Overview & Reviews

The Bentley brand is to luxury cars what Everest is to mountains. Those with wallets deep enough to meet the six-figure price tags of the company's vehicles are treated to towering levels of refinement and prestige. Bentley coupes and sedans are mostly hand-assembled in Great Britain at the manufacturer's state-of-the-art Crewe factory. This fusion of old-world craftsmanship with new-world technology is what the Bentley marque is all about.

Founded by Walter Owen Bentley, Bentley Motors was born in England in 1919. Two years later, the first model debuted, the rapid "3-litre" Bentley. Larger cars followed, and racing success at Le Mans earned the Bentley motorcars status among British sports car enthusiasts. Financial woes (brought on in part by the Wall Street Crash of 1929) triggered the brand's sale to Rolls-Royce in 1931. The first new Bentley after this event was the "3 1/2-litre," introduced in 1933 and based on a Rolls chassis that never saw production.

In subsequent decades, Bentley slowly slid into anonymity with vehicles that, at times, were little more than rebadged Rolls-Royces. The company's fortunes finally took an upturn in the 1980s. A new company policy dictated a more distinctive brand image, and it yielded the Mulsanne Turbo sedan, named after the famous corner on the Le Mans circuit. Most other Bentley models of this time, however, such as the Continental coupe and convertible, were still Rolls-Royces with different grilles.

The '90s brought more distinctive models into the fold, such as the redesigned Continental coupe, new Azure convertible and the new Arnage sedan, the latter replacing the dated Mulsanne. In 1998 BMW began supplying engines to both the Bentley and Rolls-Royce brands. Later that year this relationship created a conflict when Volkswagen acquired both marques, but the two German automakers reached an agreement that saw VW handing over control of Rolls to BMW in 2003, while keeping Bentley and the Crewe factory.

During the 2000s, that VW ownership allowed Bentley to further expand its model range and improve overall quality. The Continental coupe was again redesigned and quickly became a sales success, spawning a convertible version. Soon a four-door version of the Continental, the Flying Spur, debuted, followed in 2011 by the Mulsanne flagship sedan.

As one would expect, modern Bentley coupes and sedans are powered by a series of surprisingly muscular engines. The most potent models are motivated by a turbocharged 12-cylinder engine that generates more than 600 horsepower, though a new V8 promises similar acceleration but with much better fuel economy. No matter the engine, Bentley's traditional qualities remain, with all models benefiting from a cabin exquisitely finished in a variety of leather and wood trim.

There are high-dollar ultraluxury cruisers, and then there are Bentleys. Whether it's the Arnage sedan or the Brooklands coupe, these cars make an impressive statement and are sumptuous enough to make even the most jaded tycoon purr with delight.

User Reviews:

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  Outstanding car - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By perrie32 - October 21 - 2:33 pm

  I traded in my 2005 GT since I thought the 4 door made more sense for an everday car. Like the GT the interior is outstanding as is the overall build quality. The Continental Flying Spur is fun to drive even though it is a little less sporty than the GT. Its more elegant. It is very comfortable and has some nice features such as automatic trunk opener and cooled seats. Also better it has doors, since they are not as heavy. All in all, I have been very pleased with the car.

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  10 reasons not to buy a Bentley - 2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By lovecars11 - October 20 - 5:50 am

  Nice to drive with quite enough power (until one drives a Speed version). Good ride and comfy cabin. All that is marred/spoiled by Bentley Motors hateful behavior towards its customers. My Flying Spur (which, when we purchased it, had never been owned by anyone but Bentley Motors and the dealer) now has paint peeling in a bunch of places, an inaccurate speedo, an inaccurate odometer, throws codes seemingly at random, and is now plagued by a shrill noise in the cockpit the dealer was too busy to fix prior to a 7000 mile trip. For us at least, owning a car is not just owning a car, its an experience and a relationship. The folks at Bentley Motors have been so hateful and pompous that the en

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By tom wartenberg - August 7 - 11:56 am

  Im a car junkie. Ive owned every exotic and luxury car you can think of over the last 30 years, including a prior Bentkley Turbo R, which was a trash can that I dumped in 6 months. This, however is the finest car Ive ever deriven . Puts the big BMW, Mercedes as well as the Porsches and Jaguars of this world to shame.

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  Bentley Continental GTC, What a Car! - 2007 Bentley Continental GTC
  By BENTLEY_MAN_SAM - July 23 - 6:23 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I think that Bentley did a GREAT job with it. It is beautiful and handles well, plus it has GREAT acceleration. My kids love it! My 12 year olds friends are always ask for rides in it, and theres NEVER a wait at the valet! ha ha. GO BENTLEY!

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  A Fine Car - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By Herodotous - July 23 - 8:30 am

  The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is a fine car to drive even though the electronics seem to act up once in a while. It joins my other fine cars: Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari 360, Aston Martin Vanquish, Porche Carrera GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Maybach 57 (custom made), and Mercedes SLR, with the last been the best but at $600,000 it is hardly the car to go shopping with! The Continental could probably lose some pounds as it detracts from its performance. Overall, its not bad for a VW.

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  Breathtaking! - 2001 Bentley Arnage
  By BentleyBoy - June 17 - 4:34 pm

  I quit keeping track in 1989 but, at that point I had owned over 160 cars. Nothing even comes close in quality, curb appeal, performance, unabashed good looks, handling, design, ride quality, even the smell of this car (including Rolls-Royce). Everywhere you go people will compliment and envy you in this automobile. Most cant even tell what it is! I currently own 4 Porsches , Ferrari Maranello, a Vintage XKE and 6 other American muscle cars but cant wait to drive this car at every opportunity. It simply takes your breath away. Its the 2nd one Ive purchased. The dealer is proud of his parts and will ding you unmercifully but, its the price you pay to drive the Best Car On The Planet.

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  Flying Spur is in a Class by Itself - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By SAEarly - June 9 - 5:13 am

  A super luxury sedan with 4 wheel drive, 0 to 60 acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 195+ mph (magazine reviews) is not available anywhere currently in this price range except from Bentley. Austin Martin is planning something in next 2+ years. The super huge trunk is great for trips but the acceleration at any speed makes it fun to drive even though it weighs about 5,500 pounds. Our Beluga exterior with chrome wheels and Cognac/Beluga interior looks stunning. Other drivers have actually backed from other lanes at red lights to do a double take. While drivers going the other way have stared or even turned around to get a better look. This car is very roomy, has stunning looks, and has great acceleration and speed!

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  Outstanding car - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By S Stein - April 29 - 11:23 am

  Fun, to drive, well built and very luxurious. Great sound of motor. While I love my S55 prefer this for everyday use. Turns heads all the time

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  Bentley Continental GT - 2004 Bentley Continental GT
  By Larry W - February 5 - 1:23 pm

  Fantastic and reliable car. Fun to drive. Very fast with excellent handling. It is beautiful inside and out. An every day car with class. In almost 3 years of daily driving, no problems.

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  Still good - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By bobbyo - January 29 - 7:23 pm

  I agree with all the positive comments, which youll note hint at some flaws in the design and operation of the car but do not in any way detract from the experience of owning one. I didnt see much substance in the negative reviews- was it the same guy writing them all? This car is fantastic, fast comfortable and smooth. Garners a lot (repeat, a lot!) of stares and comments. True luxury that mass-produced BMWs and MBs cant begin to match (Mercedes had to come out with the Maybach line to even try). My biggest complaint is the rear seat area, it squeaks rattles and shakes whenever you hit a bump, due to a suspension that is quite active and "vocal" over bumps. Reliability has been great.