Exotic · 3 models
The British luxury alternative to Rolls-Royce. The Continental GT defined the modern grand tourer. The Bentayga did the same for luxury SUVs.
ExoticBentley is the British luxury grand tourer brand founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley. The original Bentley Boys racing team won Le Mans five times in the 1920s. Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931, and for most of the 20th century Bentleys were rebadged Rolls-Royces with sportier suspension. The brand split happened in 1998 when Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley while BMW acquired the Rolls-Royce name. Under VW ownership, Bentley refocused as a sport luxury brand distinct from Rolls-Royce. The Continental GT of 2003 is the brand defining modern product. Twin-turbo W12 making 552 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a level of luxury and performance that established the modern grand tourer category. Three generations of Continental GT have run from 2003 to the present, with V8 and W12 powertrains and various trim levels including the GT Speed and the Bacalar limited-edition coachbuilt variant. The Mulsanne (2010-2020) was the brand traditional flagship sedan, hand-built with the older 6.75 liter L-series V8 (a Bentley engine in continuous production since 1959, ending only with the Mulsanne discontinuation). The Flying Spur is the modern Continental-derived sport sedan. The Bentayga SUV launched in 2016 and shares its platform with the Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Lamborghini Urus. It is the brand best-selling product globally. The Bentayga has W12 and V8 powertrains. Bentley has committed to electric powertrains by 2030 and produces the Mulliner coachbuild division for ultra-bespoke commissions. On WhipJury, Bentley submissions are rare but distinctive. Continental GT examples (especially V8 S and Speed variants) are the most common, followed by Bentaygas and the occasional vintage Mulsanne or modified Continental.
First generation (2003-2011). Established the modern Bentley product. Twin-turbo W12, all-wheel drive, around 5,500 pounds curb weight. Available with V8 from later years. The Continental Supersports and the original GT Speed are the focused variants.
Second generation (2011-2018). Refined the formula. The GT3-R limited edition was the most focused.
Third generation (2018-present). Significantly redesigned. Air suspension, more sophisticated drivetrain. The GT Speed remains the focused variant; the Bacalar limited-edition coachbuild was the most exclusive expression.
The Bentley 6.75 liter L-series V8 was in continuous production from 1959 to 2020 (over 60 years), making it one of the longest-produced engine designs in automotive history. The engine was used in the Bentley S2 through Mulsanne and various Rolls-Royce models. The L-series produced relatively modest horsepower compared to modern engines but enormous torque (over 800 lb-ft in final twin-turbo form), exactly the character expected of a luxury sedan. Production ended with the final Mulsanne in 2020.
Continental GT submissions are the most common Bentley. Classic Mulsanne and Arnage cars appear occasionally. The Bentayga SUV is gaining presence as the model ages into the used market. The community appreciates Bentley as the sport luxury counterpart to Rolls-Royce.