Overall rating:

Bentley's entry-level V8 model is honed for more pace and greater precision, arguably creating the best Continental GT to date.

Key Facts

Model tested: Bentley Continental GT V8 S coupé
Pricing: £139,000
Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol V8
Transmission: four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic
Body style: two-door coupé
Rivals: Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo
CO₂ emissions: 246g/km
Combined economy: 26.8mpg
Top speed: 192mph
0-62mph: 4.5 seconds
Power: 528hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 680Nm at 1,700rpm

In the Metal:

No real surprises with the V8 S. Bentley added some unique lower body styling to help reduce lift and increase stability - most of that centred around the attractive lower front splitter. There are unique S wheels behind which sit red brake callipers, a gloss black radiator grille and the pinched tailpipes resembling an eight on its side. If you've missed all that then a pair of V8 S badges on the front wings leave you in no doubt that this is no ordinary V8 GT.

Inside it's all very familiar, that's to say absolutely beautifully finished and infinitely customisable - no two GT V8 S models are ever likely to leave Bentley's Crewe works the same. Key new V8 S additions include a contrasting stripe in the roof lining and some V8 S badging on the tread sill plates. With more mainstream rivals now easily breaching the £100k barrier, the GT actually looks like a decent value proposition. Certainly, you'll not find the sort of hand-crafted attention to detail anywhere else south of £200,000.

Driving it:

If Bentley's always done its own thing regarding styling and interiors, so too has it carved its own niche as a sporting GT rather than outright sports car. This GT V8 S does go some way to redressing that, with the extensive chassis changes bringing a sharper, more engaging driving experience. That's not at the expense of the GT V8 S's core appeal though, as, while there's more feel and immediacy at the leather-covered wheel, it still feels like a big, heavy car. An unusually agile one though, one in which you'll never, ever, wonder if you could drive any faster. Its ability to attain speed has never been an issue, and you'll do well to appreciate the small increase in power on the road. What's more obvious is the increased sound, Bentley's engineers being given a freer reign to allow that V8 some accompaniment to the effortless pace.

At idle there's a hint of bilge pump about its note, a slightly uncouth noise that gains some culture as the revs rise. At high speeds it's a rousing, muscular note that adds some real drama to the experience. As ever the Conti rides on adaptive suspension, the settings differing little in reality, all providing fine control and a supple ride, even on the optional 21-inch alloy wheels that make up part of the optional MDS (Mulliner Driving Specification) package.

What is obvious is how the extensive suspension tuning has dialled up the GT's inner sports car. The steering is far more alert and immediate, there being more feel through its rim too. Key changes include significantly stiffer bushes - as much as 70 per cent - and anti-roll bars, mated to recalibrated steering and an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox that's been recalibrated to better suit the slightly increased power output from the engine. It's all noticeable on the road; the GT V8 S retains the standard model's crushing pace, but adds a new level of control and feel in corners, it being less of a blunt instrument, and surprising with its keenness for bends. Inevitably its sizeable mass finally makes itself felt, but it's only at speeds that might not be advisable on public roads.

What you get for your Money:

The S specification brings the more sporting look, that two-tone element inside and of course the chassis and drivetrain changes. There's plenty of choices for personalisation of course, indeed, figure on spending anywhere between £20,000 and £30,000 on options, but even at that price it feels like you're getting something of a bargain - no other car firm comes close to matching Bentley's hand-finished exclusivity and luxury at this price point.

Worth Noting

Spending £6,325 on the MDS pack brings gorgeous seven-spoke Black Edition wheels, drilled alloy pedals, a 'jewel' filler cap and a cabin trimmed with diamond-quilted perforated leather. If you want the carbon ceramic brake package you'll need a further £10,405, though the standard stoppers are unlikely to leave you wanting for more power.

Summary

We loved the V8 when it was launched, so the idea of a sharper handling, faster and louder S version is even more appealing. That it achieves all this without denting the Continental GT's incredibly rounded appeal only adds to it desirability - the GT V8 S is the best Continental GT the firm has built. To date...