- The electrified Continental GT S adds 128 hp.
- Torque rises by 118 lb-ft (160 Nm).
- Bentley claims the hybrid V8 is superior to the retired W12.
Bentley continues to flesh out the Continental’s lineup nearly two years after launching the fourth generation. The GT S is the newest member of the portfolio, slotting above the base version while remaining below the Speed and the hardcore Supersports. The latter remains the only non-electrified flavor and the sole member of the family with a rear-wheel-drive layout.
The GT S follows a familiar formula by combining a hybrid V8 setup with all-wheel drive. Compared to the previous-generation model, power is up substantially thanks to electrification. Output rises by 128 hp and 118 lb-ft (160 Nm) to a staggering 670 hp and 686 lb-ft (930 Nm). Although the W12 is dearly missed, Bentley claims the new setup outperforms the retired twelve-cylinder powerhouse that bowed out with the gorgeous Batur.
Another feather in its cap is the ability to completely switch off the engine and glide in electric serenity for up to 30 miles (50 kilometers). It’s also the first time Bentley has fitted the Continental GT S with rear-wheel steering and an electronic limited-slip differential. Borrowed from the spicier Speed, the S also uses a 48-volt active anti-roll system and the latest electronic stability control.
Photo by: Bentley
Quicker, But Slower
The cross-plane 4.0-liter V8 and electric motor help the Continental GT S hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just three and a half seconds. That’s half a second quicker than its predecessor, though it won’t go as fast at the top end. Still, a 190 mph (306 km/h) maximum speed is plenty, even if your daily commute includes the Autobahn.
Bentley has put effort into setting the S apart from other Continental GT flavors. Black exterior accents abound, joined by tinted headlights and taillights and dark exhaust finishers. To complete the look, the standard two-tone wheels can be swapped for a full-black set.
While interior images are limited at this point, we do know the S gets a bi-color upholstery not available on other Continental models. The exterior’s dark theme continues inside with piano-black trim, and, as an option, Bentley applies a dark-tinted chrome finish to the metal brightwork.
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Source: Bentley
Motor1’s Take: We’re glad to see Bentley living up to its promise of holding on to combustion engines, even if that means going the hybrid route. Late last year, CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser pledged the British luxury marque would “continue to satisfy customers with the choice of powertrains.” Previously, the company had promised to go purely electric by the decade’s end. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case.
With the current mix of gas and hybrids, plus an EV launching later this year, Bentley aims to cater to all types of buyers. However, the loss of the W12 can’t be ignored, and it may partially explain why sales have been slipping. In 2025, the company sold 10,100 units, or 4.8 percent fewer than the year before. Looking back, 2024 wasn’t great either, with demand falling 21.5 percent from 2023.
Meanwhile, Lamborghini’s record-breaking sales streak has allowed the raging bull to move more cars over the past two years than Bentley. Both automakers are technically owned by Audi and fall under the Brand Group Progressive umbrella, alongside Ducati.
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