Believe it or not, but ultra-luxury vehicles receive the same kind of ordinary, consumer-focused news updates as any mainstream vehicle. Case in point: the Bentley Continental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible models are receiving a new S trim level this year. Available with the entry-level—might as well put that phrase in air quotes—Continental V8 models, with their 542-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engines, the S treatment is mostly cosmetic.
Predictably, it also favors dark trim finishes. All of the exterior trim is blacked out, the headlights and taillights receive a dark tint, and 21- and 22-inch wheel choices that include (you guessed it) gloss-black options (and, surprise, one satin finish). While the exhaust tips, S badges, and rocker panels are also finished in black, the winged Bentley logos and model lettering remains chrome, for a dash of flash.
There aren’t any performance-enhancing features outside of a sports exhaust, but the same 48-volt active anti-roll bar setup utilized in the regular Continentals is fitted here, too. We’ve found this system does an admirable job of keeping the heavy GTs’ bodies level during hard driving, without impacting the ride quality. Bentley does stuff some extra upgrades inside, arranging the available two-tone interior color schemes differently than those in other Continentals and slathering Dinamica suede-like material on the steering wheel, shift knob, and the centers of the seat cushions and backrests. The same rich leather found in other Bentleys covers nearly the rest of the interior.
There’s no word on how much any of this S-tuff costs, but such mundane budgetary concerns are in the realm of normal cars. For decadent conveyances such as these new Continental GT and GTC S models, the cost is likely of no concern to would-be buyers.
