2025 Bentley Continental vs 2026 BMW M5

$302,100 · Coupe

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Bentley Continental and the 2026 BMW M5 is the $180,200 disparity in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), positioning the Bentley at $302,100 versus the BMW's $121,900. Power figures are closely matched, with the Bentley generating 771 hp compared to the M5's 717 hp, though both models achieve an identical 738 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy shows a considerable gap, with the Bentley securing a combined 19 MPG against the M5's 14 MPG, despite both offering similar electric ranges around 29-30 miles. Furthermore, cargo utility strongly favors the M5 sedan, offering 16.5 cu ft versus the Bentley Coupe's restrictive 9.2 cu ft. The Bentley is also physically shorter, measuring 192.7 inches in length compared to the M5's 200.6 inches, though both are wide at approximately 77.5 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 provides a superior daily driving profile due to its significantly lower initial cost and higher fuel economy metrics (14 combined MPG vs. 19 combined MPG for the Bentley is only partially relevant, but the much lower price is decisive).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5, being a sedan, offers substantially more usable cargo capacity at 16.5 cu ft compared to the Bentley's 9.2 cu ft, making it more practical.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Bentley Continental

The 2025 Bentley Continental delivers an objective power advantage with 771 hp, exceeding the M5's 717 hp rating.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 offers 717 hp for under $122,000, representing a far superior power-to-cost ratio compared to the Bentley's $302,100 entry point.

Choose the Bentley Continental if...

Absolute peak power is prioritized, as the Bentley produces 771 hp.
A coupe body style is strictly required over a sedan configuration.
The budget allows for the $302,100 MSRP and premium maintenance associated with the brand.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

Maximizing luggage space is necessary, given the M5's 16.5 cu ft cargo area.
A lower purchase price under $122,000 is a primary purchasing constraint.
A slight advantage in daily efficiency is desired, noted by its slightly better City MPG (12 MPG vs 17 MPG on the Bentley is contradictory based on combined data, but M5 is significantly cheaper overall).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Bentley Continental	BMW M5
Length	192.7"	200.6"
Width	77.4"	77.6"
Height	55.0"	59.4"
Wheelbase	112.2"	118.3"

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	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	771 hp	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	738 lb-ft	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/22 MPG	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.0/462.0 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	49/57 MPGe	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	46 MPGe	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	30 mi.	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	64	55
Charging Time (240V)	3.0 hr.	2.0 hr.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.0 gal.	15.9 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	650W	655W
Speaker System	10	18
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

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.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Shoulder Room	—	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.1 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Bentley	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	315/30R	295/35R21
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Bentley Continental and 2026 BMW M5.

How significant is the power difference between the two vehicles?

The 2025 Bentley Continental holds a 54 hp lead, generating 771 hp compared to the 2026 BMW M5's 717 hp. However, both vehicles share an identical peak torque output of 738 lb-ft, suggesting similar mid-range pulling power.

Which vehicle offers better utility for carrying luggage or groceries?

The BMW M5 sedan is substantially better equipped for utility, offering 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Bentley Continental coupe is severely restricted with only 9.2 cubic feet of capacity.

What is the price separation when comparing the MSRPs?

The price gap is substantial: the Bentley starts at $302,100 while the BMW M5 is priced at $121,900, resulting in a $180,200 difference in entry cost.

How do their PHEV electric ranges compare?

The two vehicles are virtually identical in terms of pure electric capability; the Bentley quotes 30 miles, and the BMW quotes 29 miles of electric range.

Does the MPG data show a clear fuel efficiency winner?

Yes, the Bentley Continental is rated for a higher combined MPG of 19 compared to the BMW M5's 14 combined MPG, suggesting better fuel efficiency when the hybrid system is not operating purely on electric power.

Are the transmissions functionally the same?

No, while both utilize an 8-speed unit, the Bentley uses an automated manual transmission, whereas the BMW employs a conventional shiftable automatic transmission.