11 Interesting Facts About Bentley

Bentley Motors is a British luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing some of the world’s most prestigious cars. Headquartered in Crewe, England, Bentley was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, originally focusing on engines and later shifting to luxury car manufacturing. The brand is synonymous with luxury, high-performance, and craftsmanship, appealing to affluent buyers worldwide. Since 1998, Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s largest automakers.

Ownership and Revenue

Bentley is currently a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, which has invested heavily in modernizing its production facilities and product range. In 2023, Bentley recorded annual revenue of around $3.38 billion. Bentley continues to grow, especially in markets like China and the United States, with its focus on ultra-luxury SUVs and electric vehicles driving future growth.

Place Among Luxury Automakers

Bentley holds a prestigious place in the luxury car market, often competing with brands like Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Despite a more limited production scale, Bentley has maintained a significant presence globally, consistently ranking among the top luxury car manufacturers. The brand’s emphasis on performance, craftsmanship, and bespoke luxury sets it apart from many of its competitors.

Interesting Facts About Bentley

1. Bentley’s Origin as an Engine Manufacturer: Before Bentley became known for its luxury cars, it originally manufactured airplane engines during World War I. These engines were prized for their performance and durability.
2. The Bentley Boys: During the 1920s, a group of wealthy British racers known as the “Bentley Boys” played a key role in promoting the brand by achieving success in racing. They helped establish Bentley’s reputation for building high-performance sports cars. The Bentley Boys were particularly famous for their victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which Bentley won five times between 1924 and 1930.
3. First British Car to Win Le Mans: Bentley was the first British car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924. This victory helped build the company’s legacy in motorsport, a key marketing point for its high-performance image.
4. Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Bentley faced significant financial struggles and was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1931. Bentley’s identity became closely tied to Rolls-Royce until both brands were separated in 1998 when Bentley was acquired by Volkswagen Group.
5. Royal Connections: Bentley holds a Royal Warrant and has long been the official vehicle of Queen Elizabeth II. Bentley specially produced the Bentley State Limousine for her Golden Jubilee in 2002, and it remains part of the British Royal fleet today.
6. Handcrafted Interiors: Bentley is known for its meticulously handcrafted interiors. A typical Bentley car uses around 12-20 cowhides for its leather upholstery, and it takes 15-20 hours to stitch the interior by hand. The company also offers a wide range of customization options for customers.
7. Bentayga—The World’s Fastest SUV: Bentley entered the luxury SUV market in 2015 with the Bentley Bentayga, which became the fastest SUV at the time with a top speed of 190 mph. This move helped Bentley tap into the growing demand for luxury SUVs, contributing to record sales for the brand.
8. Green Focus: Despite being known for powerful, gas-guzzling engines, Bentley has announced plans to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, Bentley aims to become a fully electric car manufacturer, with its first EV expected to debut in 2025.
9. Rolls-Royce Acquisition: One of the more controversial moments in Bentley’s history came in 1931 when it was acquired by Rolls-Royce after going bankrupt due to the economic downturn of the Great Depression. The acquisition led to decades of Bentley sharing engineering platforms with Rolls-Royce, which some purists felt diluted Bentley’s identity as a performance brand.
10. Volkswagen vs. BMW Over Bentley: In 1998, a legal battle erupted between Volkswagen and BMW over the ownership of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Volkswagen ended up with Bentley, while BMW took Rolls-Royce. This acquisition is still regarded as one of the most significant moments in modern luxury car history, and it allowed Bentley to reinvent itself as a standalone luxury performance brand.
11. Financial Instability in the 1990s: Before being acquired by Volkswagen, Bentley faced severe financial troubles during the 1990s, with declining sales and outdated models. Volkswagen’s investment in modernizing Bentley’s production and lineup helped save the brand from financial collapse.