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2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8 review (video)

This isn’t so much a car as it is a statement. A statement that you have well and truly ‘made it’ in life. Does the third-generation, 2023 Bentley Continental GT S carry through that tradition?

Here we’re testing the Continental GT S V8 in stunning drop-top convertible form. The S is the sportiest of the options, while sitting below the high-performance Speed.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Specifications

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Output: 404kW@6000rpm / 770Nm@2000-4500rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 21×9.5, 265/40 R: 21×11.5, 305/35 (optional 22s tested)
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2308kg
Power-to-weight: 5.71:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.5L/100km
Consumption during test: 14L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 90L/98 RON
Power efficiency: 32.32kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.00 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.95 seconds*
0-20km/h: 13.18 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.59 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.10 seconds at 191.5km/h*
Max acceleration g-force: 1.085g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.11 metres*
Max braking g-force: -1.302g*
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 56/61*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 93*
Starting price: $568,400

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: How much does it cost?

This is a high-end vehicle and so it should come as no surprise the asking price is high compared with other premium vehicles. The example we have here starts from $568,400, but you can step into the base Continental V8 coupe from $459,600 (excluding on-roads).

Considering its nearest rivals are machines such as the Aston Martin DB12 (estimated to be around $450,000 when it arrives), McLaren GT (from $413,397), and Mercedes-AMG SL 63 (from $373,370), the price is pointy. But the outgoing Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge, perhaps its most accurate rival, was priced from $802,000.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Interior & packaging

The convertible uses a soft-top roof design, however, you wouldn’t know it from inside. As the cabin refinement and quietness makes it feel like a coupe. And besides, witnessing the beautiful theatre of opening and closing the roof, which can be done at up to 50km/h, provides another dimension of attraction.

Once opened, peer into the exquisite cabin to see a combination of exotic carbon fibre and finely-crafted metal switchgear. It’s all very solid and genuine. And, of course, the cabin is very comfortable. The carpets are thick and the leather smells rich. Leather extends to almost every corner of the cabin as well, highlighted by yellow stitching in the case of this test car.

A rotating dash panel means you can hide away the main touch-screen to remove any digital influence in the decor. With it presented though, you can access all of the on-board entertainment functions, including massage seats, vehicle and suspension settings, and toggle through the usual media apps like digital radio and connect via Apple CarPlay.

Buyers can explore the incredible 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. It is a $14,535 option, but it is, simply put, the best stereo I’ve ever heard in a car. The clarity and 3D effects make it seem like you’re right there in the recording studio.

The speaker grilles are a work of art, too, like cheese graters, made out of metal and machined sharp. Well-damped buttons and soft-closing controls mean this is an otherwise silent environment, with no rattles or moving bits of trim. It’s also an ASMR dream, especially opening and closing the climate vents via the metal stalks.

There are rear seats and they are comfortable, but legroom is restricted. The front passengers need to slide forward to allow for any meaningful room. However, the open-top view soon takes your mind off any shortcomings. Rear passengers are also treated to various amenities, such as charging ports, cup holders, and power rear windows.

Luggage space, rated at 235L, is adequate enough for one large suitcase. But your staff will have to handle the rest. This is mainly due to the space required to store the folding roof when it is open. Going for the coupe version sees the capacity jump up to 358L.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Powertrain & handling

Starting with the engine. The S model gets the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that powers various VW Group vehicles, such as the Audi SQ7/SQ8 and the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne. Here, it produces 404kW and a whopping 770Nm.

The S model comes with a dual, stainless steel sports exhaust which emits a glorious V8 thump. We’ve driven the other models featuring this engine, but none seem to sound as exotic and alluring as this. There’s even some Darth Vader-like whooshes and whistles from the twin turbochargers during low-rev loading. It is spectacular.

Do you need the W12? In some ways, no. This provides exceptional performance that’s likely to overwhelm all of your business buddies. And because the Continental GT is so majestic in its demeanour, there’s a level of juxtaposition that has to be factored in; you don’t expect it to catapult along quite so abruptly and savagely, when you want it to.

The V8 purrs along with a lovely deep, bellowing note. We don’t think the W12 is able to match it as 12 cylinders are always going to be more harmonious than fewer cylinders. The off-beat eight is more distinctive in our opinion. And besides, production of the W12 is finishing up in April 2024 – soon that option won’t be available at all.

We ran some performance tests on a private road and the results were astounding. Using a Racelogic Vbox Sport (20Hz version), we clocked 0-100km/h in just 3.95 seconds (Bentley claims 4.0s), 0-200km/h in 13.18 seconds, and the old-fashioned quarter mile in just 12.10 seconds. It is extremely quick, let alone for a large land yacht like this.

Aside from the awesome performance, the ride comfort from the air suspension package is sublime. As you’d expect. It soaks up bumps with utter composure and confidence, yet remains very flat and neutral around sweeping bends.

We don’t think there is any need to judge or even talk more about the ride comfort any further simply because it will, undoubtedly, meet or exceed your expectations for comfort and refinement. You can select between four driving modes as well, ensuring there a setting for all tastes.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Key attractions/reasons to buy

Obviously the luxury and opulence are at the pinnacle end of what the current auto industry offers. The relaxation provided by its soothing V8 note and creamy custard-like ride reaffirms its status as one of the most desirable luxury vehicles in the world.

However, it’s the handling and performance that really surprises us. Down a spirited mountain road the Continental GT S behaves like a serious sports car, committing to corners and nailing the right lines with perfect precision. It is genuinely a lot of fun to toss around, despite weighing 2308kg and despite being the ‘floppy’ convertible model.

Likewise, we were not expecting this V8 to sound so good and provide such relentless performance. Sure, we knew it was going to go very nicely indeed. But when you flick it into Sport mode and really push it, the soundtrack and driving character transforms into a very angry and capable machine.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Key considerations before you buy

The loss of the W12 is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of having combustion engine options. Bentley, like most carmakers, is directing towards electrification and will soon transition to electric powertrains. This means even the V8 is living on borrowed time.

We guess what we’re trying to say is, if you’ve always loved the Continental GT and its original philosophy, you will need to jump in soon as its personality is about to shift. Electric performance is always going to be exceptional and thrilling but without the soundtrack, we don’t think it’s going to provide the same warm fuzzy feeling as a V8.

Bentley is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Continental this year and with this review we were given a special baton to present with our review. It’s being passed around to road testers and media all around the world.

2023 Bentley Continental GT S V8: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Handling
  • X-facor (does it stand out in its class?)
4.1

Final word

The third-generation Continental GT carries through a 20-year tradition of representing the epitome of luxury motoring paired with performance heritage. The S V8 is seriously fast and way more agile than you might expect, but only when you want it to be. Otherwise it remains a wonderfully relaxing and empowering cruiser.

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis, and ran it for 12 years. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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