Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 S (A) Review
21 Sep 2015|14,708 views
Whenever conversations touch on Bentley as a brand, the notion of a well-heeled gentleman with exacting standards of an epicurean taste for the finer things in life comes to mind. But for those who find the flagship Mulsanne a little too stately, the sleeker, more contemporary Continental Flying Spur would hit the spot. For owners who desire Bentley's devotion to craftsmanship and attention to detail in a car that represent a freedom of spirit, the two-door Continental GT grand tourer is the perfect answer.
A sharp new front splitter can be spotted on the V8 S
The Continental GT is a beautiful example of a car designed for long distance driving down stretches of open highways at speed. That elegantly sleek form, with a muscular build characteristic of an active lifestyle and a zest for life, is immediately recognisable when spotted from a rear view mirror. Handsome in an understated way, the Continental GT is a little bit like the hardworking, hard playing James Bond. Unfortunately, the British spy prefers a far bolder ride from the likes of Aston Martin.
With the launch of the V8-powered Continental GT variants (it's available in coupe and convertible forms), the idea was for a car that was a little sportier than its plush W12 sibling. A huge success for Bentley, the Crewe based brand opted to enhance its range of offerings with a spryer version of its stylish Continental GT - the V8 S.
Up close and Personal
A performance variant of the 'standard' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powered Continental GT, the physical appearance of the V8 S is only marginally different from its stablemate. It retains the same sculpted design with the same tell-tale red Bentley enamel badges and figure-eight exhaust tailpipes.
The Continental GT is a beautiful example of a car designed for long distance driving down stretches of open highways at speed. That elegantly sleek form, with a muscular build characteristic of an active lifestyle and a zest for life, is immediately recognisable when spotted from a rear view mirror. Handsome in an understated way, the Continental GT is a little bit like the hardworking, hard playing James Bond. Unfortunately, the British spy prefers a far bolder ride from the likes of Aston Martin.
With the launch of the V8-powered Continental GT variants (it's available in coupe and convertible forms), the idea was for a car that was a little sportier than its plush W12 sibling. A huge success for Bentley, the Crewe based brand opted to enhance its range of offerings with a spryer version of its stylish Continental GT - the V8 S.
Up close and Personal
A performance variant of the 'standard' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powered Continental GT, the physical appearance of the V8 S is only marginally different from its stablemate. It retains the same sculpted design with the same tell-tale red Bentley enamel badges and figure-eight exhaust tailpipes.
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But in the same way it's the details that distinguish a quality suit - the performance-enhanced V8 S gains a lowered stance courtesy of the sports suspension system. Elsewhere on its exterior, the car sports a sharp new front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser - all finished in Beluga gloss.
Other contrasts that make an impression include its gloss back radiator grille and unique 20-inch open-spoke wheels that are capped by the signature red enamel badges. Naturally, that outstanding Kingfisher blue body colour on our test car highlights these contrasts better for our appreciation.
The lushness of the cabin though, remains the same. Save for two-tone leather upholstery that's now available as standard on seats as well as inside of the roof, drivers will find the same well-appointed interior complete with handcrafted elements like contrast white stitching on the two-tone Breeze and Imperial cowhide linings.
Honestly, the tech bits inside a Continental GT wouldn't draw you to Bentley. Rather, it's the sheer delight of being in such an exquisite space that exudes an aura of artisanal craftsmanship and lavish comfort that appeals to the senses. That, and the prospect of piloting a car that commands respect on and off the road.
Get over that and standout elements like knurled chrome detailing on the gearshift lever and ventilation controls, hand-finished Piano Black veneers, Breitling clock face and 8.0-inch touchscreen display for navigation, audio and comfort settings will impress.
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The Drive
Again, the differences between the V8 S and regular V8 are subtle. Under the long bonnet of the car lies the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been co-developed with Volkswagen Group stablemate Audi. Except that in this iteration, the award-winning V8 engine has been tuned to make 520bhp with 680Nm of torque, a numerically marginal 'upgrade' that translates into significant dynamism the moment ‘Sport’ mode is engaged in the transmission.
Upping the ante over its V8 sibling, the commanding V8 S exhibits a heightened eagerness to sprint up to cruising speed and push the digits on the speedometer as far ahead the three-digit range as possible (the car maxes out at 309km/h).
4.0-litre engine dishes out 520 horses and 680Nm of torque
Move the gear into 'Sport' mode, and the car's innate aggression comes to the fore with a deep bubbling growl that rolls deeper the harder you step on the gas. As the speedometer races from 0 to a 100km/h in an epic 4.5 seconds, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission cycles through the gears efficiently, eliciting gruff barks from the exhaust’s twin pipes.
Despite the sports suspension that comes standard in the car, the ride quality never feels harsh. In fact, even at its sportiest suspension settings, the car's self-leveling air suspension ensures that the pockmarks on the road are sponged up. And should you hit a bump too quickly, the massage function on the snug seats will quickly sort that out after.
Again, the differences between the V8 S and regular V8 are subtle. Under the long bonnet of the car lies the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been co-developed with Volkswagen Group stablemate Audi. Except that in this iteration, the award-winning V8 engine has been tuned to make 520bhp with 680Nm of torque, a numerically marginal 'upgrade' that translates into significant dynamism the moment ‘Sport’ mode is engaged in the transmission.
Upping the ante over its V8 sibling, the commanding V8 S exhibits a heightened eagerness to sprint up to cruising speed and push the digits on the speedometer as far ahead the three-digit range as possible (the car maxes out at 309km/h).
Move the gear into 'Sport' mode, and the car's innate aggression comes to the fore with a deep bubbling growl that rolls deeper the harder you step on the gas. As the speedometer races from 0 to a 100km/h in an epic 4.5 seconds, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission cycles through the gears efficiently, eliciting gruff barks from the exhaust’s twin pipes.
Despite the sports suspension that comes standard in the car, the ride quality never feels harsh. In fact, even at its sportiest suspension settings, the car's self-leveling air suspension ensures that the pockmarks on the road are sponged up. And should you hit a bump too quickly, the massage function on the snug seats will quickly sort that out after.
With its lowered stance and all-wheel drive, the V8 S certainly feels a lot more planted with greater ability to chomp down tarmac around tight bends at speed. The car's width and size may faze the new driver but that's something a little practice behind the wheel will quickly remedy.
That said, the V8 S still feels a little too refined to be roughed up and driven hard. Our test car may look bold and brash, but it's a car that's still very much a well-mannered mommy's boy at heart. Except that if he wanted to go wild when the mood strikes, he'd be really hard to catch.
Steering is well-weighted and precise, which helps a lot when it comes to carving corners
Conclusion
Costing a $70,000 premium over the base V8 Continental GT V8, the $790,000 (as of 10th September 2015 without COE and before options) V8 S is a car that will appeal to owners who specifically want the grace and elegance of a classy grand tourer with the pace and power to push boundaries when necessary.
Fortunately, with the car returning 9.4km/L, weekend jaunts up North to spots like Malacca (a 500km round trip) will let you enjoy the full breadth of the car's abilities on the open road with petrol to spare in its 90-litre tank when you return.
That said, the V8 S still feels a little too refined to be roughed up and driven hard. Our test car may look bold and brash, but it's a car that's still very much a well-mannered mommy's boy at heart. Except that if he wanted to go wild when the mood strikes, he'd be really hard to catch.
Conclusion
Costing a $70,000 premium over the base V8 Continental GT V8, the $790,000 (as of 10th September 2015 without COE and before options) V8 S is a car that will appeal to owners who specifically want the grace and elegance of a classy grand tourer with the pace and power to push boundaries when necessary.
Fortunately, with the car returning 9.4km/L, weekend jaunts up North to spots like Malacca (a 500km round trip) will let you enjoy the full breadth of the car's abilities on the open road with petrol to spare in its 90-litre tank when you return.
Whenever conversations touch on Bentley as a brand, the notion of a well-heeled gentleman with exacting standards of an epicurean taste for the finer things in life comes to mind. But for those who find the flagship Mulsanne a little too stately, the sleeker, more contemporary Continental Flying Spur would hit the spot. For owners who desire Bentley's devotion to craftsmanship and attention to detail in a car that represent a freedom of spirit, the two-door Continental GT grand tourer is the perfect answer.
The Continental GT is a beautiful example of a car designed for long distance driving down stretches of open highways at speed. That elegantly sleek form, with a muscular build characteristic of an active lifestyle and a zest for life, is immediately recognisable when spotted from a rear view mirror. Handsome in an understated way, the Continental GT is a little bit like the hardworking, hard playing James Bond. Unfortunately, the British spy prefers a far bolder ride from the likes of Aston Martin.
With the launch of the V8-powered Continental GT variants (it's available in coupe and convertible forms), the idea was for a car that was a little sportier than its plush W12 sibling. A huge success for Bentley, the Crewe based brand opted to enhance its range of offerings with a spryer version of its stylish Continental GT - the V8 S.Up close and Personal
A performance variant of the 'standard' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powered Continental GT, the physical appearance of the V8 S is only marginally different from its stablemate. It retains the same sculpted design with the same tell-tale red Bentley enamel badges and figure-eight exhaust tailpipes.
The Continental GT is a beautiful example of a car designed for long distance driving down stretches of open highways at speed. That elegantly sleek form, with a muscular build characteristic of an active lifestyle and a zest for life, is immediately recognisable when spotted from a rear view mirror. Handsome in an understated way, the Continental GT is a little bit like the hardworking, hard playing James Bond. Unfortunately, the British spy prefers a far bolder ride from the likes of Aston Martin.
With the launch of the V8-powered Continental GT variants (it's available in coupe and convertible forms), the idea was for a car that was a little sportier than its plush W12 sibling. A huge success for Bentley, the Crewe based brand opted to enhance its range of offerings with a spryer version of its stylish Continental GT - the V8 S.Up close and Personal
A performance variant of the 'standard' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powered Continental GT, the physical appearance of the V8 S is only marginally different from its stablemate. It retains the same sculpted design with the same tell-tale red Bentley enamel badges and figure-eight exhaust tailpipes.
But in the same way it's the details that distinguish a quality suit - the performance-enhanced V8 S gains a lowered stance courtesy of the sports suspension system. Elsewhere on its exterior, the car sports a sharp new front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser - all finished in Beluga gloss.
Other contrasts that make an impression include its gloss back radiator grille and unique 20-inch open-spoke wheels that are capped by the signature red enamel badges. Naturally, that outstanding Kingfisher blue body colour on our test car highlights these contrasts better for our appreciation.
The lushness of the cabin though, remains the same. Save for two-tone leather upholstery that's now available as standard on seats as well as inside of the roof, drivers will find the same well-appointed interior complete with handcrafted elements like contrast white stitching on the two-tone Breeze and Imperial cowhide linings.
Honestly, the tech bits inside a Continental GT wouldn't draw you to Bentley. Rather, it's the sheer delight of being in such an exquisite space that exudes an aura of artisanal craftsmanship and lavish comfort that appeals to the senses. That, and the prospect of piloting a car that commands respect on and off the road.
Get over that and standout elements like knurled chrome detailing on the gearshift lever and ventilation controls, hand-finished Piano Black veneers, Breitling clock face and 8.0-inch touchscreen display for navigation, audio and comfort settings will impress.
Other contrasts that make an impression include its gloss back radiator grille and unique 20-inch open-spoke wheels that are capped by the signature red enamel badges. Naturally, that outstanding Kingfisher blue body colour on our test car highlights these contrasts better for our appreciation.
The lushness of the cabin though, remains the same. Save for two-tone leather upholstery that's now available as standard on seats as well as inside of the roof, drivers will find the same well-appointed interior complete with handcrafted elements like contrast white stitching on the two-tone Breeze and Imperial cowhide linings.
Honestly, the tech bits inside a Continental GT wouldn't draw you to Bentley. Rather, it's the sheer delight of being in such an exquisite space that exudes an aura of artisanal craftsmanship and lavish comfort that appeals to the senses. That, and the prospect of piloting a car that commands respect on and off the road.
Get over that and standout elements like knurled chrome detailing on the gearshift lever and ventilation controls, hand-finished Piano Black veneers, Breitling clock face and 8.0-inch touchscreen display for navigation, audio and comfort settings will impress.
The Drive
Again, the differences between the V8 S and regular V8 are subtle. Under the long bonnet of the car lies the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been co-developed with Volkswagen Group stablemate Audi. Except that in this iteration, the award-winning V8 engine has been tuned to make 520bhp with 680Nm of torque, a numerically marginal 'upgrade' that translates into significant dynamism the moment ‘Sport’ mode is engaged in the transmission.
Upping the ante over its V8 sibling, the commanding V8 S exhibits a heightened eagerness to sprint up to cruising speed and push the digits on the speedometer as far ahead the three-digit range as possible (the car maxes out at 309km/h).
Move the gear into 'Sport' mode, and the car's innate aggression comes to the fore with a deep bubbling growl that rolls deeper the harder you step on the gas. As the speedometer races from 0 to a 100km/h in an epic 4.5 seconds, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission cycles through the gears efficiently, eliciting gruff barks from the exhaust’s twin pipes.
Despite the sports suspension that comes standard in the car, the ride quality never feels harsh. In fact, even at its sportiest suspension settings, the car's self-leveling air suspension ensures that the pockmarks on the road are sponged up. And should you hit a bump too quickly, the massage function on the snug seats will quickly sort that out after.
Again, the differences between the V8 S and regular V8 are subtle. Under the long bonnet of the car lies the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that has been co-developed with Volkswagen Group stablemate Audi. Except that in this iteration, the award-winning V8 engine has been tuned to make 520bhp with 680Nm of torque, a numerically marginal 'upgrade' that translates into significant dynamism the moment ‘Sport’ mode is engaged in the transmission.
Upping the ante over its V8 sibling, the commanding V8 S exhibits a heightened eagerness to sprint up to cruising speed and push the digits on the speedometer as far ahead the three-digit range as possible (the car maxes out at 309km/h).
Move the gear into 'Sport' mode, and the car's innate aggression comes to the fore with a deep bubbling growl that rolls deeper the harder you step on the gas. As the speedometer races from 0 to a 100km/h in an epic 4.5 seconds, the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission cycles through the gears efficiently, eliciting gruff barks from the exhaust’s twin pipes.
Despite the sports suspension that comes standard in the car, the ride quality never feels harsh. In fact, even at its sportiest suspension settings, the car's self-leveling air suspension ensures that the pockmarks on the road are sponged up. And should you hit a bump too quickly, the massage function on the snug seats will quickly sort that out after.
With its lowered stance and all-wheel drive, the V8 S certainly feels a lot more planted with greater ability to chomp down tarmac around tight bends at speed. The car's width and size may faze the new driver but that's something a little practice behind the wheel will quickly remedy.
That said, the V8 S still feels a little too refined to be roughed up and driven hard. Our test car may look bold and brash, but it's a car that's still very much a well-mannered mommy's boy at heart. Except that if he wanted to go wild when the mood strikes, he'd be really hard to catch.
Conclusion
Costing a $70,000 premium over the base V8 Continental GT V8, the $790,000 (as of 10th September 2015 without COE and before options) V8 S is a car that will appeal to owners who specifically want the grace and elegance of a classy grand tourer with the pace and power to push boundaries when necessary.
Fortunately, with the car returning 9.4km/L, weekend jaunts up North to spots like Malacca (a 500km round trip) will let you enjoy the full breadth of the car's abilities on the open road with petrol to spare in its 90-litre tank when you return.
That said, the V8 S still feels a little too refined to be roughed up and driven hard. Our test car may look bold and brash, but it's a car that's still very much a well-mannered mommy's boy at heart. Except that if he wanted to go wild when the mood strikes, he'd be really hard to catch.
Conclusion
Costing a $70,000 premium over the base V8 Continental GT V8, the $790,000 (as of 10th September 2015 without COE and before options) V8 S is a car that will appeal to owners who specifically want the grace and elegance of a classy grand tourer with the pace and power to push boundaries when necessary.
Fortunately, with the car returning 9.4km/L, weekend jaunts up North to spots like Malacca (a 500km round trip) will let you enjoy the full breadth of the car's abilities on the open road with petrol to spare in its 90-litre tank when you return.
Photos by Jonathan Tan
Car Information
Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 S (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.3km/L
Horsepower
388kW (520 bhp)
Torque
680 Nm
Acceleration
4.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Bentley Continental GT
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