If the base Continental GT is somehow too dull for you and the Conti GT Azure too focused on luxury, perhaps the sweet spot in the Bentley coupe range is this, the new Continental GT S (and drop-top Continental GT Convertible S). The GT S is more powerful than its W12-powered predecessor, delivering 671 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque from its High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which is an electrified 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crank. Those numbers represent increases of 128 hp and 118 lb-ft, respectively, though they’re identical to the figures claimed by the non-S Continental GT and Continental GTC and lower than those offered by the GT Speed. So what makes the S badge special? For a start, it represents a quicker car than the regular Conti, with a more focused driving experience.
Continental GT S Is a Sporty Grand Tourer
While the regular Conti GT gets from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 168 mph, the GT S can do the sprint in 3.3 seconds and only runs out of puff at 190 mph. As it does so, a sports exhaust provides a more aggressive tone, and if that irritates the neighbors, the hybrid system can run on electric power alone for up to 50 miles. Another highlight for the S is the addition of the Bentley Performance Active Chassis system, borrowed from the more elite GT Speed and GT Mulliner variants. This means an active all-wheel-drive system that gives the driver some slip on the rear axle in Dynamic mode, and if the electronic stability control system is completely deactivated, “the cornering stance can be balanced on-throttle by the driver.” That’s Bentley’s typically restrained and very British way of saying you can slide the new GT S, though perhaps not as easily as the RWD GT Supersports.
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The chassis setup also includes twin-valve dampers, torque vectoring front to rear and across the axles, Bentley’s 48-volt Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system and, for the first time on the GT S, an electronic limited-slip differential and all-wheel steering.
Blackline Specification Gives the Conti GT S a More Sinister Look
The Continental GT S stands apart from the regular Conti GT with several gloss black accents as part of the Blackline Specification, starting with the front lower spoiler and extending to the matrix grilles, wings badges, and BENTLEY wordmark. The area around the lower side intakes is also framed by glossy black paint, as is the glasshouse, and the chrome strips on the lower section of the side bodywork, which extend into the rear bumper, are now gloss black, too. Similarly, the mirror caps, rear diffuser, and sill extensions are finished in Beluga black, and the LED matrix headlights are tinted, as on the GT Speed. To match, the taillights get the same sort of treatment, as do the exhaust tips. 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels come in silver as standard, but two-tone wheels with black paint and machined faces are available, as are full gloss black wheels.
A Unique Interior for the Conti GT S
Inside, the Continental GT S and Continental GTC S get upholstery with a two-color split, unique to the S-badged grand tourers. Dinamica faux suede adds a sportier feel to the steering wheel, gear lever, seats, and door card inserts, while trims are finished in Piano black. Of course, one can always customize a Bentley, and carbon fiber is one of the many options available, as is dark-tinted chrome for all the interior metal brightwork. If a customer wants a more luxurious feel, full leather upholstery is also available. Frustratingly, Bentley hasn’t provided imagery of the cabin, but we catch a glimpse of it in the above video. Pricing has not been revealed either, but it’s best to budget around $350,000 before even thinking about options.
