Porsche currently produces more than 20 models of the 911. Bentley still lags behind in numbers compared to Porsche, but it adds another model to its Continental series with the introduction of the S variant in the GT coupe and GTC convertible categories. It’s the law of nature that greater choice equals luxury.
It’s quite challenging to ascertain whether the GT S is positioned below or above the Azure, Mulliner, and top-of-the-line Speed models. The S is essentially the Speed but stripped of four characters, 100 hp, and 52 pound-feet of torque. All Bentleys’ Continentals come equipped with plug-in hybrid engines featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, but the GT S comes with the standard 671-hp engine instead of the 771-hp engine in the Continental GT Speed.
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Bentley doesn’t hide the fact that both engine configurations are equal in their hardware capabilities. The 671-horsepower engine configuration is present in the “base-model” Continental GT and the Azure and is technically identical to the engines used in the Speed and Mulliner models apart from software restrictions on the boost pressure generated by the turbochargers and a corresponding change in the ignition timing.
While driving the GT S model, we felt that there was sufficient grunt on offer. We believe that the car will only be a fraction of a second slower than the Speed, which completed the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds during our tests. The engine is capable of producing an even more powerful sound through a performance exhaust system upgrade, independent of the engine’s overall power output. The GT S model does not provide any weight advantage compared to other variants since all powertrain components are equal.
The primary advantage the S offers lies in its aggressive chassis tuning, which is similar to the Speed. Regardless of whether your Continental has either the Active Chassis or the Performance Active Chassis, all versions come equipped with air springs with adaptive dampers, rear-axle steer, active anti-roll bars, torque vectoring, and an electronically-controlled limited slip rear differential. The above systems essentially work the same way under normal conditions; however, what sets the S and Speed apart is how these systems operate in their Sport setting. In Sport mode, the S and Speed offer increased stiffness in their spring rates, damper response, and anti-roll bars, shift more power to the rear axle of their all-wheel drive system, reduce ride height by 0.4 inches, and recalibrate rear wheel steer, torque vectoring, and stability control settings.
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While complicated, there is no denying that this is an unequivocal delight to drive due to its vast range of abilities. The Conti is quite adept at riding over rough terrain when driven in Comfort mode and surprisingly agile in Sport mode when cornering. Though no 911 in terms of handling, one would be hard-pressed to call a vehicle weighing over 5000 pounds precise, but with the excellent steering feedback, the quiet interior, and the superb control of the chassis, it still feels like a Bentley.
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The price of entry can often be seen as an arbitrary statistic to the ultra-luxurious car market. However, the GT S coupe is priced slightly under the $300,000 mark. With hope, Bentley thinks that the slight reduction from the price of the GT Speed along with the specific styling details of the GT S model, including the 22-inch wheel package, dark-chrome accents, and tinted taillights, will entice some of its customers. However, one must consider the allure of Bentley to ignore such details.
Specifications
2026 Bentley Continental GT/GTC S
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe or convertible
PRICE
Base: GT S, $296,150; GTC S convertible, $325,150
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.0-liter V-8, 512 hp, 687 lb-ft + AC motor, 188 hp, 332 lb-ft (combined output: 671 hp, 686 lb-ft; 22-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; peak charge rate, AC: 11.0 kW)
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.1–112.2 in
Length: 192.7 in
Width: 77.4 in
Height: 54.8–55.0 in
Trunk Volume: 5–9 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5450–5850 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.1–3.4 sec
100 mph: 6.9–7.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.2–11.5 sec
Top Speed: 191 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/22 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 46 MPGe
EV Range: 30 mi
