Bentley has expanded its electrified lineup with the debut of the new Continental GT S and GTC S, signaling how serious the brand is about performance in a post-W12, electrified era. While fully electric Bentleys are still on the horizon, the new S models show how far hybrid technology has already pushed the company’s flagship grand tourer.
Positioned between the comfort-focused Azure and the extreme GT Speed, the Continental GT S targets drivers who want maximum engagement without abandoning electrification—and the numbers suggest Bentley has delivered.
Hybrid Powertrain That Outperforms the Old W12
The headline feature is Bentley’s High Performance Hybrid system, pairing a 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor to produce 680 PS and 930 Nm of torque. That’s not just an improvement over the previous GT S—it actually surpasses the outgoing W12 Speed in power, torque, and acceleration.
Performance remains firmly in supercar territory. Bentley claims 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a 190 mph top speed, proving that electrification hasn’t diluted the Continental’s identity. At the same time, the GT S can travel up to 50 miles (80 km) in pure electric mode, making it capable of silent, zero-emissions driving for daily use or urban environments.
For EV-focused buyers, this dual personality is the real story: a Bentley that can commute electrically and still deliver full-throttle V8 drama when required.
Speed-Grade Chassis Technology Comes to the S
Bentley hasn’t limited the upgrades to the powertrain. The new Continental GT S adopts the Performance Active Chassis, previously exclusive to the GT Speed and Mulliner variants.
This includes:
– Active all-wheel drive
– Torque vectoring across and between axles
– Twin-valve adaptive dampers
– 48V Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system
– All-wheel steering
– An electronic limited-slip differential (new for the S)
In practice, this means the GT S offers more adjustability and driver involvement than any previous S-badged Continental. Bentley says the car allows controlled rear-axle slip in Dynamic mode, while still maintaining stability—an approach that aligns more with modern performance EVs and hybrids that rely heavily on software and torque management.
A Hybrid That Encourages Driver Engagement
One of the more surprising elements of the new GT S is how much control Bentley gives the driver. The updated ESC system can be fully disengaged, allowing skilled drivers to balance the car on throttle alone.
That’s a notable move at a time when many electrified performance cars prioritize safety systems that can’t be fully switched off. Bentley’s approach suggests confidence in both its chassis tuning and its customer base.
Dark Styling Signals a Shift in Bentley’s Image
Visually, the Continental GT S leans into a more aggressive, performance-oriented aesthetic. The Blackline Specification replaces traditional chrome with gloss black elements, including grilles, badges, mirror caps, and exhaust finishers.
Dark-tinted LED matrix headlights—shared only with the GT Speed—reinforce the car’s flagship performance status. Large 22-inch wheels come as standard, with blacked-out options available for buyers who want a more stealthy, EV-inspired look.
Interior Mixes Sustainability with Sport
Inside, Bentley continues blending luxury with modern materials. The GT S features a unique two-tone interior layout and extensive use of Dinamica technical fabric on high-contact surfaces like the steering wheel and seats.
While full leather remains optional, the emphasis on technical fabrics and dark finishes reflects a broader shift in the luxury EV space, where sustainability and performance aesthetics increasingly go hand in hand.
What the Continental GT S Means for Bentley’s EV Future
The new Continental GT S isn’t an electric Bentley—but it may be the clearest preview yet of what the brand’s electrified future will feel like. By delivering better performance than the old W12, meaningful electric-only range, and a more driver-focused chassis, Bentley is proving that electrification can enhance—not replace—its core identity.
For EV-focused buyers who aren’t ready to give up combustion entirely, the Continental GT S makes a strong case: this is not a compromise car. It’s a transitional flagship, and arguably one of the most compelling hybrids in the ultra-luxury segment right now.
