After 23 years of the Continental GT defining modern grand touring, Bentley ditches the legendary W12 entirely and instead leans into hybridization to deliver what Bentley claims is the most powerful S-badged Continental ever made. Drawing inspiration from the limited-edition Supersports, these models aim to bridge the gap between the standard GT and the track-focused Speed variant.
Hybrid Power That Actually Delivers
The heart of the GT S is Bentley’s High Performance Hybrid setup is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor that combines for 671 hp and 686 lb-ft of torque. That’s 128 hp more than the previous-gen S and, as Bentley points out, actually outperforms the retired W12 Speed on all performance metrics. The 0-60 sprint takes just 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph, while the 25.9 kWh battery enables up to 50 miles of pure electric driving. A sports exhaust accentuates the crossplane V8’s rumble, which should satisfy purists who miss the W12.
Speed’s Chassis, S’s Price Point
Where the GT S really earns its keep is in the hardware borrowed from the Speed and Mulliner trims. The Bentley Performance Active Chassis includes active all-wheel drive, torque vectoring (both front-to-rear and side-to-side), twin-valve dampers, the 48V Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system, and — for the first time on a GT S — an electronic limited-slip differential and all-wheel steering. Dynamic Mode allows controlled rear-axle slip, while the ESC can be fully disengaged. It’s Bentley’s most driver-focused AWD setup, designed to make the Continental feel more like a proper sports car than a luxury cruiser.
Blackline Aesthetic
Bentley’s Blackline Specification gives the S its menacing aesthetic, with gloss black matrix grilles, black winged badges and lettering, Beluga black mirror caps, sill extensions, and a rear diffuser. Dark-tint Precision Design LED headlamps (shared only with the Speed) and taillights complement the blackened tailpipe finishers. Standard 22-inch ten-spoke alloys come in silver, though you can opt for two-tone or full gloss black versions.
Inside, a unique two-tone upholstery split and fluted seats distinguish the S from other Continentals, with tactile Dinamica technical fabric on the steering wheel, gear lever, seats, and door inserts. Piano black veneer is standard, though carbon fiber and dark chrome accents are also available.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Bentley Continental GT S / GTC S
Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 + electric motor (High Performance Hybrid)
Power: 671 hp
Torque: 686 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 190 mph
Electric Range: Up to 50 miles
Battery: 25.9 kWh
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Active AWD with torque vectoring, e-LSD, all-wheel steering
Pricing & Availability
Bentley hasn’t announced official pricing yet, but expect the GT S to slot between the Azure and Speed models — likely around $275,000 for the coupe and $300,000 for the convertible. Orders are open now through Bentley’s dealer network.
Recap
2026 Bentley Continental GT S Hybrid
The 2026 Bentley Continental GT S swaps the legendary W12 for a hybrid V8 pumping out 671 hp, pairs it with the Speed’s performance chassis including torque vectoring and all-wheel steering, and slots in as a mid-range option that delivers serious driver engagement without Speed-level pricing — all while offering 50 miles of electric-only range.
