Bentley Models through the Years

Bentley is renowned for its legacy of creating luxury vehicles that combine superior craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance. Since its founding in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, the brand has developed a portfolio of iconic models, each reflecting the marque’s commitment to luxury, speed, and innovation. This in-depth article will explore the key Bentley models and their trim levels throughout the brand’s storied history.

1. Bentley 3-Litre (1919-1929)
The Bentley 3-Litre was the first car built by Bentley Motors, and it marked the brand’s entry into the world of high-performance luxury vehicles. This model gained fame for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924 and 1927. Its engine offered three variations:

Red Label: Standard road-going version.
Blue Label: A touring version with a longer wheelbase.
Green Label: A high-performance version that was produced in limited numbers, primarily for racing.

2. Bentley 4 ½ Litre (1927-1931)
The Bentley 4 ½ Litre was introduced as a successor to the 3-Litre and is perhaps best known for its presence in motorsports. This model, featuring a more powerful 4.5-liter engine, solidified Bentley’s reputation for creating vehicles that could dominate both the road and the track.

Supercharged (Blower) Bentley: This trim featured a supercharger added to the engine by Sir Henry “Tim” Birkin, boosting power significantly for racing purposes.

3. Bentley Speed Six (1928-1930)
Often considered one of the greatest Bentleys ever built, the Speed Six was a high-performance version of the 6 ½ Litre model, combining luxury with incredible power. It won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930. The Speed Six is remembered as a milestone in Bentley’s racing history and was produced in very limited numbers.

4. Bentley Mark VI (1946-1952)
Post-WWII, Bentley introduced the Mark VI, a luxury sedan that became the first Bentley to be built entirely in-house by Rolls-Royce, which had acquired Bentley in 1931. The Mark VI offered:

Standard Steel Saloon: This trim came with factory bodywork, the first time Bentley had provided a complete car, rather than just a chassis.
Coachbuilt Variants: Several custom-built trims were created by renowned coachbuilders, adding unique styling to the base Mark VI.

5. Bentley R-Type (1952-1955)
The R-Type was an evolution of the Mark VI, offering more power and a larger trunk. The model’s standout trim was:

R-Type Continental: This model set a benchmark for grand touring, with sleek fastback bodywork and a top speed of over 120 mph, making it one of the fastest four-seaters in the world at the time.

6. Bentley S Series (1955-1965)
The S Series (S1, S2, and S3) marked a period of transformation for Bentley, transitioning from a post-war era to more modern luxury vehicles.

S1: Introduced with a 4.9-liter inline-six engine.
S2: Replaced the inline-six with a 6.2-liter V8, offering more power and smoother performance.
S3: Updated the styling with quad headlamps and more interior luxury, becoming a favorite for royalty and celebrities.

7. Bentley T-Series (1965-1980)
The T-Series was a major shift in Bentley’s lineup, sharing its platform with the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It was the first Bentley with a unibody construction, and while it was initially criticized for its similarity to Rolls-Royce, it still offered unique Bentley trims:

T1: A more traditional luxury saloon, focusing on ride quality and comfort.
T2: A refreshed version of the T1, with improved handling and interior upgrades.

8. Bentley Mulsanne (1980-present)
Named after the famed corner at the Le Mans circuit, the Mulsanne became the flagship Bentley model in the 1980s and continued until 2020. Several trims were offered, each focused on ultimate luxury and performance:

Mulsanne Turbo: A turbocharged version that reintroduced Bentley’s focus on speed and power.
Mulsanne Speed: The most performance-oriented version, with a top speed of 190 mph.
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase: This trim provided rear-seat passengers with additional legroom, emphasizing chauffeur-driven luxury.

9. Bentley Continental GT (2003-present)
The Bentley Continental GT is arguably the brand’s most famous modern model. It revolutionized Bentley’s image with a balance of grand touring comfort and sports car performance.

Continental GT: The base version comes with a powerful W12 engine.
Continental GT Speed: A high-performance variant with a more powerful engine and sportier tuning.
Continental GT V8: A lighter and more agile version powered by a V8 engine.
Continental GT Mulliner: The ultimate in bespoke luxury, with endless customization options.

10. Bentley Flying Spur (2005-present)
The Flying Spur is Bentley’s luxury sedan offering, blending the sporty performance of the Continental with the comfort of a limousine. Trims include:

Flying Spur W12: Powered by Bentley’s signature W12 engine, offering exceptional performance.
Flying Spur V8: A more nimble version of the Flying Spur with a V8 engine.
Flying Spur Hybrid: Bentley’s first foray into hybrid technology, combining a V6 engine with an electric motor.

11. Bentley Bentayga (2016-present)
Bentley’s first SUV, the Bentayga, redefined luxury in the SUV market. It offers various configurations and trim levels:

Bentayga V8: Powered by a twin-turbo V8, balancing performance and efficiency.
Bentayga W12: Featuring the powerful W12 engine, delivering top-tier performance and luxury.
Bentayga Hybrid: A plug-in hybrid version combining sustainability with luxury.
Bentayga Speed: A high-performance variant, one of the fastest SUVs in the world.
Bentayga Mulliner: Bentley’s most luxurious version, offering endless customization and bespoke options.

12. Bentley Arnage (1998-2009)
The Arnage was the flagship sedan for much of the late 1990s and early 2000s, offering opulent luxury and powerful engines.

Arnage Green Label: Originally powered by a BMW-sourced V8.
Arnage Red Label: Featured Bentley’s traditional 6.75-liter V8 for more power and prestige.
Arnage T: The sportiest version of the Arnage, offering stiffer suspension and more power.

13. Bentley Brooklands (1992-1998, 2008-2011)
The Bentley Brooklands was a luxury coupe that served as a grand tourer. After an initial run in the 1990s, it was revived in 2008 as a limited-edition model.

Brooklands Coupé: The 2008 version offered a 6.75-liter V8 and an emphasis on bespoke luxury.

14. Bentley Azure (1995-2003, 2006-2009)
The Bentley Azure was a large, four-seat convertible offering uncompromised luxury.

Azure Mulliner: The high-end version, with a focus on bespoke craftsmanship.
Azure T: The performance-focused version, with more power and dynamic capabilities.

15. Bentley EXP Series
The EXP Series represents Bentley’s concept cars, designed to showcase the future of the brand.

EXP 10 Speed 6: A concept of a high-performance two-seater sports car.
EXP 12 Speed 6e: A concept electric vehicle that combines Bentley’s luxury with sustainability.

From the iconic Bentley 3-Litre that dominated Le Mans in the 1920s to the cutting-edge Bentley Bentayga SUV, Bentley has continually evolved while maintaining its focus on luxury, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship. Each model, with its various trims and customization options, reflects the brand’s storied history and commitment to creating vehicles that stand at the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Whether it’s a classic R-Type or a modern Continental GT, Bentley continues to be synonymous with luxury and innovation.