Video | Aston Martin DB12 S vs Bentley Continental GT Speed
In turbulent times there is reason to be cheerful about the British skill for building epic cars, as Rory discovers
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 20 July 2026 | 0 min read
Identity politics. It’s a rough out there, with everyone fiercely loyal to one team or another and no room for compromise or meeting half way. And, in sporting terms, home rivalries are the fiercest of the lot.
Into this polarised landscape march two British heavyweights – Aston Martin and Bentley. Each with their own rich traditions. And each reinterpreting them for modern times in very different ways. Can they agree to disagree? Rory – and a special guest – take to the roads to find out. A showdown the British weather very much wanted its part in as well, the Continental GT Speed and DB12 Sbattling both each other and the elements.
On the one side, Bentley with its modern twist on its traditions of luxury and power and embrace of electrification in an attempt to remain relevant. And the other? Aston Martin, seemingly waving two fingers to all that with a noisy, naughty and now even more powerful V8 petrol engine. An epic contest deserves an epic video, and that’s what you have right here.
And if you enjoyed it and aren’t already subscribed sign up to the channel for more like this then make sure you sign up, and join the comments thread to let Rory know which one you’d be driving home in, given the opportunity.