Much as one simply does not walk into Mordor, one does not simply buy a Bentley. Much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that brand-new Bentleys aren’t found on every corner in major cities. Another significant factor is the cost of a Bentley, with most models starting over the $200,000 mark. It’s this exclusivity factor that can make the Bentley lineup seem a bit confusing at first.
Many drivers are familiar with automotive manufacturers offering a range of different models. For example, Honda offers models like the Civic, the Accord, the CR-V, and the Ridgeline. Those models are then sold in a variety of trims, such as the Ridgeline’s Sport, RTL, and RTL-E versions.
Buying a Bentley isn’t like buying any other car. Bentley Motors wants its customers to enjoy a personalized premium buying experience. It’s part of the brand. Bentley sells vehicles in different ranges. Within each range, the various models bear an overall exterior resemblance to each other but are designed to entirely unique specifications.
For folks who are doing a little window shopping, daydreaming, or starting to consider adding a Bentley to their garage, this unique experience may offer more questions than answers. If you find yourself in any of these categories, consider this a beginner’s course in 2024 Bentley appreciation.
Bentayga: Bentley’s Unparalleled SUV
The Bentley Bentayga has earned great praise for being a surprisingly practical vehicle. While “practicality” isn’t necessarily one of Bentley’s chief engineering concerns, the Bentayga has truly earned its kudos.
Offered with a choice of a 4.0L V8 that strictly consumes gasoline or a 3.0L V6-based hybrid system, the 2024 Bentayga is quick, responsive, and charming. Gasoline models offer over 500 horsepower at your command, while hybrid models gallop quickly behind with an admirable 300 horsepower. Active all-wheel drive is standard, and drivers can choose to add an All-Terrain package to their Bentayga to give it even more prowess in sloppy conditions.
The Bentayga S is the sportiest of the range. From its tinted headlamps to its matte black tailpipes, the Bentayga S is always in stealth mode, though the growl from its sports-tuned exhaust system may give it away.
The Bentayga Azure is geared for the highest reaches of luxury, as defined by the driver. Customization includes seating for four, five, or seven individuals. Those who choose the unusual two-passenger rear seating option can take advantage of Bentley’s Airline Seat Specification. This offers both tiny Postural Adjust changes to prevent passenger fatigue and a Seat Auto-Climate feature that maintains ideal seat temperature.
Those who prefer to fully customize their Bentayga experience may choose the A model, with a hand-dyed and stitched interior that is made to order. Driver assistance features such as Bentley’s 3D Surround technology provide not only views but also collision protection 360 degrees around the vehicle. Those looking for more room within the Bentayga may explore the EWB, or Extended Wheel Base, lineup.
Flying Spur: The Quintessential British Luxury Sedan
Bentley uses these words to describe the Flying Spur Range sedans. Naturally, they are accurate in every sense of the term. With thoughtful features like a touchscreen infotainment system that rotates to reveal traditional knobs and buttons, or a remote tablet that controls the music, temperature, and massage features of the seats, it’s easy to see why drivers cherish their Flying Spur sedans for a lifetime. In fact, Bentley urges drivers to reconsider the concept of a sedan when sliding behind the wheel of a Flying Spur.
Offered in A, Azure, S, Speed, and Mulliner variations, the Flying Spur can be had with a 2.9L V6 hybrid power source or a choice of two powerful gasoline-powered engines. The first is a 4.0L V8 that makes the trip from 0 to 60 miles per hour in four seconds. This engine comes standard on most of the variations. The Speed model makes that trip in just 3.7 seconds, thanks to its mighty 6.0L W12 engine.
Continental GT: The Ultimate Grand Touring Car
The Continental GT takes advantage of the same gasoline-powered engine options as the Flying Spur, but a hybrid version is not yet available. Whether selecting the hard-top GT or the convertible GTC, drivers of the Continental coupe can enjoy over 600 horsepower in a compact vehicle equipped with Active All-Wheel Drive. With traction control that monitors the road while in motion and adaptive air suspension, the Bentley Continental ranges make driving a true privilege.
Those who select the Continental GT or GTC Speed models will have the advantage of driving one of the most agile Bentley vehicles of all time. Designed to be rigid, yet stable, and aerodynamic, yet comfortable, this version of the Continental family is designed to be driven frequently, for pleasure.
The Bentley Mulliner Collection
You’ve likely heard that just about anything can be customized on a Bentley. The Mulliner Collection helps make that happen. While not every vehicle is offered in the true Mulliner fashion of personalization, most are.
This includes the Bentayga EWB Mulliner, a vehicle that embodies the concept of luxury. With features such as personalized footwell lighting that projects your personal emblem upon entry, and rear doors that lightly close behind passengers, a Mulliner Collection Bentley takes great care of its passengers. Thanks to My Bentley Remote Park Assist, it is capable of dropping you off at the curb and then parking itself nearby, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Guidance allows the Mulliner to stay centered and comfortably distanced from traffic.
Also included in the Mulliner tradition is a seemingly endless list of interior and exterior customizations. From a dashboard veneered in stone formed over 200 million years ago to 18-carat gold-plated knob stops, and tweed door inserts to custom-dyed leather, stitching, and lambswool carpeting, any vehicle that wears the Mulliner badge of honor has been carefully considered in every possible way.
If that’s not enough personalization, it is possible to create your very own bespoke Bentley from the ground up thanks to their Coachbuilt program. Occasionally, this program releases special editions, such as the 18-model production run of the Batur, a two-seat coupe made with sustainable materials.
Combining Tradition, Luxury, and Performance
While not every driver may have the opportunity to experience driving a Bentley, it is clear that the high price tag is justified. While Bentley produces a limited number of models, the Bentayga, Flying Spur, and Continental have been engineered with exact science and designed with maximum owner input.
With driving manners that have been described as “effortless” and “instant,” Bentley’s vehicles provide drivers with an experience that transcends normal stop-and-go traffic. This is the type of vehicle that enjoys being driven as much as you’ll enjoy driving it. Furthermore, with comfort and convenience features that expand the boundaries of what “luxury” means, you may even enjoy the mere act of sitting in it. Customizable features such as seating materials, adjustability, feel, and temperature make it hard to find a seat that is quite as comfortable as those of the Bentley lineup.
If you’ve been interested in enjoying the driving experience more, and want a car that reflects who you are as a driver, perhaps it’s time to consider which Bentley best fits your personality.
