For years, Bentley’s W12 was part of the brand’s identity. It was smooth, absurdly powerful, and proudly excessive in a way only Bentley could justify. Losing it could have felt like the end of an era. Instead, Bentley did something smarter. They replaced it with a hybrid V8 that is not only more efficient, but faster, sharper, and more driver-focused than the W12 cars it succeeds. Checkmate. The new Continental GT S and GT Convertible S arrive as the most powerful S models Bentley has ever built. Under the hood is a High Performance Hybrid pairing a 4.0-liter cross-plane V8 with electric assistance for 671 hp and 686 lb-ft of torque. In real terms, that means 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a 190-mph top speed. More importantly, Bentley openly states that this new hybrid setup outperforms the previous W12 Speed powertrain in power, torque, and performance. Ah, you love to see it. The Hybrid V8 That Outruns Bentley’s Own Legend BentleyThe new hybrid V8 Continental GT S is quicker than the W12 cars that came before it, which is great news, because everyone knows Bentley customers did not buy W12 models for subtlety. They bought them for effortless thrust and long-distance authority. Bentley knew the replacement had to exceed that standard with pizzazz, not merely match it.The hybrid system uses electric assistance to fill torque gaps and sharpens response. The V8 provides the soundtrack, reinforced by a dedicated sports exhaust that emphasizes the cross-plane growl. Together, they deliver acceleration that feels immediate and relentless. Bentley even claims up to 50 miles of pure electric driving, meaning this grand tourer can slip through city streets silently before unleashing full performance on open roads. A magical combination. BentleyBentley has proven that a hybrid powertrain can preserve the emotional side of driving while advancing performance. That is the real W12 replacement story, a story of evolution, not the loss of the W12. And for buyers who care about presence, nothing about this car suggests restraint. It still looks and sounds like a Bentley that wants to stretch its legs. A Continental GT That Finally Wants To Be Driven Hard BentleyBentley did not stop at straight-line speed. The new GT S models inherit chassis technology previously reserved for the GT Speed and GT Mulliner. That includes Bentley Performance Active Chassis, active all-wheel drive, twin-valve dampers, torque vectoring, a 48-volt active anti-roll system, electronic limited-slip differential, and all-wheel steering. In plain language, this is the most driver-focused Continental GT S ever built. It's clear Bentley is not moving away from the core of what its customers want, and that is appreciated. They're basically upping the ante (more analogies for you). BentleyThe ESC system offers multiple personalities. In its default mode, traction is managed to keep everything neat and controlled. Switch to Dynamic Mode, and the car allows measured rear slip, allowing drivers to adjust cornering attitude with the throttle while retaining a safety net. Turn ESC fully off, and the Continental GT S becomes something Bentley rarely admitted in the past. A big grand tourer that can be balanced and steered on power.Continental GT buyers have traditionally valued speed and comfort over sharp handling. This new S model changes that relationship. It invites drivers to participate rather than simply observe. The chassis is now as much a talking point as the powertrain. Bentley has effectively built a GT that can cross countries at high speed in supreme comfort, then feel confident and composed when the road turns technical. That duality is exactly what modern performance luxury buyers expect. The Design Finally Matches The Attitude BentleyA faster, sharper Continental GT needed a look to match. Bentley gave the S models a darker, more purposeful presence through the Blackline Specification. Gloss black grilles, black Bentley wings, dark mirror caps, side sill extensions, rear diffuser, and dark-tinted lighting establish a clear message. This is not the polite grand tourer in the lineup.BentleyStandard 22-inch ten-spoke wheels reinforce the stance, with optional gloss black variations for buyers who want full stealth. The sports exhaust tips sit proudly at the rear, tying visual intent to the sound signature.BentleyInside, the S models get their own identity. Two-tone upholstery, fluted seats, Dinamica technical fabric on key touchpoints, and Piano Black veneer create a cabin that feels performance-focused without abandoning craftsmanship. Carbon fiber and full leather options remain available for those who want to push further.Bentley describes the S as the driver-focused member of the Continental family. The styling supports that claim. It looks leaner, darker, and more assertive than the comfort-oriented Azure or the opulent Mulliner variants. This gives us a Bentley that visually communicates what the powertrain and chassis already deliver: this is a car that wants to be driven.Bentley’s move away from the W12 could have been framed as a reluctant step toward electrification. Instead, the Continental GT S turns it into a statement of progress. The hybrid V8 is faster, more responsive, and more versatile than the legendary engine it replaces. The chassis is more capable than any previous S model, and the design finally leans fully into performance intent.Bentley did not soften the Continental GT for a new era in this move away from their legendary past; they simply made the end of the W12 feel less like a farewell and more like a handoff to something even better.