Bentley Continental GTC S is competent but confused as a convertible

Bentley's Continental GTC S is positioned as a more driver-focused alternative to the grand touring convertible, but its mix of hybrid hardware and open-top construction leaves it looking somewhat unfocused. The Crewe-built car takes the sportier chassis tune of the range-topping Speed while producing less power and costing £35,000 less, a combination that makes it a potential rival to the Aston Martin DB12 S Volante, the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet and the Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo. The Speed, by contrast, produces 772bhp, and Bentley's only other convertible model is offered in that full-blown guise.

The premium convertible segment has thinned considerably in recent years. Rolls-Royce stopped taking orders for the Dawn in 2022, and production of the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet ended a year earlier, which leaves Bentley with much of the market to itself. The Mercedes S560 in particular is described as an underrated gem, a reminder of how much competition has already departed. That context gives the GTC S a clearer commercial opportunity, though the car must still prove it can deliver on its sporting pitch.

The challenge is one of weight. Every model in the Continental GT convertible range now uses Bentley's hybrid powertrain, with the exception of the newly launched Supersports. The system is thought to add around 200kg, largely due to a 25.9kWh battery that contributes meaningful electric range. Add the reinforced sills, cross-bracing and A-pillar support that an open-top car of traditional construction requires, and the GTC S is quoted at more than 2.6 tonnes kerb weight.

That figure raises the central question of the car's appeal. A machine that has lost some structural rigidity, and whose engineering priorities lie elsewhere, faces a hard test in matching the driving satisfaction of its rivals. The GTC S may be competent on paper, but whether it can convince enthusiasts that it is a genuine driver's convertible rather than a luxury cruiser with sporting intentions is the question this road test sets out to answer.

For readers weighing the option, the decision comes down to priorities. Buyers who value outright performance may look to the Speed, while those who want the same chassis character for less money will judge the S on how well it balances its extra mass against its dynamic promises. The review's verdict rests on that trade-off rather than on the car's luxury credentials, which are not in dispute.

Source: autocar.co.uk

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Eleanor Ellington

Staff Reporter

Eleanor Ellington covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Nobel. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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