’s 19 MPG. Furthermore, the BMW sedan offers nearly double the trunk space at 19.1 cu ft compared to the Bentley’s 9.2 cu ft, making the practicality conversation a stark one between these two titans of German and British engineering.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 7 Series

The 2026 BMW 7 Series is the superior commuter due to its better combined MPG of 28 and significantly lower initial cost of ownership.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 7 Series

As a sedan, the 7 Series offers substantially more cargo capacity at 19.1 cu ft, making it more functional for family duties than the Bentley coupe's 9.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Bentley Continental

The 2025 Bentley Continental is the clear winner for performance fans, delivering a commanding 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 7 Series

Given the $202,800 price difference and superior fuel economy, the 7 Series provides drastically better overall value.

Choose the Bentley Continental if...

You prioritize extreme performance, needing the 771 hp delivered by the 2025 Bentley Continental.
You desire the prestige and exclusivity associated with a $302,100 Bentley model.
You value the sure-footed handling of all-wheel drive coupled with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the BMW 7 Series if...

Your budget is closer to $100,000, as the 7 Series MSRP is $99,300.
Daily driving efficiency matters, thanks to the 7 Series achieving 28 combined MPG versus 19 MPG.
You need practical space, as the 7 Series sedan offers 19.1 cu ft of cargo room.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Bentley Continental	BMW 7 Series
Length	192.7"	212.2"
Width	77.4"	76.8"
Height	55.0"	60.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	126.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	771 hp	375 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	738 lb-ft	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/22 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.0/462.0 mi.	487.5/604.5 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	49/57 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	46 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	30 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	64	—
Charging Time (240V)	3.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.0 gal.	19.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Steering Wheel Material	Leather and Simulated Suede	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	650W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Bentley	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Shoulder Room	—	61.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.1 in.	43.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.3 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/30R	✓
Wheel Size	—	20 x 10.5 in.

Suspension

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Bentley Continental and 2026 BMW 7 Series.

How much more powerful is the Bentley Continental compared to the BMW 7 Series?

The 2025 Bentley Continental is significantly more potent, boasting 771 hp, which is a massive 396 hp advantage over the 2026 BMW 7 Series' 375 hp. This power difference translates directly into quicker acceleration and a much more dramatic driving experience.

Is the Bentley's electric range useful for daily driving?

The 2025 Bentley Continental offers 30 miles of electric range, which is helpful for short, silent commutes or electric-only parking garage driving. However, it is an addition to a powertrain that still requires premium fuel and achieves only 19 combined MPG when using gasoline.

Which car is physically larger, despite the Bentley being a coupe?

The 2026 BMW 7 Series sedan is longer and taller than the Bentley Continental coupe; the BMW measures 212.2 inches in length versus the Bentley's 192.7 inches, and stands 60.8 inches tall compared to the Bentley's 55.0 inches.

How does the trunk space differ between these two luxury models?

There is a huge practical difference in storage: the 2026 BMW 7 Series provides 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity. Conversely, the 2025 Bentley Continental, being a coupe, offers only 9.2 cu ft, meaning the BMW can nearly double the luggage capacity.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the high-performance 2025 Bentley Continental and the 2026 BMW 7 Series mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

What is the primary mechanical difference in driving dynamics?

The Bentley Continental uses an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, suggesting performance-oriented shifting. The BMW 7 Series, conversely, employs a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup paired with a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.