Bentley – Technical Specifications & Model History

W.O. Bentley started the company in 1919 — right after World War I ended. Think about that timing. Europe's in chaos, economies are shattered, and this guy decides to build the world's finest motorcars in Cricklewood, London. Not exactly the safest business move. But Bentley had vision. He wanted speed and elegance in one package, which was genuinely radical thinking back then. The brand earned its stripes fast — Le Mans victories, royal patronage, that whole mystique. Over a century later, they're still building cars that make people stare. The Blower Continuation Series actually recreates those early 1930s racing legends. That's commitment to heritage.

Here's the thing about Bentley's approach to technology: it's not about having the most screens or the flashiest gadgets. It's about handcrafted perfection and bespoke customization. Every interior is basically hand-stitched by artisans. Leather gets individually selected. Wood veneers are matched like fine art. That's the signature right there. Now, they've got modern stuff—adaptive suspension, advanced infotainment, driver assistance systems—but it all serves the experience, not the other way around. The Continental Flying Spur is a perfect example: cutting-edge engineering wrapped in timeless elegance. And those W12 engines? Absolutely legendary. Power delivery that feels organic, not digital. That's Bentley's real signature—making technology feel like craftsmanship.

Bentley hasn't released a full production EV yet. That's the honest answer. But here's what matters: they're seriously committed to going electric. The company's stated goal is to have electric vehicles in the lineup by the mid-2020s. Why the delay? Because Bentley won't compromise. They need batteries that deliver the range their customers expect, motors that produce that smooth, effortless power Bentley's known for, and interiors that feel as luxurious as ever. That's a high bar. Check out their electric vehicle plans to see what's coming. The transition won't be quick, but when Bentley does go electric, it'll be done right.

The Continental GT is the answer. No question. It's been Bentley's bestseller since 2003, and for good reason. Before the GT, Bentley was seen as old money, old cars—beautiful but kind of stuck in the past. Then this coupe arrived and everything shifted. Twin-turbocharged W12, stunning design, perfect balance of performance and luxury. Suddenly, younger buyers wanted Bentley. Celebrities wanted Bentley. It became the car that proved modern Bentley could actually be desirable, not just heritage-driven. The Bentayga SUV is climbing the charts now, which says something about market shifts, but the Continental GT? Still the heart of the brand. That's longevity.

Bentley's home is Crewe, England — has been since 1946. They started in Cricklewood, London back in 1919, but after World War II, the company relocated north to Crewe and basically never left. That factory became legendary. Every single Bentley you see today—every Mulsanne, every Flying Spur, every Bentayga—gets hand-assembled in Crewe by craftspeople who've often spent decades perfecting their trade. That's not marketing speak. You can actually visit the factory and watch it happen. Rolls-Royce is there too now, same parent company. Crewe's basically become the epicenter of British ultra-luxury automotive manufacturing. Not bad for a town in the Midlands.