Bentley Continental GTC S Review | Bentley's Latest £233k Driver-Focussed Drop-top GT
For decades, the Bentley Continental GT has rightfully earned its place at the top of the grand tourer hierarchy; it's in the name, after all. Now, the GT 'S' tier is back, bridging the gap between the GT 'core' and GT 'Speed' with a strong focus on driver engagement. John Marcar has been testing the convertible version on the Isle of Man.
Bentley and the Isle of Man TT
Amazingly, despite being a motorcycle rider and motorsport fanatic, until last week, I'd never before stepped foot onto the Isle of Man. For the launch of the new GT S and GTC S, Bentley chose the Isle of Man as a launch location for reasons beyond the obvious unrestricted roads and dramatic scenery; there's a very significant historic link between Bentley and the infamous Tourist Trophy.
A brief history...
In 1922, following the end of the Great War, company founder William Oliver Bentley decided to hop on a ferry with a handful of his cars and some trusted drivers to see how his latest models would fare in a bit of motorsport competition. Many assume that Bentley's motorsport heritage began at Le Mans in 1923. It was, in fact, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in the year before.
W.O. Bentley, the founding father of the Bentley Motor Company, completed the 1922 Tourist Trophy, finishing 4th overall in his second prototype, the EXP 2, not bad. However, another of his cars, a Bentley 3 Litre driven by one of the founding 'Bentley Boys' named Frank Clement, managed to score the second step on the podium, finishing the race in 2nd place, having averaged an impressive 55.2 mph. Following the success on the Isle of Man TT in '22, the next stop was Le Mans in 1923 - and the rest (as they say) is history.
Over 100 years later, Bentley's decision to launch the new driver-focused Continental GT S on the IoM carries more significance than just a romantic story. The Isle, with its mountainous road sections free of speed limits and a variety of driving environments, would allow the latest model to be pushed beyond typical UK speeds while simultaneously testing how it'll fare in everyday driving scenarios.
The Driver's Choice - S vs Speed and Azure
Bentley is launching the new S as a driver-focused variant. The S shares multiple parts and underpinnings with the top-tier GT Speed model and draws inspiration from the range-topping, limited-production Supersports model, which sold out shortly after its launch in Autumn 2025. The idea of the new S is to offer a dynamic driving experience and improved sporting visual presence at a slightly more attainable price.
The new GT S uses the same power and chassis settings as the 'core' (entry-level) and 'Azure' (luxury-focused) GT models, but adds some performance features otherwise reserved for the 'Speed' and 'Mulliner' editions, such as launch control, a sports exhaust, sports steering, and sports-focused suspension damping. The S also boasts Bentley's 'Dynamic Ride' system, previously reserved for the more powerful models, plus rear-wheel steering and an E-differential, which aid performance and power delivery to all four wheels.
The new S also features model-specific styling upgrades with multiple nods to a more driver-focused GT. These include dedicated mirror caps, a front splitter, Blackline exterior grills, window surrounds, and black badging. A new range of wheels also signifies the model's individuality, as do the latest precision headlights and dark-tinted rear light clusters. The new visuals work and add a sense of aggression without sacrificing sleek styling.
The Engine and Performance
Like the other latest Continentals in the range, the new GT and GTC S utilises Bentley's High Performance Hybrid powertrain. Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, producing 512 bhp independently.
In addition to the petrol engine, a 140kW electric motor powered by a 15.9kWh battery adds 188 bhp to the mix and, when working in tandem with the engine, delivers a total of 671 bhp and 930 Nm of peak torque to all four wheels.
Despite being 100 bhp down on the GT Speed, the performance still feels unapologetically punchy, with a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds, a 0-100 mph time of 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 191 mph.
The Price
In coupe form, prices for the GT S start at £212,500.00 before options.
In convertible 'GTC' form, the new S is being introduced to the market at £233,700.00; however, as tested, the model has an OTR retail price of £304,460.00, thanks to £70,760.00 worth of optional extras.
The Driving Experience
The new Continental GTC S delivers an engaging and genuinely exciting driving experience. The tweaks to the chassis and steering can be felt in all environments, especially when dynamic corners are thrown into the mix.
In Sport mode, the GTC S's suspension does a fantastic job of soaking up the undulations of the road, even at what should feel like compromising speeds. The chassis leaps over humps, then immediately settles without fuss or compromise, and crucially without the need to correct or adjust inputs that would otherwise unsettle the dynamics.
The torque band in sport mode is especially punchy, with the benefits of the e-differential felt in all environments. There is seemingly little limit to how and where power is delivered to all four wheels, and with the rear-steer working to assist control at high speeds and manoeuvrability at low speeds, the overall handling is not at all representative of the model's 2,636 kg kerb weight.
As standard, the GT S is equipped with steel brakes that deliver strong stopping power, brilliantly scrubbing speed in a straight line and allowing for trailbraking into tighter corners with complete composure. Those seeking a more performance-focused stopping performance can opt for a carbon-ceramic upgrade; however, unless frequent trackdays are in the diary, most won't feel the benefit of the lighter discs over the standard steel.
As is to be expected from Bentley and the Continental range, the interior layout and driving position are frankly superb, with full adaptability for personal preferences and driver dimensions. Beyond the performance focus, an array of standard luxuries and optional extras includes massaging and climate-controlled seating, assisted cruise control with lane assist, a head-up display, and a choice of premium audio systems, to complete the all-round versatility that has earned the modern Continental GT its accolades.
Refined for high speed
With the soft top roof folded flat, the GTC S thrusts along faster roads with minimal fuss and noise in the driver's seat. The steering tightens reassuringly at speed for a more stable overall feel, and there is no noticeable difference in handling between the coupe and convertible body styles, which is a huge credit to the vehicle dynamics engineers. On the subject of folded roofs, though, there is a very significant upgrade to driving with the top down beyond some additional natural light in the cabin...
Akrapović exhaust: a £10,200 option worth ticking
With the roof down, the roar, rumbles, and overrun burbles from the optional Akrapović exhaust system are incredibly addictive. The sports exhaust system is a masterpiece example of what Akrapović does best. At slow speeds in sport mode, the valves in the exhaust system back boxes open to exhume an addictive, V8 thud from the rear pipes on either side of the rear bumper. Accelerating to higher speeds transforms the methodical thud into a roar as the turbochargers force the exhaust gases from the 4.0 V8 through the specially crafted pipes. At the point of lifting off the throttle or shifting down the gears, a rewarding crackle and thunderous rumble completes the symphony, egging you on for more of the same. With the driving mode switched to comfort or the adaptable 'B for Bentley' mode, the valves close by default to provide a more subtle yet still purposeful tone unless full throttle is applied.
Electric mode: The alternative option is silence
An additional feature of the hybrid powertrain is the included luxury of driving in pure silence. 45-50 miles of electric-only range can be enjoyed without a single cylinder firing in the 4.0L V8. Driving the GTC S in all-electric mode is an almost ghostly experience, and rewards a feeling of stealthy progress which feels all the better for knowing that with a twist of the drive mode selector, the engine can bark back into life should you wish.
Conclusion
The new Continental GTC S is the ideal package for drivers who want to get the most from a convertible GT whilst spending considerably less than the similarly styled Speed and Mulliner variants. What you lose in power figures and pricetag bragging rights is more than made up for in performance and overall driving experience, making the S the ideal choice for most.
words by John Marcar
Photography courtesy of Bentley Motors
