New Bentley Continental GT S Debuts with 671 hp-Rated V8 Hybrid

Bentley’s new Continental GT S features a 671 hp-rated V8 AWD hybrid powertrain and a limited-slip differential.

Boutique British marque Bentley is further expanding its fourth-gen Continental GT lineup with the new Continental GT S and Continental GTC S. Designed to appeal to enthusiasts, both the new GT S coupe and convertible are now equipped with the new High Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain that comes with a limited-slip differential for some sideways action.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain in question features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged crossplane V8 mill that helps to deliver a combined output of 671 hp (500 kW) and 930 Nm.

This makes the new GT S more potent than its W12-powered predecessor, which translates to a rapid 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds and a V-max of 306 km/h. Not to forget, the car can also travel up to 80 km on electricity alone, thus making this V8-powered grand tourer a pretty discrete daily commuter.

What separates the new GT S from the standard Continental GT are several mechanical upgrades to make it more ‘enthusiast-friendly,’ and chief among them is the Bentley Performance Active Chassis setup derived from the GT Speed and GT Mulliner. It combines the active all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a bespoke torque vectoring technology, as well as both the high-tech suspension system with twin-valve dampers and the Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system.

On top of that, the new GT S also benefits from both the electronic limited slip differential and all-wheel steering that, combined with the aforementioned chassis setup, make it a far better driver’s car than its predecessor. With these new features, drivers can now engage the new Dynamic Mode that allows them to go sideways and do some power slides while still “maintaining confidence to bring the car back in-line if required.”

As for their design, the new GT S and GTC S come standard with the Blackline Specification to differentiate them from other variants of the Continental. This package adds several gloss black trims and accents, including on its front grille inserts and badgings, while featuring a sportier front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and Beluga Black side mirror caps.

Rounding off the exterior changes are the tinted lighting units, a sports exhaust system, and 22-inch wheels finished in silver. Speaking of which, like many other Bentley models, customers can choose from an assortment of different wheels and colourways, depending on their preference and budget.

No interior images of the new GT S were shown, but we’ve been told that its cabin features a unique two-tone upholstery, a “fluted seat design,” standard piano black trims that can be swapped with optional carbon fibre ones, plus several Dinamica upholstery-wrapped parts like the steering wheel and door panels for some added sportiness.

Also not unveiled was the pricing for the new Bentley Continental GT S and GTC S, but it seems like they will be slotted in between the GT Azure and GT Speed, which is understandable given that the latter rocks a pepper Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 PHEV setup rated at 771 hp and a handsomer base price of £236,600 (RM1,281,697) in the UK.