Acquired by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, Bentley underwent a dramatic transformation, shifting from financial instability to becoming a highly profitable luxury icon. VW invested heavily over £1 billion to modernize the Crewe production facilities while maintaining the brand’s bespoke craftsmanship. The new platform Arnage and the SZ-based Continental and Azure continued, powered by an updated version of the Rolls-Royce heritage V8.
The new era produced game-changing models like the Continental GT (2003) and the Bentayga SUV, blending performance with luxury. Now operating under Audi’s management within the VW Group, Bentley has evolved into a “Sustainable Luxury Mobility” leader, aiming for a fully electric lineup and carbon neutrality by 2030, marking a new chapter focused on electrification.
Bentley Arnage
As Silver Seraph but with sportier twin-turbo BMW V8. Also offered with the Turbo R engine for customers who preferred low-down torque, and for political reasons. Continued after the separation from Rolls-Royce with the old engine.
Years
1998-2005
Engine
4398cc V8 2T BMW; 6750cc V8 T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
c. 1182 Green Label (BMW); c. 7318 Red Label (evolved heritage engine)
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley State Limousine
Stretched Arnage, coachbuilt by Bentley’s Mulliner division, as a gift for HM Queen Elizabeth II, who had direct design input. A statement of intent from Bentley, also showcasing work from a ‘Best of British’ consortium.
Years
2002
Engine
6750cc V8 T
Body Style
Limousine
Production
2
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Bentley Continental GT
A mass-produced replacement for the Continental, albeit with significant hand finishing. Featured a twin-turbo version of the W12 used on the VW Phaeton, and on the same very refined and rigid (but heavy) platform. Permanent 4WD.
Years
2003-11
Engine
5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
GT coupé
Production
c. 40.000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Arnage
Face-lift to match Continental
Years
2005-09
Engine
4398cc V8 2T BMW; 6750cc V8 T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental GTC
Convertible version of GT
Years
2006-11
Engine
5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
GT convertible
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Extended saloon version of GT.
Years
2005-13
Engine
5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
c. 20,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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Bentley Azure Gen 2
Re-engineered to Arnage platform from ageing SZ platform. Probably a victim of the Financial Crisis, which encouraged consolidation at Bentley.
Years
2006-09
Engine
6750cc V8 2T
Body Style
Convertible
Production
c. 1100
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley Brooklands Coupé
Belated proper replacement for the SZ-platform Continental, with strictly limited production.
Years
2008-11
Engine
6750cc V8 2T
Body Style
Production
430
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Coupé
Bentley Mulsanne
Arnage replacement, with Cosworth re-engineered classic V8, which ended after 61 years when the Mulsanne was retired in favour of the the SUV. On its own unique RWD chassis to provide the required experience.
Years
2010-20
Engine
6750cc V8 2T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
7300
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental Gen 2 W12
Updated Continental which had to replace also the Arnage-based Azure and Brooklands.
Years
2011-18
Engine
5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
GT coupé/convertible
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental Gen 2 V8
New 4-Litre option powered by a V8, developed jointly with Audi.
Years
2011-18
Engine
3993cc V8 2T
Body Style
GT coupé/convertible
Production
c. 35,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Flying Spur Gen 2
Partially replaced the Arnage as well as Gen 1 Spur, and Mulsanne was a much bigger, more expensive car.
Years
2013-19
Engine
3993cc V8 2T; 5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
c. 12,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Bentley Bentayga
Popular luxury SUV
Years
2015-20
Engine
3996cc V8 2T; 5950cc W12 2T; 2995cc V6 T PHEV; 3956cc V8 SC/2T Diesel
Body Style
SUV
Production
c. 20,000
Power: Weight
542/600-624/456–462 bhp
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Bentley Continental Gen 3
Now on Porsche MSB platform like the Panamera. The first production car precision ‘Super Formed’ in aluminium.
Years
2018-24
Engine
3993cc V8 2T; 5998cc W12 2T
Body Style
GT coupé/convertible
Production
c. 25,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental Gen 3 GT3
Successful endurance racer using a modified version of the V8 engine.
Years
2018-21
Engine
3993cc V8 2T
Body Style
Coupé racer
Production
15-20 + 3000 GT3-R road cars
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Flying Spur Gen 3
Like the Continental, now also on the MSB platform, thus retiring the D1 Phaeton platform. Further upmarket and expensive options available as the Mulsanne was retired.
Years
2019 on
Engine
2894cc V6 2T hybrid; 3993cc V8 2T; 5950cc W12 2T
Body Style
Saloon
Production
c. 14,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Bentley Bentayga & EWB
New front and rear styling and updated interior. Extended Wheelbase model intended to replace Mulsanne. W12 only on Speed Models which ended in 2024.
Years
2020 on
Engine
2995cc V6 T PHEV; 3996cc V8 2T with PHEV option; 5950cc W12 2T;
Body Style
SUV
Production
c. 20,000
Power: Weight
542/600-624/456–462 bhp
Dimensions
.
Bentley Continental Gen 4
More power (but heavier due to bigger battery), spelling the retirement of the W12. First Bentley since 1959 to have single headlights.
Years
2024 on
Engine
3993cc V8 hybrid
Body Style
GT coupé
Production
Power: Weight
771 bhp.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
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