What Makes The Continental GTC S Special

You would be forgiven for thinking that the “S”in this car’s name, which only see in a subtle “S” on either front side panel and on the passenger-side dash, indicates ‘special.’ Instead it stands for Sport, thanks to the sport-tuned chassis that it shares with the Bentley Continental Speed, a 771 hp, electric-boosted performance-tuned coupe (or convertible) that is designed to turn autobahns and coastal highways (or, the Hutchinson River Parkway) into an adrenaline-charged journey.

I just spent the week touring the California coast in the convertible version finished in Moroccan Blue paint with a split-hide interior in Brunel gray and Newmarket tan. A single button puts the top down to soak in the sun; another button puts the top up, cozying the cabin when the marine layer grays the landscape.

Top down, a simple drive through town to the beach is a vacation in its own right, jacket off and skin warmed, feeling the salt in the air. But when the weather isn’t as hospitable, the padded drop-top shuts out the world, noise and all.

But it’s the power under foot that really makes the Continental GT S coupe, or GTC S convertible, so special. That’s because its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which delivers up to 50 miles of electric driving range, is built for thrills.

Hybrid Power Is Where This Car Gets Its Sense Of Fun

Two years ago Bentley did the unthinkable: They discontinued the W12, a 12 cylinder engine that was the most powerful the company built. Purists and fans were dispirited; this 650 hp engine had its own fan base for its throaty power and engineering marvel.

But with a need to produce more power—and with 12 cylinders cranking under the hood, how much more was possible?—the company turned to the new industry standard: an electric boost. And then they went all the way, adding a plug-in hybrid powertrain to deliver a phenomenal amount of power, about 188 hp. When added to the 519 hp that the V8 engine generates, the result is truly stunning, and yet, the Continental GT S’s power delivery not the most this elegant sedan is capable of. The Speed is the most powerful, at 771 hp.

The S edition, however, uses the electric power to its advantage. Yes, it’s powerful, but it’s also quiet until you decide you want to hear it. The Continental GTC S’s default mode is B mode, a mid-level between comfort and sport. It starts in hybrid mode, which is quiet, but once you put the throttle down theV8 engine roars to life; you’ll both hear it and feel it. Dial the mode selector over to Sport and the V8 takes over, allowing the electric motor to boost rather than lead your drive experience.

Best of all, this system is designed to continually recharge the battery to maintain at least a 20% charge, though it can fully recharge as you drive it. In Comfort or B, tap the E-Mode button to drive in all electric, or tap it off to use hybrid power and recharge the battery. Unless you really just want to drive in electric, there’s really no need to ever charge the Bentley Continental GTC S; it’ll do it for you.

This Is The Mid-Priced Bentley Continental—And Yes, There Is Such A Thing

The lower power rating is what makes the Continental GT S special; it delivers nearly as much power but at a lower price, about $62,000 lower. And for buyers who want some custom features but not all the elite details, the Continental GT S can keep the price under $300,000. Add the convertible top for $29,000, however, and the scale is tipped to about $321,000. Add the classic Bentley signature details like self-leveling “B” wheel caps ($785) and the rotating center screen ($7,615), and the price quickly ratchets up in to the low $300’s. Our test model also included comfort front seats with heat, cooling vents and massage; a touring package with head up display, night vision and adaptive cruise control; and diamond quilted door panels, which are a stunning detail and a stand-alone in automotive design. The MSRP on our model: $394,500, including $4,150 destination and delivery.

The Magic Of Electric Driving Makes This A True Delight

My drive took me on the crowded highways of Southern California where I especially appreciated having head up display (which displayed my pre-set Google Map destinations, a true delight) and adaptive cruise control. Being able to relax and really enjoy the massage seat made all those red lights ahead of me not seem so sinister. And when traffic broke and I could lean on the accelerator a bit, I loved the instant wake-up of the engine, hearing it take off without hesitation, which is the true grace of a luxury car: not having to wait for power.

Once I got to the beach, however, I put the top down—while I was driving, since it operates at lower speeds—and turned the drive mode selector over to comfort to quiet the engine. I wanted to hear the wind, the waves and the seagulls rather than the V8. Tooling through the residential beach-side streets of Del Mar and La Jolla, I didn’t want to be that driver; its quiet mode let the Continental GTC S fit right in. And that might be what I liked most about this ultra-luxury car—a level of comfort that fit in anywhere I went, quiet luxury designed to make you feel good no matter what you need.