Bentley Continental GT S 2026 Review

The easiest way to position the 2026 Bentley Continental GT S is to run you through the current range. It starts with the standard V8 at $488,000 plus on-road costs, above which the range splits into two: the sporty $534,000 GT S and luxurious $575,000 Azure.

From there each offshoot extends further with the $584,000 Speed sitting above the S and the $632,000 Mulliner above the Azure. Convertible GT C versions of all variants are available.

The Mulliner and Speed variants both feature the 575kW/1000Nm version of the new plug-in hybrid powertrain, whereas the other models make do with a ‘mere’ 500kW/930Nm.

Nevertheless, 0-100km/h takes just 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is 306km/h.

As mentioned in the introduction, the ‘S’ scores the active performance chassis from the Speed, which includes twin-valve dampers, active anti-roll bars, all-wheel steering, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, a sports exhaust, new-generation stability control with Dynamic Mode and torque vectoring both side-to-side as well as fore-to-aft.

Cosmetically, there are 22-inch wheels and a darker exterior treatment courtesy of the Blackline specification, which includes gloss black grilles, badging, mirror caps, sill extensions and rear diffuser and darker taillights and exhaust tips.

Inside, you’ll find a unique two-tone treatment, a fluted seat design, suede-like Dinamica on the touch points and piano black veneers to match the black exterior, though this can be altered optionally.

Bentley offers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which can be extended to up to 10 years at additional cost.

Our time behind the wheel of the new 2026 Bentley Continental GT S was limited to a handful of laps of Sydney Motorsport Park, though an additional road drive in the very similar Continental Flying Spur Azure provides some clue as to its on-road behaviour.

What’s immediately apparent is the agility of the GT S. Compared to the non-hybrid Bentagya Speed SUV, which is similar in weight, the Conti is much more responsive and livelier, feeling hundreds of kilograms lighter than its actual mass of nearly 2500kg.

Despite not being permitted to sample the Dynamic ESC mode, the electronics were subtle in their intervention and still happy to let the car move around slightly, which the chassis is more than able to do.

Previous experience with recent Continental GTs have shown them to be much more responsive to throttle application than previous generations – these are now properly engaging driver’s cars, albeit big and heavy ones.

There are certainly no complaints regarding the new powertrain. Not only do 500kW/930Nm provide suitably potent performance with a fine V8 growl to match, but there is no indication of how and when the electrical assistance is kicking in. You are left with the impression of huge and seamless power at all times.

Given a racetrack isn’t exactly a Continental GT’s favoured environment – even in sportier S guise – it does a fine job of lapping at pace and with impressive stamina, though the tyres may have a different view of proceedings.

On the assumption that the Continental GT S’s powertrain behaves the same as that in the Flying Spur Azure – a safe assumption given they are technically the same – the level of electrical assistance is also useful.

Bentley claims 81km of electric range and the engine will remain silent even under relatively large throttle openings, allowing you to keep up with traffic or even commit to an overtake without the V8 disturbing your reverie.

As you’d hope for a car like this, refinement is very good – though this particular Flying Spur had an irritating rattle around the sunroof – and the ride is generally absorbent, though can get ruffled on poorer surfaces, presumably as a result of those giant 22-inch wheels.

The main shortcoming of the 2026 Bentley Continental GT S is its mass. Already a heavyweight, adding electrification has ballooned it out to 2459kg.

While it does a remarkable job of disguising this, stopping and turning it still takes a heavy toll on brakes and tyres and it isn’t as dynamic as some of its lighter rivals. Of course, this may not concern the typical Bentley buyer one bit.

What might, is the significant reduction in boot capacity brought about by the battery pack living under the floor at the rear. It’s still a useable space, but you’ll definitely be packing lighter if you’re upgrading from the previous generation.

That aside, some may find the button overload in the cabin overwhelming, but for our money it’s better than having to wade through multiple in-screen menus to find basic functions. We suspect owners will quickly be able to identify the features they use most without even a glance.

At this end of the market, there’s little point quibbling about variations in price or even slight differences in performance. It’s about whether the vehicle feels special and delivers what a buyer is going to be looking for.

By and large, the 2026 Bentley Continental GT S does this, electrification making it even smoother and more refined at slower speeds yet endowing it with extra power at full-throttle.

A V8 soundtrack always feels appropriate in a Bentley and the added handling smarts certainly make it a more engaging drive.

Perhaps the only question is that as a halfway house, does it have a USP? Buyers who aren’t interested in sporty driving will be well served by the standard car, while those who are will probably value the extra performance of the full-fat 575kW/1000Nm Speed.

Then again, perhaps the GT S is the best of both worlds? That’s a question only individual customers can answer, but entering the era of electrification certainly hasn't done Bentley’s product any harm.

2026 Bentley Continental GT S at a glance:
Price: $ 534,000 plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid
Output: 382kW/770Nm (e-motor: 140kW/450Nm)
Combined output: 500kW/930Nm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Battery: 25.9kWh lithium-ion
Fuel: 4.1L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 93g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Unrated

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