Bentley - An Expensive Toy for Adults

Founded on January 18, 1919, the British automotive company Bentley has specialized in the production of luxury cars for over a century. Since 1998, Bentley has been part of the German concern Volkswagen Group. Founder Walter Owen Bentley was initially aimed at producing prestigious cars that would set new standards in automotive excellence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history of the Bentley brand, its current models, and its future prospects in the luxury automotive market.

What Makes Bentley a True Luxury Car Brand?

Bentley represents the pinnacle of aristocratic automotive engineering and premium craftsmanship. Known as a car that owners typically purchase only once in their lifetime, Bentley has evolved from producing ordinary, reliable vehicles to creating some of the most luxurious automobiles in the world.

Today’s Bentley vehicles are technological marvels that command extraordinary prices. Key features of modern Bentley cars include:

• Starting prices in the six-figure range, with bespoke models exceeding several hundred thousand dollars
• The Bentley Bentayga – the brand’s first luxury SUV that redefined the ultra-premium crossover segment
• Recognition as the global standard for expensive style and automotive sophistication
• Handcrafted interiors featuring the finest leather, rare wood veneers, and cutting-edge technology

The Volkswagen Era: Modern Bentley Development

The modern era of Bentley began with the 1998 merger with Volkswagen Group. This strategic partnership transformed the brand through:

• Investment of over half a billion pounds for each new model development
• Expansion of manufacturing facilities beyond Britain to include Germany
• Enhanced technological capabilities while maintaining traditional craftsmanship
• Access to cutting-edge automotive technology and engineering resources

Bentley Arnage Limousine: Refined Luxury (1998-2009)

From 1998 to 2009, Bentley produced the refined luxury Arnage Limousine, featuring an extended wheelbase of 3,566 mm. Named after one of the most challenging turns at Le Mans, the Bentley Arnage embodied the perfect combination of power and prestige.

Key Features of the Bentley Arnage:

• Instant acceleration combined with a luxurious, handcrafted interior
• Ultra-luxurious cabin trimmed with carbon fiber, aluminum, and expensive wood
• Big, fast, unique, and exceptionally comfortable design
• Prestigious limousine with unmatched cabin space and comfort

Bentley Arnage Safety Features

The Arnage Bentley featured comprehensive safety equipment including:

• Automatic seatbelt pretensioners with anti-trap trunk device
• Complete airbag system: passenger, front and rear side airbags, and roof curtain airbags
• Rear electric parking assistants with ultrasonic sensors
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake assistance
• Traction control system for optimal grip in all conditions
• Central locking with engine immobilizer
• External control, internal control, and sensor anti-lift technology

Bentley State Limousine: The Royal Connection

The Bentley State Limousine is a representative-class vehicle produced in just two copies in 2002. These exclusive automobiles were presented to Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. The Bentley State Limousine is reserved exclusively for official royal events and travels with police escort, featuring no license plates as a mark of its unique status.

Bentley Bentayga: The World’s Most Luxurious SUV

Since 2015, Bentley has produced the Bentayga – a mid-size prestigious premium crossover that represents a unique combination of dynamics and luxury. Named after a rock ridge on one of the Canary Islands, the Bentayga took two years to design, with two and a half months dedicated solely to perfecting the iconic Bentley radiator grille.

Bentley Bentayga Interior Features:

• 15 variants of leather trim color options
• 7 variants of natural wood veneering from rare species
• Dashboard covered with mineral glass
• Optional Breitling Mulliner tourbillon watch (adds approximately €150,000 to the price)
• Fully adjustable seats with controlled lateral support and massage mechanism
• Four-zone climate control system
• Infotainment system with 60 GB built-in memory
• Cast aluminum fingerprint-scanner safe for secure storage

Bentley Bentayga Performance Specifications:

• Top speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
• 0-100 km/h acceleration: 4 seconds
• Eight speed regimes for both off-road and autobahn driving
• Phenomenal off-road capability with magnificent steerability
• Adaptive cruise control as standard

Bentley positions the Bentayga as “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious, and most exclusive SUV in the world.”

The History of Bentley: How It All Began

Mechanic and racer Walter Owen Bentley decided to create his own sports car with one goal: to build the best racing machine possible. As a talented engineer and genuine auto racing enthusiast, Bentley emphasized quality assembly above all else.

The Bentley 3L Launch (1921):

• Named after its four-cylinder, 3-liter engine
• Released just two years after the company’s official founding in 1919
• Expensive and inaccessible to ordinary motorists
• Featured an unprecedented five-year warranty that impressed British buyers
• Gained recognition through auto racing victories
• Prioritized capacity and speed over elaborate design

The Rolls-Royce Acquisition and Transformation

Bentley operated successfully for nine years until a pivotal race failure in 1930, combined with the onset of the Great Depression, devastated sales. Instead of reducing costs, Bentley produced the even more expensive “8L” model, leading to inevitable bankruptcy.

The company was sold to rival luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd, with Bentley continuing as an engineer under a four-year contract. This acquisition transformed the brand’s concept:

• Racing was no longer the primary focus, though sports performance remained important
• Marketed to wealthy gentlemen who preferred driving personally rather than employing chauffeurs
• Branded as SS Cars (Silent Sports Car)
• Became the undisputed leader among high-end British automobiles

Bentley Product Gradations:

• Red Label: Emphasis on comfort and luxury
• Black Label: Focus on sports performance and handling
• Green Label: Balanced combination of comfort and performance

Bentley vs. Rolls-Royce: Understanding the Difference

Since 1955, all Bentley models have shared constructive similarities with Rolls-Royce. However, a fundamental difference defines each brand:

• Rolls-Royce: Executive cars designed for passengers, with the owner’s place in the rear seat
• Bentley: Driver’s cars for people who know how to drive and enjoy the experience behind the wheel

In the 1970s, Bentley introduced turbocharged models. The Continental family of expensive sport coupes was specifically designed for young, ambitious millionaires who considered sports cars like Ferrari too utilitarian and uncomfortable.

Bentley Continental GT: The Premium Model Classic

Introduced in August 2017, the Bentley Continental GT represents the third generation of this iconic two-door luxury British coupe. Bentley Motors announced it as the world’s best car in the Grand Tourer class.

Bentley Continental GT Technical Features:

• Double wishbone front suspension with multi-link rear suspension
• Three-chamber pneumatic air bellows
• Four-wheel drive with electronic multidisk clutch
• Smart dampers with adaptive control
• Active anti-roll bar with electromechanical actuators controlled by 48-volt vehicle network
• Native Bentley 6.0-liter W12 TSI engine (635 hp, 900 Nm)
• 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.7 seconds
• Top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph)

Design and Construction:

• Classic exterior with large, solid false radiator grille
• Expressive headlights and distinctive oval side lights
• High-strength steel and aluminum construction
• Exterior body panels formed using superformed aluminum at 500°C
• Weight reduction of 80 kg compared to previous generation (2,224 kg curb weight)
• Optimal weight distribution: 45% front axle, 55% rear axle

Bentley Continental GT Interior Innovation

The Continental GT interior represents a revolution in luxury automotive design:

• Virtual dashboard with customizable display
• Innovative three-way rotating center console section:
  • Position 1: Blank panel continuing the stylish front trim when parked
  • Position 2: 12.3-inch color multimedia screen when ignition is on
  • Position 3: Analog dials showing temperature, compass, and chronometer
• Extensive use of premium leather, veneer, and aluminum throughout
• Door trim, front seats, and rear seats with combined natural leather
• Driver and passenger seats with electric adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage

Bentley Safety Systems and Technology

Bentley vehicles feature comprehensive active, passive, and adaptive safety systems:

• Matrix LED headlights and rear LED parking lights with three-dimensional graphics
• Pedestrian warning system
• Road Sign Information system
• 360-degree camera system providing complete surrounding view (City package)
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant
• Head-up display projected on windshield
• Automatic lane-following system
• Night vision capability
• Brake Assist System Plus (BAS Plus) in Touring package

Bentley Bentayga SUV Comprehensive Safety Features

Conclusion: The Bentley Legacy

It is impossible to fully characterize all the features of Bentley as a luxury car brand in a single article. From its racing heritage to its current status as one of the world’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers, Bentley continues to set standards in luxury, performance, and craftsmanship. Whether you own a Bentley or another luxury vehicle, remember that proper documentation, including an international driving permit, is essential for enjoying your automotive investment worldwide.