Bentley Continental GT S First Drive Review: A Quick and Opulent Getaway Vehicle

      This eye-catching shade of blue is referred to as "Kingfisher."

      

      

       Bentley

      

      

      

      

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      The 2027 Bentley Continental GT S epitomizes a luxurious grand tourer. Its design is unique and striking without being overbearing or aggressive. To the driver's delight, the driving experience can similarly be characterized in those terms. It's an exceptionally capable vehicle and remarkably quick, yet maintains a composed and gentlemanly demeanor even when pushed.

      Bentley has taken a prudent approach to the evolution of the CGT. The form and outline remain largely consistent with the first-generation model—and they still appear fantastic, even if nowadays you’re more likely to find them on a buy-here-pay-here lot than at a Country Club valet line. The cabin of the Bentley coupe has also seen only minor changes.

      The powertrain, however, is significantly more advanced compared to previous Bentleys. When we tested the even more potent CGT Speed, my colleague Cy Soliman described it as “still exquisite as a hybrid.” I would even go a step further, at least in terms of this S model—it’s primarily exquisite because it operates as a hybrid.

      

      

      

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      The Basics

      The Continental GT comes in several main variants—the “base” model, the luxury-oriented Azure, the high-performance Speed, and the flagship Mulliner, which also boasts additional horsepower. The S model occupies the middle ground between Azure and Speed, featuring the sporty touches of the two higher-powered variants but not the specific engine tuning. Nonetheless, it's still exceptionally powerful.

      Equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 alongside a 140 kW electric motor, Bentley asserts that this vehicle produces a combined 671 horsepower and 686 lb-ft of torque. Despite the steel-and-aluminum monocoque coupe tipping the scales at a hefty 5,421 pounds, it achieves a 0-60 mph time of a brisk 3.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 191 mph.

      

      

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      However, sheer straight-line speed isn't the Conti GT S' main allure. The remarkable way it glides over pavement and navigates corners is where it truly shines. This is attributed to the vehicle's air suspension, advanced twin-valve dampers, variable-ratio all-wheel steering, aluminum double-wishbone suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, and all-wheel torque vectoring.

      The upper engine cover is visually appealing. Bentley

      Driving

      Whether navigating through a parking structure, cruising over mountain roads, or accelerating onto a highway, this car feels more like it's floating than rolling. The level of cabin insulation, even over New Jersey's crater-like potholes and during evasive maneuvers, is truly impressive.

      In other words: If you seek a visceral, engagement-focused driving experience, this isn't it. While vehicles like a Lotus or Porsche provide an extreme level of responsiveness and feedback at the expense of comfort, the Bentley CGT follows your direction effortlessly, emphasizing “effortlessness” over “engagement.”

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      Whether this is an advantage or a drawback entirely depends on your expectations for your vehicle. If you see driving as a sport and appreciate a bit of feedback from the road, you may prefer a lighter option. Conversely, if you wish to overtake local traffic at 110 mph without disturbing your cappuccino's foam, a Bentley is the way to go.

      It certainly feels fast when you fully engage the throttle. However, while hardcore performance vehicles might make you feel like a heroic champion, this one elevates you to a god-like status—gliding along untroubled, unchecked, and above the chaos at any speed you choose.

      

      

      

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      When it’s time to bring the car to a stop, 10-piston brake calipers clamp down on 16.5-inch front brake discs, delivering astonishing stopping power. From reasonable speeds, even somewhat excessive ones, the vehicle can be halted quite decisively with minimal dive. Make sure your passengers are buckled up before attempting that—and if you haven’t finished your coffee, hope there’s a lid on it.

      When high-speed driving isn’t on your agenda, you can actually glide along in complete silence thanks to the hybrid system, which itself produces 332 lb-ft of torque. In fact, you can enjoy electric mode for just over 50 miles when the battery is fully charged. While worrying about gas prices may not be a concern for those spending $300,000 on a vehicle, it's still pleasant to move quietly when the occasion calls for it.

      The visibility of the hybrid system largely depends on your selected drive mode and style. Jumping into action from eco mode will indeed alert you as the motor engages with vigor. However, in sporty modes, the electric motors and gas engine