Tested: Bentley Continental GT S Slices the Pie ThinnerBentley7/14/26 UPDATE: This review has been updated with instrumented test results.The last time we counted, Porsche offered upwards of 20 variants of the 911. Bentley has a ways to go to match that number, but the Continental lineup gets bigger with the addition of the S spec for the GT coupe and GTC convertible. After all, choice is the ultimate luxury.Determining where the GT S fits in the range, which also includes the Azure, Mulliner, and the top-spec Speed, in not easy. Effectively, the S is a Speed minus four letters, 100 horsepower, and 52 pound-feet of torque. All Continentals have a plug-in hybrid powertrain centered around a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but the S has the standard 671-hp version rather than the Continental GT Speed's full-fat 771-hp setup.BentleyBentley freely admits that there's no difference between the two powertrains in terms of hardware. The 671-hp version, which is also found in the "base-model" Continental GT and the Azure, is mechanically identical to the Speed and Mulliner's drivetrain save for software tweaks that limit boost pressure from the turbochargers and alter the ignition timing accordingly.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe didn't find ourselves wanting for grunt when we drove the GT S. It's only 0.2 second slower to 60 mph than the Speed in our testing, hitting the mark in 3.0 seconds. The gap widens a bit more by the quarter-mile, with the GT S lagging behind the Speed by 0.4 second and 5 mph in terms of trap speed. A sportier-sounding exhaust setup is available to help the V-8 sing, regardless of its overall output.BentleyAnd there's no weight savings if you opt for the S, owing to the identical components in both the lower- and higher-output versions of this powertrain. Our test GT S weighed in at 5530 pounds, which is actually 115 pounds heavier than the previous GT Speed we tested.The big draw for the S is its more aggressive chassis programming that it shares with the Speed. Whether your particular Continental sports what Bentley labels its Active Chassis or Performance Active Chassis, all trims feature air springs with adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, active anti-roll bars, torque vectoring, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. All the systems generally function the same in normal driving, but the S and Speed distinguish themselves in Sport mode. They do this by dialing in additional firmness for the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, increasing the rear-axle bias of the variable all-wheel-drive system, dropping the ride height by 0.4 inch, and adjusting the calibrations for the rear-wheel steering, torque-vectoring, and stability control.BentleyComplicated as it may be, the Continental GT S's formula makes it an unequivocal joy to drive. Offering a wide spectrum of dynamic talents, the big Conti is unflappable over rough roads in Comfort mode and surprisingly eager to change direction in Sport mode. It's no 911 in terms of precision—no 5000-plus-pound machine could be—but the steering has great on-center feel, the cabin is supremely quiet, and body motions are expertly controlled. No matter the driving situation, it feels like a Bentley should. And the plug-in hybrid's electric-only range is a nice bonus feature: We were able to go an impressive 49 miles before the battery ran out of juice, which is a useful distance for those who have access to a charger on the regular.AdvertisementAdvertisementA base price is an irrelevant metric for any ultra-luxury vehicle, but the GT S coupe sneaks in just under $300,000. Our test car, of course, went well beyond that figure, ringing up a tab of $350,630 thanks to big-ticket items such as the $10,525 Naim audio system and the $7615 display that rotates to reveal analog dials. We imagine that most customers go all-in with customization while spec'ing their Bentleys. Regardless, Bentley hopes that what amounts to a modest discount versus the Continental GT Speed, plus the GT S model's unique visuals—including a model-specific 22-inch wheel design, dark chrome trim, and tinted taillights—will appeal to a certain slice of its clientele. But really, the intrigue of a Bentley transcends petty things like trim levels.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029