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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  Awesome Car - 2004 Bentley Continental GT
  By bentley lover - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Best car i everd owned. IF you have the money and your in the market for a coupe this is definately the car for you. Very fun to drive especially in a open road where you can really open it up.

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  Bentley Beyond Luxury - 2004 Bentley Arnage
  By Jeff245 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a Bentley RL. It is Silver with top of the line options. the car has extraordinary safety features. It is fast, agile, and the handling is superb. I would reccomend this car to anyone although the price tag is extremely high.

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  2005 Bentley Continental GT - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By D. A. Yergey - January 8 - 12:33 pm

  This car is the best car that I have ever owned. The performance is breathtaking. The finish work is superb. The interior is very usable. The back deat is far more usable than I expected, particularly for a 2-door. Even the GPS system is more usable than the Mercedes that I traded in. All in all I give it a near perfect score. Resale is excellent also.

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  Flying Spur is a Pleasure - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By jeff - January 4 - 6:03 pm

  The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever driven. My Arnage is in the garage more now than ever before. I drive it almost every day and look forward to many years of enjoyment. Thank you Bentley for this vehicle.

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  Car carlovers must have - 2004 Bentley Continental GT
  By carlover2000000 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  wonderful design along with great features

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  2005 Bentley Continental - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By AJ - November 5 - 7:56 am

  I just got my 2005 Bently Continental and I love the car. From the interior to the exterior this car is amazing.\ This is probably the best car I have ever purchased. If you are Bentley entusiest this car is a MUST.

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  Drop dead drop head - 2008 Bentley Continental GTC
  By James - August 27 - 11:10 am

  My third Bentley GT (2004 GT, 2006 Spur, 2008 GTC) - simply unbelievably competent. Spoils you for any other motorcar. This is an automobile that is as comfortable at 120 MPH as tooling around the neighborhood. Superlative handling, nice exhaust note, power (@ 552 BHP!) Appointments are bar none. Flawless reliability, fit and finish. KILLER sound system and back up camera is well appreciated. Top up or top down its definitely at the top of my automotive list. Never go back to MB again. Overall ownership experience is superior and Ive owned them all. Plus you dont see yourself coming and going all day in one.

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  Bentley - 2003 Bentley Arnage
  By M Burkhardt - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Good!! The 2003 Bentley Arnage is the perfect car for anyone seeking quality along with performance. Test-drive the new Bentley, and you will see what I mean!!

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  Artwork on Wheels - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By Raul Juan Escudero - June 13 - 10:10 pm

  The 2005 Bentley Continental GT is an extraordinary car. As an ultra luxurious coupe it has no rival, except for the Ferrari Scaglieti, which is an entirely different automobile and is significantly more expensive. It is luxurious with an understated flair.

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  THIS IS IT! - 2005 Bentley Continental GT
  By B. Olander - May 6 - 2:26 pm

  The 2005 Bentley Continental GT has outstanding build quality. Other manufacturers now need to play catch up. Bentley has been able to maintain the "Bentley image" with help from the Volkswagen/Audi infusion of capital. This cars engine wants to run, with tons of hp and torque. The leather inside is of the finest quality. This models limited production should keep it a classic. Except for the twin turbo charges, i believe W.O. Bentley himself would have approved of this car. It has power, power, and more power in one really slick package.