Bentley Continental GT V8 S, car review: Twin turbos enhance V8 for an even bigger sense of occasion

Competent in the extreme, the car’s ability and refined ride belie its 2.2-tonne heft

With a maximum 502lb ft of torque kicking in at only 1700rpm, the Conti pulls like a proverbial train

Upwards of 520bhp. More than 190mph. A 0-62mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds.

These are the enhanced headline figures of the latest version of Bentley’s Continental GT, whose reworked 4.0-litre V8 – the ‘small’ engine of the range – now boasts twin turbos.

Such prestigious performance doesn’t come cheap, of course. At £149,800, this S model costs £9500 over the standard V8 Coupe.

Bentley Continental GT V8 S

• On Sale: Now
• Price: £149,800
• Engine: V8, 3993cc, turbocharged, petrol
• Power: 521bhp at 6000rpm
• Torque: 502lb ft at 1700rpm
• Gearbox: 8-speed auto
• Kerbweight: 2295kg
• Top speed: 192mph
• 0-62mph: 4.5sec
• Economy: 26.4mpg (combined)
• CO2/tax band: 250g/km, 37%

And that’s before you add our test car’s £14,380 Extended Sport Specification pack, which brings carbon-ceramic brakes and a evocative-sounding sports exhaust.

With a maximum 502lb ft of torque kicking in at only 1700rpm, the Conti pulls like a proverbial train. Its all-wheel-drive platform features lowered and stiffened suspension, while both steering and traction control have been boosted for optimum control, grip and, yes, fun.

At £149,800, this S model costs £9500 over the standard V8 Coupe

Competent in the extreme, the car’s ability and refined ride belie its 2.2-tonne heft. At a near-silent cruise, it’s simply sublime. The V8 S Coupe is arguably the pick of the GT range.