The Aston Martin DBS and the Bentley Continental GT represent the pinnacle of British grand touring. Both are powered by massive V12 and W12 engines. Both are handcrafted with exquisite materials. Both are capable of covering vast distances at high speeds while cocooning their occupants in luxury. But they attract very different buyers.
The DBS is a brutish, front-engined super GT. It is designed for drivers who want to feel the road, hear the engine, and command attention. The Continental GT is a refined, all-wheel-drive cruiser. It is designed for drivers who want to cover ground effortlessly, insulated from the elements, while enjoying the finest cabin in the segment.
This article compares the Aston Martin DBS and the Bentley Continental GT across performance, design, interior, driving experience, and value to understand why these two British icons appeal to different audiences.
The Contenders: A Tale of Two GTs
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS is Aston Martin’s flagship grand tourer. It is powered by a 5.2 liter twin-turbo V12 producing 715 horsepower. The engine is mounted in the front, and power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The DBS is designed to be a driver’s car: sharp, responsive, and engaging.
Bentley Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT Speed is Bentley’s performance-focused grand tourer. It is powered by a 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12 producing 650 horsepower. The engine is mounted in the front, and power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Continental GT is designed to be a comfortable, effortless cruiser that can also be driven quickly.
Powertrain and Performance
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS’s V12 is a masterpiece. The twin turbos provide massive torque from low rpm, and the engine pulls hard to the 7,000 rpm redline. The sound is deep, guttural, and addictive.
- Displacement: 5.2 liters
- Configuration: Twin-turbo V12
- Horsepower: 715 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 663 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 211 mph
- Weight: 3,900 lb
Bentley Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT’s W12 is smooth and refined. The twin turbos provide effortless power, and the engine is silky at all speeds. The sound is muted compared to the Aston Martin.
- Displacement: 6.0 liters
- Configuration: Twin-turbo W12
- Horsepower: 650 hp at 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 664 lb-ft from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
- Drive: All-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 208 mph
- Weight: 5,000 lb
Performance Verdict
The Aston Martin is quicker to 60 miles per hour? No. The Bentley’s all-wheel-drive traction gives it a slight advantage, with a 0 to 60 time of 3.1 seconds compared to the DBS’s 3.2 seconds. The DBS is lighter and more powerful, but the Bentley’s launch control and all-wheel drive make it brutally effective from a standstill.
At higher speeds, the DBS’s power advantage becomes evident. The Aston Martin pulls harder above 100 miles per hour, and its higher top speed reflects its focus on high-speed grand touring.
Chassis and Handling
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS is a driver’s car. The chassis is stiff, the suspension is firm, and the steering is heavy. The car feels alive and responsive. The rear-wheel-drive layout requires skill to manage, but it rewards smooth inputs.
The DBS is not a comfortable cruiser. The ride is firm, and the car transmits road imperfections to the cabin. But for drivers who want to feel the road, this is a feature, not a bug.
Bentley Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT is a luxury cruiser. The air suspension is adaptive, and the car absorbs road imperfections with ease. The steering is light and isolated. The all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional grip, making the car easy to drive quickly even in poor conditions.
The Continental GT is not a driver’s car in the traditional sense. It is a car designed to insulate the driver from the road, to provide effortless progress, and to coddle its occupants.
Handling Verdict
The Aston Martin DBS is the more engaging and rewarding car to drive. The Bentley Continental GT is the more comfortable and effortless car.
Design and Styling
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS is stunning. The front end features a massive grille and aggressive air intakes. The side profile shows a long hood, a low roofline, and muscular haunches. The rear end is characterized by a prominent diffuser and quad exhaust outlets.
The DBS is a car that commands attention. It is dramatic, aggressive, and beautiful.
Bentley Continental GT
The Continental GT is elegant and understated. The front end features a large grille and round headlights. The side profile is smooth and flowing. The rear end is clean and simple.
The Continental GT is a car that exudes class. It is not as dramatic as the DBS, but it is timeless.
Design Verdict
The Aston Martin DBS is the more dramatic and exciting design. The Bentley Continental GT is more elegant and understated.
Interior and Luxury
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS’s interior is luxurious but driver-focused. The materials are high quality, with leather and Alcantara throughout. The seats are supportive but firm. The cabin is not as quiet as the Bentley’s, and the infotainment system is dated.
The DBS is a car for drivers, not for passengers.
Bentley Continental GT
The Continental GT’s interior is one of the best in the industry. The materials are exceptional, with leather, wood, metal, and glass throughout. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The cabin is quiet, and the ride is smooth.
The Continental GT is a car for both drivers and passengers.
Interior Verdict
The Bentley Continental GT has the more luxurious and refined interior. The Aston Martin DBS is more focused on the driver.
Driving Experience
Aston Martin DBS
The DBS is a car that demands to be driven. The V12 roars, the steering is heavy, and the chassis communicates every detail. The car feels alive and rewarding.
Bentley Continental GT
The Continental GT is a car that insulates. The W12 is silent, the steering is light, and the suspension absorbs everything. The car feels effortless and relaxing.
Which One Attracts Which Buyer?
The Aston Martin DBS and the Bentley Continental GT attract very different buyers for very different reasons.
The Aston Martin DBS attracts drivers who:
- Want to feel the road and hear the engine.
- Value engagement and emotion over comfort and isolation.
- Prefer a dramatic, aggressive design.
- Are willing to accept a firmer ride and a louder cabin.
- Prioritize driving excitement over passenger luxury.
The Bentley Continental GT attracts buyers who:
- Want to cover long distances in effortless comfort.
- Value luxury, refinement, and isolation.
- Prefer an elegant, understated design.
- Want a car that is easy to drive quickly in all conditions.
- Prioritize passenger comfort and cabin quality.
Value and Ownership
Pricing
The Aston Martin DBS has a base price of approximately $330,000. The Bentley Continental GT Speed has a base price of approximately $275,000. The Bentley is less expensive.
Depreciation
Both cars depreciate, but the Aston Martin may hold its value slightly better due to its lower production numbers and more dramatic character.
Ownership Costs
Both cars are expensive to maintain. The Bentley’s all-wheel-drive system and complex electronics can be costly to repair. The Aston Martin’s V12 requires specialized service.
Specifications Summary
| Specification | Aston Martin DBS | Bentley Continental GT Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L twin-turbo V12 | 6.0L twin-turbo W12 |
| Horsepower | 715 hp | 650 hp |
| Torque | 663 lb-ft | 664 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.2 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 211 mph | 208 mph |
| Weight | 3,900 lb | 5,000 lb |
| Base Price | $330,000 | $275,000 |
| Character | Dramatic, engaging, aggressive | Refined, effortless, elegant |
Conclusion
The Aston Martin DBS and the Bentley Continental GT are both stunning British grand tourers with serious power. But they are not the same. They appeal to different buyers for different reasons.
The DBS is for drivers. It is a car that demands to be driven, that rewards engagement, that prioritizes emotion over isolation. It is dramatic, aggressive, and thrilling.
The Continental GT is for passengers. It is a car that insulates, that coddles, that prioritizes comfort over engagement. It is elegant, refined, and effortless.
Neither is better. They are different. The DBS is the choice for drivers who want to feel the road. The Continental GT is the choice for drivers who want to enjoy the journey.
Both are icons. Both are legends. Both are British luxury muscle at its finest.
