automobile
Bentley is still in the process of completing its fourth-generation Continental lineup, and the new Continental GT S is the latest piece of the puzzle. It lands above the standard Continental GT but remains a step below the Speed and harder-core Supersports. In typical Bentley fashion, the idea is simple: give buyers a more aggressive, athletic grand tourer without going full throttle, and then wrap it in the kind of subtle attitude that only becomes apparent once you know what you’re looking at.
The big story is under the hood. The Continental GT S switches to a hybrid V8 setup with all-wheel drive, and Bentley says the new combination can not only keep up, but even surpass the old W12 in real-world performance. Output increases to 670 hp and 686 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant increase over the previous GT S. It can also be operated in EV mode for short journeys, although the pure electric range figures vary depending on the market and test cycle. Bentley claims a range of more than 50 miles on the EU cycle for its high-performance hybrid setup, while early GT S figures suggest around 50 km (around 30 miles) of electric driving.
Bentley didn’t stop at the powertrain. For the first time, the Continental GT S features rear-wheel steering and an electronic limited-slip differential, as well as chassis technology carried over from the Speed, including a 48-volt active anti-roll system and updated stability control tuning. The reward is the speed that you will actually feel: Bentley accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is stated as 300 km/h.
Visually, the GT S leans towards a darker, more purposeful theme with black exterior accents, tinted lighting and dark exhaust tips, with the option to swap out the standard two-tone wheels for an all-black look. Bentley says the S gets unique two-tone upholstery as well as piano black trim and optional dark-tinted chrome for the trim, which should appeal to anyone who wants a bit more of a nightclub rather than a country club feel in their Continental.
FOLLOW US TODAY:
Lloyd Tobias is an experienced automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping abreast of breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a keen perspective and deep appreciation for all things automotive. In his texts he combines technical understanding with practical enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and appealing to readers who share his love of driving. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the latest models and staying one step ahead in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.