Bentley Car Leasing
Bentley: A Legacy of Luxury, Performance, and Craftsmanship
Bentley Motors is one of the most prestigious names in automotive history,
synonymous with British craftsmanship, luxury, and high-performance engineering. Known for building some of the world's most exquisite and powerful grand tourers (GT's) and saloons, Bentley’s cars seamlessly blend modern technology with old-world refinement. Its vehicles are hand-assembled at the brand’s iconic headquarters in Crewe, England, where every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure unparalleled quality.
The History of Bentley:
Founded in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley, Bentley's origins lie in the desire to produce cars that combined superior performance with luxury. WO Bentley's motto, “To build a good car, a fast car, the best in its class,” would shape the company’s trajectory. The marque made an early name for itself through motorsport, particularly at Le Mans, where it dominated in the 1920s with five victories from 1924 to 1930.
Bentley’s early focus on performance was characterised by models like the Bentley 3 Litre, Speed Six, and Blower Bentley, which established the brand's racing pedigree. However, financial troubles in the early 1930s forced Bentley into a new phase when Rolls-Royce purchased the company in 1931. Under Rolls-Royce’s stewardship, Bentley focused on building luxury vehicles while maintaining its sporting edge.
The post-war years saw the introduction of the iconic Bentley R-Type Continental in 1952, a car that exemplified the brand’s combination of elegance and speed. Bentley evolved further after its acquisition by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, with modern engineering transforming the company into a global symbol of luxury and performance.
Current Model Lineup:
Today, Bentley's model range consists of several grand tourers, luxury saloons, and a high-performance luxury SUV. Each model epitomises the balance of power and luxury that Bentley has become known for.
Bentley Continental GT:
The Bentley Continental GT is the brand’s flagship grand tourer, a blend of refined luxury and impressive performance. Available in both coupe and convertible (GTC) forms, the Continental GT is powered by two engine options: a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a monstrous 6.0-litre W12. The very latest version of this model will also offer a 771 bhp Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain.
- Performance: The V8 delivers a potent 542 horsepower, while the W12 ups the ante to 650 horsepower. This immense power allows the W12 version to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while still offering remarkable ride comfort and a sense of grand touring opulence. The chassis is a marvel of engineering, balancing sharp handling with a smooth, compliant ride thanks to an advanced air suspension system.
- Interior: Inside, the Continental GT is adorned with rich leather, hand-finished wood veneers, and cutting-edge technology. The rotating display, which switches between a 12.3-inch touchscreen, analog dials, and a veneered panel, adds a touch of theatricality.
- Road Test Notes: On the road, the Continental GT offers superb performance, with the W12 delivering effortless power. The V8 variant provides a slightly more engaging drive with sharper handling characteristics. Despite its weight, the GT handles twists and turns with composure, while the adaptive suspension keeps the ride serene.
Bentley Flying Spur:
The Flying Spur is Bentley’s full-size luxury saloon, designed for those who desire ultimate comfort without sacrificing performance. With styling that echoes the Continental GT, the Flying Spur stands out for its sheer opulence.
- Performance: Like the Continental GT, the Flying Spur is available with a choice of V8 or W12 engines as well as a hybrid option that pairs a 2.9 V6 petrol engine with an E Motor that delivers 536bhp. The W12 version delivers an impressive 626 horsepower and a top speed of 207 mph, making it one of the fastest saloons in the world. The V8 version still manages 198 mph with a 0 to 60 time of just 4.0 seconds.
- Interior: The cabin of the Flying Spur is a haven of craftsmanship, where hand-stitched leather, polished metal, and intricate wood veneers converge. Rear-seat occupants are pampered with luxurious appointments, including reclining seats, massage functions, and a touchscreen remote to control features like climate and entertainment.
- Road Test Notes: The Flying Spur delivers a supple ride, gliding over imperfections while offering sharp performance when needed. On twisty roads, it defies its size with remarkable agility, largely due to rear-wheel steering and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system. It’s equally adept at high-speed cruising, offering serene comfort for long journeys.
Bentayga:
The Bentayga is Bentley’s foray into the ultra-luxury SUV market, catering to those who desire off-road capability without compromising on luxury or performance. It has become one of the brand's best-selling models.
- Performance: The Bentayga is available with a range of engines, including a 3.0-litre V6 plug-in hybrid, the 4.0-litre V8, and the range-topping 6.0-litre W12. The V8 model strikes a fine balance, with 542 horsepower propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The W12 version offers an even more extreme performance with a top speed of 190 mph.
- Interior: True to Bentley’s ethos, the Bentayga’s interior is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring hand-stitched leather, polished wood, and aluminium trim. The SUV is also equipped with advanced infotainment and driver assistance systems, including an optional night vision system and a heads-up display.
- Road Test Notes: On the road, the Bentayga surprises with its agility, especially considering its size. The ride quality is impeccable, and its air suspension adapts to varying road conditions with ease. Off-road, it performs admirably, although few owners will likely push it to its rugged limits.
Limited Editions and Special Models:
Bentley frequently releases limited-edition models, which showcase bespoke craftsmanship and exclusive design details. Recent limited-edition vehicles include:
- Bentley Bacalar: A hyper-exclusive, roofless barchetta that debuted in 2020. With only 12 units built, each Bacalar is highly individualised. Powered by a 650-horsepower W12 engine, the Bacalar combines bold styling with extreme luxury.
- Continental GT Speed: The Speed is a high-performance version of the Continental GT, equipped with Bentley’s most powerful W12 engine and delivering 650 horsepower. It features a more aggressive exterior design and performance enhancements, including all-wheel steering and an electronic rear differential.
- Bentayga Speed: This high-performance variant of the Bentayga takes the luxury SUV formula and turns it into a 190-mph performance machine, with sportier handling to match.
Future Models and Innovations:
Bentley has set an ambitious goal to electrify its entire range by 2030, with the first fully electric Bentley due in 2026. The upcoming models will embody the brand’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining its core values of luxury and performance.
- Bentley EV: Bentley’s electric grand tourer is expected to offer stunning design, cutting-edge technology, and immense performance. While details are still sparse, rumours suggest that the first Bentley EV will be a striking four-door GT with a range exceeding 300 miles, all while retaining Bentley’s hallmark craftsmanship and quality.
Bentley’s vision for the future combines sustainability with innovation, setting the brand on a new path that redefines luxury and performance for the electric era.
Conclusion:
Bentley has a storied legacy that stretches back over a century, from its early triumphs on the racetrack to its current status as a maker of some of the finest luxury cars in the world. The brand continues to innovate, blending the finest materials and craftsmanship with advanced technology and performance. With a lineup that includes the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga, as well as exciting future models, Bentley remains a symbol of excellence in the automotive world.