Hybrid power meets sporting poise, writes James Stinson
The rise of the SUV is seemingly irresistible, to the point where it feels like the road will soon be populated only by high-riding off-road lookalikes and tiny city cars.
We are already well-accustomed to the likes of Audi, BMW, and Ford jumping on the bandwagon, but even prestigious marques like Bentley are finding success with enormous models like the Bentayga.
However, for those who still value the traditional silhouette of a grand tourer, the updated Continental GT S and GT Convertible (GTC) prove there is still plenty of life left in the low-slung luxury cruiser.
This new “S” version exemplifies the engineering prowess and sheer over-the-top nature of the brand, much like the recent updates seen on its SUV stablemate. It represents a significant shift for Crewe, as it swaps out the older, now retired powerplants for a more modern, electrified approach.
The headline change is under the bonnet. Following the lead of the updated Bentayga Speed, which swapped its W12 for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, the new Continental GT S utilizes a high-performance hybrid setup.
This powertrain combines V8 muscle with electric assistance to deliver a “V8 hybrid punch” that ensures the car remains one of the quickest in its class. The result is a gain in horsepower that pushes the car toward eye-watering performance figures. The GT S is capable of completing the 0-62mph dash in a mid-3-second range, similar to the 3.4 seconds achieved by the latest Bentayga Speed.
To ensure it handles as well as it goes, Bentley has focused on “sharper driving dynamics”. The GT S benefits from reworked drive modes, including a Sport mode that increases damper stiffness and slackens off the stability control to permit more “exhilarating” handling.
Much like the tech appearing in the brand’s larger models, rear-wheel steering is employed to aid manoeuvrability at lower speeds while boosting stability when pressing on. A sports exhaust system is fitted as standard to unleash the “drama and potency” of the new powerplant, though an optional titanium system is available for those who want even more acoustic presence.
Perhaps the most pragmatic addition is the ability for “electric-only city cruising” with the 25.9kWh battery allowing for up to 50 miles of pure electric driving. It means you can ghost through the city in silence before the V8 growls into life on the open road.
Visually, the S models are differentiated by a darker aesthetic, featuring black-on-black styling elements and bespoke wheel designs ranging up to 22-inches. Inside, the cabin receives a unique layout on its digital instrument screen and “S” branding embroidered on the seats.
Prices are expected to start around £220,000 for the coupe, with the convertible GTC S commanding a premium. It sits as a more dynamic alternative to the standard models, proving that even as the SUV continues its march toward dominance, the classic Bentley grand tourer isn’t going quietly.