Bentley Continental GT S, the restrained choice
At Bentley, someone decided that even the powerful deserve a choice that stops short of going all in. The British marque has unveiled a new version of the Continental GT, described by the marketing department as more accessible, though for most mortals it remains firmly in dream territory. This is a car for buyers who appreciate British tailoring, but see no need to cause a small earthquake every time the traffic lights turn green.
The essence of the new variant sits under the bonnet, where a slightly tamed V8 takes centre stage. While the flagship versions boast figures more at home on a fighter jet data sheet, this one delivers enough muscle to avoid becoming scenery on the motorway, without the accompanying drama. It is a deliberate pitch at customers who love the Continental GT’s flowing silhouette and its interior of leather and wood sourced from carefully managed origins, yet feel little desire to bankroll the fuel bills and maintenance demands that come with a W12.
Visually, the changes are subtle, noticeable mainly to those who know exactly where to look. Bentley has never subscribed to the idea that a cheaper model should look like a poor relation. The aristocratic stance remains intact, the very quality that has kept the Continental relevant for decades. Minor tweaks to wheel designs and exhaust finishes read more like polite hints than loud announcements. This is a car that does not pretend to be faster than it is, focusing instead on comfort and that hard to define sensation that only hand built craftsmanship from Crewe can provide.
Inside, the atmosphere remains uncompromisingly luxurious. Every stitch sits exactly where it should, every switch moves with a blend of German precision and British grace. There is a pleasing twist, too. With less mass over the front axle, the car feels marginally more alert in corners. Paying less buys a Continental that, in certain situations, is actually more intuitive and engaging to drive. It is an irony that suits the quietly confident nature of this version.
Bentley’s move to broaden the range from below reflects a wider reality. Even the most prestigious brands must adapt to shifting expectations. The race is no longer purely about horsepower, but about delivering emotion and status in a form that feels just a shade more rational. The new Continental GT variant is like a well made wool coat. It does not need gold embroidery to signal its owner’s position or taste.
Whether this qualifies as a people’s Bentley is debatable. By the brand’s own standards, however, it is a sensible and genuinely welcome addition.
