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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  Forget It - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By rick larson - December 28 - 12:03 pm

  Given that the Bentley arrived at the lot in December, but I got to give the car a good drive a couple of days ago, you might be wondering where its been. Well guess what, it was in the shop. You can see its not reliable at all, considering that the engine burned up twice, a lot of the technology, and etc., etc., etc. It also lags in acceleration. For those who are looking for a Supreme Luxury Car, look at the A8 W12 L or 760 Li. Right now, Ive got a 760 Li in the making.

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  Not Quite As Good As The... - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By CaliforniaCarsOrg - June 29 - 1:33 pm

  Mercedes Benz S600 or the BMW 760Li. The handling was fine, but we were a bit suprised to find out that the garage door opener is optional. This luxury car is beautiful, but if you want to buy an exotic luxury car, look at the S600 or the 760Li or the Audi A8 W12 L as well. The car is a bit heavy, so it didnt perform as well as it could. Its also uncomfortable in the rear seats, compared to the BMW 760Li. In some cases, its better than the S600 and the 760Li, but overall, its not quite as good.

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  My Second Bentley - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Jesse - June 22 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased a Continental GT in late 2004 and was extremely happy with it. Now, the Continental Flying Spur is the same car with more space and some added features. The bluetooth phone (RAZR) works great. I also like the cooling solar panel in the sliding roof, air cooled seat not just heated, very large trunk space, and more glass. This is a really great car to drive since it handles like a GT. It has a tight body with no rattles. Overall, the Flying Spur is superb.

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  The most fun you can have with a 4 door - 2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By cuircaleche - May 9 - 5:36 am

  Having owned a variety of high performance sedans over the years, and tired of being nickled and dimed to death by my 600SEL, I thought Id try something FAST with AWD. For not so much more than its Audi sibling, the Bentley fit the bill. While it does have some electrical issues, none have been disabling. The ride is a bit noisy due to the high tire pressures and high performance tires. That said, the car is fairly quiet on the road. The 2009 models will be quieter. Acceleration is amazing, the interior is a wonderful place to be, and the car is quite easy to drive. The bluetooth is useless for Verizon customers.

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  Bentleys Forever - 2006 Bentley Arnage
  By real tot - December 28 - 10:55 pm

  The Bentley Arnage R offers serene and smooth ride. It is a sure footed car with lots of room thats easy to park. I like how its windows are large enough to see around very well.

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  After 4 yrs I still LOVE to get behind the wheel.. - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By davidhart - December 5 - 12:31 am

  In my lifetime Ive owned some pretty special cars but my Flying Spur is in a class alone and far above any of the others. After 4 yrs. I still anticipate with excitement my next drive. Its a head turner (95 % favorable but a few truly nasty and envious remarks shouted out) and a delight in all ways from remarkable comfort, performance, uncompromising quality of construction and materials, and understated elegance inside and out. The only comment I can make even slightly negative is that I noticed a improvement in ride, quietness, and handling when I changed from the factory-installed Dunlap tires to Michelin Sport A/S Plus 275/35 ZR20s. I feel its not hyperbole to rate it 5 stars.

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  A Bently is Still a Bently - 2006 Bentley Continental GT
  By THE CONSULTANT - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  The Continental GT, which I have owned for two years, is an eye catcher. If you seek attention, look no further, The car performs well for its size, but Bentley was a little careless with some of the interior features, none of which compromises the cars driveability. For example, the seats really need more adjustment positions, the phone system is antiquated, and the command system leaves a little technology on the table, but other than that they did a great job.

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  The Bentley that Reinvented the Name - 2007 Bentley Continental GT
  By The Man - October 22 - 8:36 am

  From the day that I took delivery of this car my life has truly become more interesting! I couldnt help but sit in the car for the majority of the first day, whether I was driving somewhere or I was in my garage. The interior is literally unparalleled in the current automotive market. The outside is a perfect complement for the goregous interior. With sweeping lines that run the length of the car, the Bentley Continental GT still reminds me of the old carriage cars of the early ninties, which is so rare to see in modern cars. The performance is amazing, handling, acceleration, and top speed are all great for a car that is as comfortable as it is, and that weights 5300 pounds!

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  My take on the Bentley Continental GT. - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By David - October 20 - 4:30 pm

  I enjoy the Bentley Continental GT very much. It may not be the fastest in acceleration or handle the best but it is an all around solid car that performs very well in all catagories. The fuel mileage is not very good but that is to be expected from a 5,300 lb. car with a twin turbo 6.0 liter engine.

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  A Simple Review of a Marvelous Auto. - 2006 Bentley Arnage
  By Lady Celeste - October 4 - 8:54 pm

  Although a lady, I love driving. My Arnage has not disappointed me in the least. The fit and finish are top notch. Gone are the days when my Arnage would have made me special. I now must see Continental GTs and Flying Spurs daily on the local streets. Now my Arnage just brings me joy because it is such a wonderful automobile. Its quick without being startling. Its refined and stately. In a world where S-Class Mercedes Benzes are as common as Fords, the Arnage insures that I will not only arrive in style but in an automobile that is not as everyday as some lesser automobiles.