2023 Bentley Continental GT V8S review. Which is best; this or the W12 Speed?

The Bentley Continental GT V8S is the latest version of this mighty GT car and arrives just as Bentley announced it was ceasing production of the W12 Speed in early 2024. Which would I choose, the new V8S or the W12 Speed? Find out here;
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[@catnapwat]

I'm in awe of the talent of a man who manages to get the camera set up just right so the steering wheel is in the way of the speedo with impressive regularity.

[@stephendegruchy7104]

the digital speedo is visible in the centre

[@oliveroshea5765]

I'm in awe of someone who can make "a quick call to Bentley" and get a Continental delivered

[@carmadme]

Let's not forget his friend lent him that Bugatti I don't think a call to Bentley for an experienced and well known car jerno is much to speak of tbf

[@RustyPetterson]

@catnapwat: I hope you're not implying that our Harry ever breaks the speed limit? What a monstrous allegation!

[@carlosoruna7174]

​@@oliveroshea5765 press fleet conection at bentley and vw ag.

[@lazaglider]

The launch view, over your right shoulder, at the crossroads is brilliant. Please make it a staple of your videos. Gives a real sense of the speed.

[@apache1234657]

yeah when they launch them on a runway it always looks slow

[@jmfangio286]

It is a staple of his blasted videos, he takes these high performance cars out on totally inappropriate B roads, presumably so he can always get home for lunch.

[@Alex.0000]

I really miss the weighing scales. Would love to see them used in every review.

[@buggerlugz6753]

With this they'd say "One at a time please!"

[@englishjames007]

Only if he promises to get them calibrated. 🤔

[@GodKing804]

Based scales

[@TML34]

Harry’s “scale of truth”. 😂

[@kevinmanns7170]

The Metcalfe scale !!

[@RobG001]

Harry knocking it out of the park yet again. Loved the way he said he rang Bentley and they dropped off a £200.000 car off a few days later. Legend!! Was kind of hoping that he would use it as an excuse to pack some bags plus Mrs M and go off on a road trip. :)

[@teabagtowers3823]

I know quick call to Bentley and a few days later that arrives wish I could do that.

[@daniellarge9784]

Harry has genuine pedigree and I'm sure the auto manufactures recognise his integrity.

[@Mikethrawn]

I love my 20 min with Harry on Sunday evening…. Harry Garage vids are just like this car: Quality.

[@mantarayal]

That's the classiest, most laid back, Bentley interior I've seen. That matt wood just makes it so not over the top! What a car.

[@gr0wler147]

I have been a Ferrari fan all my life but this Bentley GT is astonishing. What a proper way to travel. Beautiful in so many ways

[@your-neighbor]

Ferrari and Bentley aren't the same.

[@banjopete]

@@your-neighbor OMG!

[@aeromotive2]

i wanna like ferrari.. i really do.. but they're pretty lame

[@NOXStellans]

@@aeromotive2 The Purosangue vs the Continental make for an interesting comparison-very similar purpose, but very different approaches. If the were the same price, it would be the Ferrari all the way.

[@tastypymp1287]

The proper way to travel is in the back of a Bentley (or RR).

[@pevvex4452]

Thank u for the review. That’s definitely the best Volkswagen on the market.

[@candlercando]

Harry knows which shots are our favorites. The dig, the S hill. And to have each car tested in the same areas is always a plus. Plus, the scenery!

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Burford and the road to Charlbury

[@sweetfreedomGB]

@@fxkraft1037 I drive on the same roads all the time, lovely area

[@AABB-kh9eb]

Thanks Harry, this video has convinced me to buy a Continental GT....in 1:64 scale

[@Steve-rv1ql]

A bit flashy, but oh my word this is a beautiful car, love the interior and ‘black’ spec. You can just imagine yourself cruising through Europe, arriving in Nice parking up, sitting in bar and just looking at it. Comfortable in the fact that you’ve made it and have the means to enjoy such a wonderful piece of engineering, electric will never replace a V8…

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I don't think it would matter how rich I was, I'd be thinking "I just spend two hundred thousand pounds on a car that'll be worth fifty thousand pounds in 5 years" - of course most people probably have them under some kind of lease, so it's probably not quite as bad as all that.

[@undoubtedlyso4542]

@@Beer_Dad1975 will these cars really be worth that little so soon?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@undoubtedlyso4542 Well I'm probably exaggerating, but if they end up with high mileage it's possible. Normally a "good example" where the mileage is quite low will around halve in value every 5 years - AND they are really hard to sell now because everyone knows they are all Audi/VW underneath only way more expensive for parts and labor, and Audi and VW products don't last - so someone buying one used is going to have to also buy a warranty, or accept they are probably in for a lot of repairs.

[@kurtf7170]

​@@undoubtedlyso4542 Not at all. Current 5 year old Contis are 125k.

[@weiyoan9207]

@@undoubtedlyso4542 new one are very preserve value 19 w12 now still need like 200kto220k

[@boneszy]

That green does things to me

[@componick6393]

And with silver wheels - lovely to see

[@ruststar]

Yyyeeeeeeessssss

[@WestyorkshirestRS]

Agreed always has done for me

[@jeffreyoldham55]

I totally agree with your choice of the W12 over the GT. However...this particular color combination is absolutely smashing, and I would shed nary a tear if I were to own it.

[@stephensalt6787]

This is my idea of a gentlemen’s express, far preferable to a Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren etc. Good review Harry.

[@zix_zix_zix]

I am sure you can be a gentleman in a a Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren too!

[@stephensalt6787]

@@zix_zix_zix Most certainly but I still prefer the Bentley.

[@zix_zix_zix]

@@stephensalt6787 Well, it is a true gentleman's car, my fiend..

[@scottleyva8656]

Bentley interiors are absolutely beautiful! And outside, there is no mistaking it for any other car.

[@tastypymp1287]

I've never mistaken any car for any other car.

[@butterfliesandtape]

"..a quick call to Bentley..." Farmers have a different life these days! Keep em coming, Harry! Quarterly update on the fleet expected within a few weeks, sir. Carry on.

[@MrG1969X]

Believe Harry has a bit of history with Motoring Journalism before he became a farmer 🤪

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Seems like the perfect grand tourer, comfortable, quiet and fast.

[@Marie579]

Strange how Bentley have finished it exactly the correct shade of envy I’m feeling right now! What a magnificent vehicle it looks. Great presentation Harry.

[@marcnobel3938]

A future classic. Looks timeless.

[@bill4632]

Love this interior combo. Sweet ride

[@Ztandard32]

"A quick call to Bentley and this one came in". Very nice.

[@KevinJHutchison]

That exhaust note. Amazing.

[@disturbed250]

Not usually a conti fan but this new sleeker shape looks good and in that colour and spec looks great. (No black wheels thank goodness)

[@monkeysa43]

One of the best videos, I’ve watched so much nicer not to hear a silly voice from Birmingham like the other chap . You gave a great in-depth to the car inside out what its performance is very impressed.

[@alanhunter2009]

I note the rotating dash wooden panel doesn't match with the panel in front of the passenger. Mind you, what can you expect for £200K.........

[@RideTheTrack]

Harry do consider testing a Lexus LC500 its in the same category as the bentley and many aston martins at a fraction of the price and I would love to hear your thoughts on how it compares

[@andrewtuff6257]

Superb video again. Harry just looks so content driving these. And maybe it’s my age, but I yearn for one of these more than anything else he reviews. Rather excellent Sunday night entertainment!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Awesome car Harry, it exudes pure class, style and premium build quality. My weekend is complete! Thanks for another great vid. 👍🏻😃

[@JoshuaC923]

Bentley nailed it this time!

[@stuartgrace251]

Watch lots of motoring videos but have to say yours are so much more informative and interesting to watch.

[@dissaver]

The fact that the wood on the rotating screen panel doesn't match the rest of the dash would drive me insane.

[@jonathancost4927]

Agreed, I noticed that too.

[@banzai385]

A first world problem ! I am sure you can choose whatever your heart desires !

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

I'm sure a word in the ear of the showroom sales person that it's a deal breaker would suffice.

[@richardmortimer8147]

Absolutely gorgeous. The Conti GT has always left me a bit 'undecided,' but it's come of age!

[@markdschedler]

As usual, I enjoyed your video to the last second. You give me what feels like a comprehensive and accurate sense of what it would be like to drive or have the car. I appreciate your frank criticism, and your unapologetically delivered likes. You so understand a car has to have toy value and an emotional effect a little like falling in love.

[@klasseact6663]

Soooo glad this one was green on green, proper! I'd have mine with brick red interior, classic look❗️

[@hensh911]

Great video as always! Funnily enough I watched your W12 video this morning. Reason being that I’d had a quick chat with a chap at Esso early this morning who had a Continental GTS, he’d commented on my 997, that he’d had a few 911s, thought they are great. I returned the compliment and mentioned I’d got up at 6am to take advantage of the clear roads. “Good lad” he said, as he patted me on the back. It was a funny encounter. 😊

[@jimbobskullduggery1749]

“A quick call to Bentley, and this car came in…”. Nice flex there, Harry.

[@DavidJohnson-gh3si]

I’d order a V12 with the black pack, dark green coachwork with matching green leather interior and matt wood finish. Absolutely a legend in its own lifetime ❤

[@tastypymp1287]

No you didn't.

[@neilhaigh2719]

My dream garage changes with every video from Harry. Been following from the performance car days. Id move to burford just to watch the procession of dream motors coming from his gaff . Love all of his videos slowly working through them all

[@The_Stanman]

You can see the incredible ride comfort and composure just by the in-cabin video while going down a bumpy road.

[@stephenlane9168]

Always inspiring videos and fantastic quality content Harry. Love the Conti GT perfect long distance cruiser, I’m buying one when I go back to New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@mrmathieson1632]

I'm not sure the W12 is the pick. That V8 sent to a good aftermarket tuner and fitted with the ELSD would undoubtedly be a much quicker car than the speed. As mentioned, Bentley have positioned it behind the Speed W12. I also would like to see them weighed against each other. Aston's new DB12 is getting 671hp from the AMG V8 against the W12's 650. A bit of aftermarket intervention and I recon that V8 s would be lighter quicker and sound better. Be a nice problem to have. I do love these Continentals.

[@dbasq1]

That closing, wide angle shot is excellent👏

[@billpeirce7]

We have the new version of the W12 and I’d never go back to the V8. It’s just soooooo smooth and awesome to drive.

[@tastypymp1287]

No you don't.

[@Valentijnzz]

Cheers Harry! Thanks for another video

[@fargogemini694]

You Look like Alfred driving Batman’s car

[@anyau]

id like to see single oval exhausts that match the taillights. seems like something super obvious to do to make the car look better

[@andras.89]

Fascinating how much more pleasing that proper satin wood trim, LOVE IT - finally a non-glassy Bentley interior! Also, the analog knobs, buttons, switches, the click feel to them _is_ the luxury.

[@timothyburnside3229]

Fantastic car and excellent review! Fact is Bentley and Rolls reviews are best left to British Journalist! The attention to detail by Bentley is matched by Harry with facts and opinions that flow like a breeze on beautiful day when you are blessed with a GT Bentley to explore the countryside!

[@darrenprior6339]

When Harry brings out a new video I click like first then watch second. Such an order has never let me down

[@geoffreyfake123]

super test. thank you for sharing. love all your videos, Big Hello from Luxembourg

[@mariapires7170]

What a masterpiece of a car, inside and outside. One of the most beautiful cars in the world, and what a mervellous engine. Thank you Mr. Harry, show and test for us, such a great machine.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Good 👍 when you talk about a car it's a great over view and has years of wisdom and knowledge on it,, passion for the car shines through,, really enjoyed this one,,😊☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@ES90344]

The interior is perfect. Love the wrap around wood and color combo. So Bentley.

[@alistaircorbett573]

Beautiful car. Everything a car should be; stunning looks, powerful, beautifully finished interior, quiet and comfortable. The kind of car you'd happily drive from Cornwall to Scotland, have a coffee and then drive home.

[@Pableras-iu1qc]

Harry you are the best and by far. But if I would ask you for an extra in your videos, when you start those machines, a mic outside in the exhausts would be perfect. A hug from Spain.

[@andrewstoffel1170]

I was also wondering how the V8 compared to the W12 so I gave Bentley a call, apparently my call is very important to them and I’m still on hold.

[@eoghanobrien6980]

The other thing about the W12 is that because they're going out of production and we know something like that will never be repeated, is they will be more desirable second hand. You'd easily get the money back on it come resale time

[@francisdavey2386]

So well summed up.Great explanation as ever

[@8power0]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW , FROM THE BAHAMAS WITH THANKS .

[@marcmcsorley7707]

Bloody love a Harry’s Garage Video. Agree Great spec for this car the correct colour combination too .A true Gentleman Cruiser.

[@albertosantangelo6872]

This man makes me dream every time I watch his videos

[@markbiggart1265]

Such a gorgeous car and beautiful interior. Totally agree with you regarding buttons over haptics!

[@jamesgay3207]

Absolutely classic Bentley. An aspiration to own one but never gonna happen. Great video as ever Harry

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Never say never, if you really want to own one, do whatever it takes to achieve your goals in life. I love my 1975 Bentley.

[@alexfulton375]

There are a number of circa 2010 Conti GT on autotrader for ~12k........

[@NOXStellans]

I've been debating adding a quality die cast of this Bentley to my collection. However, it's just so close to theoretically attainable that I fear it would taunt me more than cheer me-It's a "If I had a year to live, I'd buy one of these and do a Grand Tour and die broke" kind of thing.

[@pierrevanhalteren5733]

Very enjoyable video. Thanks.

[@SousTerre1]

Great video as always.

[@eggbirdtherooster]

One of the most beautiful interiors ever imho.. Btw, exterior wise also such a handsome car

[@long_view]

Thank you, Harry, another exemplary review.

[@sanghoonlee5171]

2:19 What a wheel! Classy and badass all at once.

[@martyndyson9501]

One of my favourite GT cars out there, both exterior and interior are perfect, all I need do now is win the lottery

[@georgedaville4662]

Living close to Crewe, as I do, we often see Bentleys being test driven before delivery around here. I personally would love a Bentley, but unless the Lottery comes up for me it will remain a dream, unless I take a punt on an early one for £20k and just pray it doesn’t break! Great video as usual Harry, love the quote “oh I’m in Scotland , how did that happen?” Really sums up what this car is about. 🇬🇧😎

[@simontracyforster6835]

I would go for the W12 for the same reasons. One point to note is that the steering response and 'feedback' is reduced by the fitment of All Season tyres. It is better with Summer tyres.

[@thimble288]

An irresistible design. It is nice to see a car with BOTH an interesting front end and a distinctive rear with those bewitching taillights. Bravo, Bently!

[@kieronkilgannon8135]

good content again harry fantastic car

[@suttonsplash14]

That wood finish on the interior is gorgeous

[@nigelha3699]

always love the reviews. I'd love to hear you compare rides etc to others, for instance, 'the bentley has ride and quietness of a range rover , with a sporting personality when required. So that those that will probably never get to be in one can get some idea how they compare.

[@judebrown2672]

Great video. Love Bentley brand. Always wanted a mulsanne until I saw one in flesh.... Utterly amazing but way too big. I tried to convince my missus to get one but she thinks our Range Rover is too big to park 😮. Never really thought of the GT as the top dog until you mentioned it. It makes sense now that there's just Bentayga, Flying Spur and Continental. Love the W12 colour but love the sound of the V8.... Cheers.

[@63melvyn]

Harry just come back from holiday in Barbados , Met a taxi driver who watched like me all your videos !!! Much to my wife’s annoyance we didn’t stop chatting about your videos

[@itiswhatitis9591]

Getting mine this year. Cant wait.

[@rich495]

Great review

[@taistotrannum120]

The camera angle when he did the launch control was awesome. I've never gotten the sense of a car's acceleration better than I did in this video.

[@dinkyduffy4458]

Brilliant video

[@davidgrover2665]

Only just noticed the crazy Audi on the wrong side of the road right near the end! 😱

[@NoGoodHandlesComingToMind]

Very fun wall art.

[@NLBassist]

I'm so glad Harry. All car journalists go for the V8 (weight, but as you said, it's hardly noticable), but the W12 is so much nicer. That sound!

[@projectg408]

That interior is just so gorgeous. That green and tan. It’s just such a beautiful and perfect car.

[@smallg327]

Appreciate the interesting content.

[@ryanfried8393]

I saw the w12 Bently yesterday in taupo new zealand. It looks so good in person. I love the back of it

[@danielmarshall4587]

"anyway enough wittering, lets get going"...... you "witter" all you like Harry, cheers for the vid

[@jakedeutscher]

Lovely video Harry. A well spec’d car that.

[@OriginalgEd]

Nice of the Audi to return to the right side of the road for you! great video as always

[@001sander2]

The Continentals of the 1990s were some of the most beautiful looking cars I've ever seen.

[@christopherprose3881]

My favorite GT and a true cruiser and hooligan at the same time. Very nice. Won't we all miss exhaust notes like that when EVs take over? Is it better at touring as your V-12 500SL? I wonder. If you like to drive your own car, Bentley is a better luxury brand than Rolls-Royce to my mind. Nice spec too. Color, what a concept. Is a sea of dull whites, greys and blacks, it's a very nice change.

[@richardhale2117]

I chuckle at how Harry talks about the price of the Bentley going up. Boo-hoo. The Kia I want to buy to tote my family around went up too. But I look forward each week to the vicarious pleasure I get from watching Harry drive exotic cars with joy and insight that only comes from a long history experiencing the best the automotive world can produce.

[@mcd3379]

Great video as always Harry. I think Bentley have done a marvellous job with the dash layout - elegant and uncluttered. I love the fact that you can hide the touchscreen which has become ubiquitous but ugly on most 21st century cars. If it only it had analogue dials instead of a digital display on the main readouts it would be perfect. It also sounds great and is the perfect open road cruiser. To be honest, I thought it would be quicker. But regardless, if I had the money I'd still buy one - with all the options!

[@alansorbie4038]

I’m lucky enough to be driven in and go on road trips in a variety of new Bentleys on a fairly frequent basis. The most recent was a GT Speed which was simply phenomenal. The V8 has a bit more noise and drama perhaps?

[@raygt6370]

I remember the launch of the first gen Continental. That car got a lot of hate. Never thought it’s offspring would mature so well.

[@truckatadders]

Owned a 2008 Flying spur for a couple of years, back in 2014/15. It's technology was a bit dated but, It was the most amazing, competent car I've ever owned & I'd love to have another at some point 😍🇬🇧

[@danpatterson8009]

Can't argue with that sound.

[@markbrennan4693]

It's about time 007 dropped Aston Martin for a Bentley like this, just like in the original novels by Ian Fleming The commander drove a Bentley, proper Gent's express. Great GT car.

[@Automobili3XF]

The sound of this V8 is superb, i love the engineering of the W12, but i gotta say, the V8 sounds way better, it would certainly be my choice if i could ever afford one of these

[@johnedds2327]

I doubt if the typical Bentley buyer is going to complain about lack of engagement. The smile on Harry's face said that there's enough engagement for most people. A car for the ages.