The Continental GT S nameplate has made its return, as Bentley continues to flesh out the model lineup for the fourth-generation grand tourer. The GT S slots neatly between the standard GT and the full-blown GT Speed, and will be offered as both a two-door coupe or a convertible (GTC S), aimed at drivers who want a little more edge than the base GT but aren’t quite ready to dive all the way into the top-of-the-line Speed.
To that end, you’ll find Bentley’s “High Performance Hybrid” setup, built around a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a crossplane crank under the long, sleek bonnet. Altogether, the system produces 680 hp and 930 Nm of torque, making it 130 hp more powerful than the previous Continental GT S.
It’s not quite the “Ultra Performance Hybrid” found in the GT Speed, but it’s still very much a face-ripping Grand Tourer. Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, with 0-100 km/h done in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).
Bentley has also added a sports exhaust for extra sound, giving the car a proper growl when you push it hard. While the new GT S is more powerful than some older W12-powered flagship models in every metric, its plug-in hybrid powertrain will still let you cruise for up to 80 km on electric power alone courtesy of its 25.9 kWh battery — ideal for quiet city trips without sacrificing the thrills when you open it up on the backroads and highways.
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Making the new GT S a thrill behind the wheel is an upgraded chassis setup championed by Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis, previously only available with the GT Speed and GT Mulliner models. It comes with Active All-Wheel Drive, twin-valve adaptive dampers, and torque vectoring front-to-rear and across the axles.
Bentley has also added the 48V Dynamic Ride anti-roll system, a new generation of ESC software, and for the first time on a Continental GT S, an electronic limited-slip differential and all-wheel steering. The result is sharper handling, tighter cornering, and rock-solid stability — all while keeping the smooth, effortless feel you’d expect from a Bentley.
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Visually, the GT S sets itself apart with a bold Blackline Specification, replacing most of the chrome trim with gloss black accents for a more aggressive mood. Adding to its sophistication are the dark-tinted full LED matrix headlights, carried over from the more expensive GT Speed.
As standard, the Continental GT S rides on 22-inch ten-swept-spoke alloy wheels finished in silver. Exclusive to the GT S are two new wheel options: a gloss black design with bright machined faces, or a full gloss black finish for a stealthier look.
Inside, Bentley has paid just as much attention, with unique two-tone leather upholstery, Dinamica performance-fabric accents, and a fluted seat design that adds a sporty edge. To complement the blacked-out exterior, the cabin is trimmed in piano black, though owners who want something more bespoke can opt for alternative finishes, including carbon fibre and other premium materials.
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