Bentley Continental GT S: the model turns 20 and celebrates it with a special edition

It was in 2003 that the British company launched the first Bentley model that would allow the brand to position itself in its current market situation, the Continental GT. It was the first model to include four-wheel drive and the first to feature the revolutionary 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine from Bentley. After three generations, the 20th anniversary of this iconic model is being reached, and the brand is celebrating it by presenting a unique model, the Continental GT S, which will be available from today at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Bentley also wishes to pay tribute to the W12 engine, which will cease production in April 2024, paving the way for the electric era of Bentley. The company will showcase a display of vehicles at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that have been equipped with this engine over the last 20 years, including the new Bentley Batur, the Bentley Mulsanne and the Bentley Bentayga.

The Continental GT and its sibling, the Continental GTC, continue to receive the best reviews. These models offer a sensational design and the performance of a supercar, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. The model became a worldwide success, receiving the “Car of the Year” award from Robb Report in 2022, and in 2023 it was rated “Best Imported Luxury Vehicle” by Auto Moto und Sport.

While the brand’s previous models have managed to win over so many drivers, the new model is sure to delight them. The Bentley Continental GT S is unique and includes exclusive Mulliner features, from badges to small design details that remind us we are driving one of the finest special editions of Bentley.

Continental GT S special edition

The exterior of this car has been designed to attract attention at the Shanghai Motor Show. It features an excellent dark magnetic grey metallic colour with small touches of black chrome. The brake calipers fitted contrast with the grey tone and feature a metallic red to match the interior trim, the fine line visible on the mirrors and the finish of the sills.

It also includes sport wheels with a black finish and black chrome of 22 inches and 10 spokes.

The company displays two silhouettes on the sill plates, one of the Continental GT and the second of the third generation, proudly referencing the GT’s 20 years, a design that is also present on the centre console, which has been laser-engraved. The door integrates an LED light that projects a design of the brand, with which they celebrate the anniversary of this car.

In the interior of the GT S we find a colour combination similar to that of the exterior: black and red appear in several elements of the cabin, two-tone waistlines and exclusive details on the centre console and sill plates. The interior is upholstered in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black veneer. The dashboard boasts an incredible texture and Granite Stone finishes, while the lower part is in Grand Black and displays the commemorative silhouette. Both finishes are visually separated by a fine red line running across the entire dashboard.

During the Monterey Car Week this year, which will take place from 11 to 18 August, Bentley will present an exclusive model of the Continental GT, inspired by the vehicle with VIN 20001. This presentation will mark the end of the anniversary festivities.

Image gallery Bentley Continental GT S