Latest news with #Mulliner
NZ Autocar
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Bentley creates a Kiwi Bentayga: Aoraki by Mulliner
Commissioned by Bentley Auckland, the firm's bespoke Mulliner division has created the Bentayga Aoraki Edition, taking inspiration from a New Zealand icon. Bentley Bentayga Aoraki Edition looks all set to take on the rigours of mountain passes. It's the first-ever Bentley to incorporate aspects of New Zealand's dramatic landscape. The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki Edition is named after New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Special features include across-the-seat quilting in a negative perforation which is a world-first for Mulliner. Essentially, the mountain scene is 'embossed' on the perforated leather seat backs where there are deliberately no perforations. This clever feature, akin to automotive art in relief, is complemented by contrasting hand-stitched Bentley emblems. Clever use of negative perforation in the Bentayga Aoraki Edition. The bespoke Bentley Azure Aoraki collection proudly wears the exact coordinates (43,5950S, 170.1418E) of Aoraki Mount Cook's 3724m peak embossed on the dashboard facia and also on the stainless satin treadplates. It is a unique design element that connects the vehicle to the iconic mountain. Coordinates for our tallest peak are found in unusual places. The genesis of New Zealand-inspired Bentley evidently arose during 'Extraordinary Journeys' in 2023. The event, curated as a once-in-a-lifetime journey, offered Bentley owners a chance to experience a collection of Bentley models on some of the world's most exceptional routes. Mountain lodge with Southern Alps inspired colours and tones for the Bentayga Aoraki Edition. On day three of the New Zealand journey, a group of guests arrived by helicopter at a remote high-country station in Central Otago for lunch. Along with Steve Fulks, General Manager of Bentley in New Zealand, they discussed the idea of creating something as majestic as the view they had just witnessed. The genesis of the Aoraki Edition project was born from this discussion. Not the Bentayga Aoraki but in behind is some of the inspiration for the model. Mulliner's bespoke design team were equally inspired by New Zealand's landscapes. They produced a colour combination that captures several elements of Aotearoa's unique environment. After many months of deliberation and lengthy conversations, the final design was signed off at Bentley in Crewe. The Bentley Bentayga Aoraki Edition was then set in motion. Anthracite over Cyprus Duo-tone exterior paint references the dramatic hues of rock above the tree line on the Southern Alps. At the same time, the tussock-covered plateaus are represented in Khamun contrast hand-painted pinstriping to the Carbon Fibre Styling specification. Contrasting matte and gloss paintwork evident here. The hand-crafted interior includes Open Pore Galaxy Stone on the centre console, with 'Kea Green' accented leather, which is also used on the grab handles. There's a six-o'clock steering wheel spoke specifically curated to replicate the olive-emerald plumage of the famously cheeky kea. This endangered mountain parrot is endemic to New Zealand's South Island. Colours from the Southern Alps well represented on the interior of the Bentayga Aoraki Edition as well. Combined with the Anthracite and Khamun tones, the Mulliner palate perfectly captures the hues of Fiordland National Park. Built to be enjoyed in our cities and the most remote backcountry roads, the Bentley Mulliner Aoraki is the Bentley you can take anywhere. It includes Touring Specification and All Terrain Specification, features designed to enhance the driving experience across all terrains. The other location of Aoraki coordinates in the special Kiwi Bentayga. Other notable items include a bespoke colour-matched Bentley Roof Box for additional storage, 22-inch Azure Wheels in Beluga Gloss with Cyprus pockets, rear acoustic privacy glass, a Bang & Olufsen for Bentley audio system, and mood lighting to ensure an unprecedented level of enjoyment for passengers. Additional Standard Options comprise: Blackline Specification Dynamic Ride, Four-Wheel Steer Tow Bar Preparation, including NZ tongue LED Welcome Puddle Lamps Black Brake Calipers Five-Seat Comfort Specification The Mullner Bentayga Aoraki is scheduled to arrive at Bentley Auckland in June 2025. For more information, go here.
ArabGT
20-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Bentley Batur Convertible Makes Global Debut in Dubai
Bentley Motors has officially revealed the all-new Bentley Batur Convertible, making its global debut at an exclusive unveiling event hosted at Bab Al Shams Resort in Dubai, UAE. Designed by Mulliner, Bentley's bespoke division, this extraordinary open-top grand tourer marks the third bespoke commission in Bentley's modern coachbuilding era. Crafted as a significant evolution in the marque's design philosophy, the Batur Convertible delivers a luxurious open-air driving experience inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Batur. With just a handful to be produced, it joins the ultra-exclusive ranks of its predecessors—the Bacalar and Batur Coupé, both of which were instant sellouts. Under the hood lies a defining chapter in Bentley's engineering legacy: the final and most powerful iteration of its legendary W12 engine. This 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged masterpiece produces an astonishing 750 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Paired with refined intake systems, larger turbochargers, and enhanced intercoolers, this hand-built engine represents the peak of Bentley's powertrain innovation. As production of the W12 concludes this summer, the Batur Convertible becomes one of the last vehicles to carry this iconic motor—solidifying its status as a collector's treasure. Striking Design, Inside and Out Currently displayed in Dubai, the Batur Convertible features a bold exterior finished in Midnight Emerald, enhanced by high-gloss carbon fiber details. A standout front grille—framed in dark titanium and color-graded from gloss Mandarin to gloss Beluga—brings a striking dynamic to the face of the vehicle. Completing the look is the signature Batur Racing Stripe in Gloss Porpoise with Gloss Mandarin accents, which tie seamlessly into the Mandarin-highlighted cabin. Inside, the cabin mirrors the opulence of the exterior, showcasing Cumbrian Green and Porpoise leather, subtly contrasted by Mandarin stitching and piping. Mulliner's meticulous attention to detail is evident in elements like brushed titanium bull's-eye vents and organ stops, as well as a unique instrument panel adorned with a laser-etched W12 soundwave signature. The dashboard itself boasts a refined gradient that transitions from Gloss Beluga to High Gloss Carbon Fiber and back again. Modern Coachbuilding Meets Bentley Heritage Bentley's heritage of crafting convertibles dates back to 1919, and the Batur Convertible proudly continues that lineage. Inspired by the Bacalar's design language and performance DNA, this new model is engineered as a two-seat grand tourer that combines open-top freedom with the exclusivity of coachbuilt luxury. Thanks to advanced structural engineering, the Batur Convertible achieves both beauty and strength—offering a smooth, powerful driving experience while retaining a distinctive silhouette. Mulliner's expertise enabled them to blend design cues from both the Bacalar and Batur Coupé while introducing a new level of versatility through its convertible roof configuration. Bespoke to the Last Detail Every Batur Convertible will be a singular creation, shaped to reflect the unique tastes of its owner. Bentley invites each customer to collaborate directly with Mulliner's design team, choosing from a near-limitless array of customization options, including fully bespoke exterior paint finishes, rare materials, and even hand-painted detailing. Customers can personalize everything from the grille's gradient effect to the dashboard finishes. Premium materials such as titanium, high-gloss carbon, and hand-polished metals can be combined to create one-of-a-kind visual combinations. For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, select interior components—including the Bentley Drive Mode Selector and iconic Organ Stop vents—can be finished in solid 3D-printed rose gold. These elements are crafted in collaboration with master goldsmiths from Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, merging artisanal heritage with cutting-edge automotive luxury. The rose gold finish can also extend to the steering wheel's center mark, adding yet another layer of bespoke refinement. A Final Chapter for an Iconic Engine The Batur Convertible is not only a statement of handcrafted artistry, but also a mechanical swan song for Bentley's W12 engine. This 750 hp powertrain has defined Bentley performance for over two decades, and with 40% more power and 25% better fuel efficiency than when it first launched, it remains a testament to relentless development and engineering brilliance. Each unit will be built by hand over several months at Mulliner's dedicated workshop within Bentley's carbon-neutral factory in Crewe, England—ensuring the highest levels of craftsmanship and exclusivity.
ArabGT
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Bentley's 2025 Models Debut a New Engine Option with Lower Horsepower
For 2025, Bentley is introducing a new powertrain option for its Continental GT and Flying Spur models—one that delivers slightly less power but retains the brand's signature performance and luxury. The new configuration, called the Performance Hybrid, combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a single electric motor, offering a total output of 671 horsepower. This places it below the 771 hp produced by Bentley's Speed variants but still delivers more than enough for a commanding driving experience. Unlike most automotive updates that add more power, Bentley's latest move appears to prioritize efficiency, balance, and possibly emissions compliance. The move also gives customers more flexibility, especially if they find the responsiveness of a 771-horsepower grand tourer a bit excessive. The standard Speed versions produce 592 hp from the internal combustion engine and an additional 187 hp from the electric motor, for a combined 771 hp and 800 Nm of torque. In the new Performance Hybrid, the V8's output is reduced to 512 hp, while electric power remains the same, bringing total torque down slightly to 770 Nm. The 25.9-kWh battery is unchanged, offering the same hybrid architecture with revised tuning. Despite the reduction in power, performance figures remain impressive. The 2025 Continental GT coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, while the convertible version completes the same sprint in 3.8 seconds—roughly half a second slower than the Speed version. The Flying Spur, also powered by the new hybrid setup, matches the convertible's 3.8-second figure. Alongside the slightly detuned output, the hybrid system offers improved all-electric range. Bentley estimates that the Continental GT hardtop will manage up to 85 km of electric-only driving, while the convertible reaches around 82 km. The Flying Spur follows closely with an estimated 80 km range. These improvements are modest but notable, especially for buyers looking to reduce fuel usage during short-distance driving. The new hybrid powertrain will be available in Standard and Azure trims. The more performance-focused Speed and ultra-luxury Mulliner variants will continue to use the more powerful Ultra Performance system. Azure trims will stand out visually, featuring brighter grille finishes, unique wheels, exclusive badging, and refined design touches that distinguish them from the rest of the lineup. Although Bentley hasn't officially linked the introduction of the lower-output hybrid to emissions regulations, the timing and specifications suggest the move is aimed at meeting European emissions standards. Regardless, Bentley maintains that the Performance Hybrid variants are still quicker than the outgoing Speed models from the previous generation—a testament to the efficiency gains and technical refinement behind the update. Pricing for the 2025 Continental GT with the new powertrain starts at $265,900 (SAR 997,125), with orders now open. Details for the Flying Spur's pricing and availability are expected to follow soon.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Bugatti Tourbillon Options Cost More Than Some Supercars
If there is one thing that the upper echelon of big spenders love to do with their fancy, schmancy things, it's making sure that they leave their mark on it. In the world of fashion, extra bells and whistles and added personalization are the name of the game for some expensive and fashionable leather goods brands. For example, Parisian fashion brands Louis Vuitton and Goyard offer their customers the opportunity to add a hand-painted monogram to their items— a bold, hand-painted mark of their initials in any color, font, or size they like on leather goods and luggage that can cost upwards of thousands of dollars. Cars are no different. Luxury automakers like Rolls-Royce and Bentley will go above and beyond to accommodate one's tastes, as programs like the Double R's Bespoke program and Bentley's Mulliner unlock a new world of possibilities for owners and their checkbooks. However, the storied French hypercar atelier Bugatti is adding a new meaning to extravagance, as new details about its latest model, the Tourbillon, are shaping up to be a big spenders' dream and their accountant's worst nightmare. According to a report by TheSupercarBlog, a leaked order sheet revealed that some of the options that Bugatti Tourbillon customers can add have eye-watering price tags that seem closer to the price of actual supercars. The order sheet, which was briefly shared and then deleted from Instagram, showed that someone could spend close to a million dollars to configure their Tourbillon to their liking. For starters, the Equipe Pur Sang configuration is a $240,000 performance package that includes various upgrades throughout the whole car. According to Bugatti, the package, which translates to 'Thoroughbred Team' in English, "pays emphatic visual testament to the Tourbillon's incomparable performance and Bugatti's motorsport history." It includes aerodynamic upgrades like an upgraded front splitter, rear wing, and rear diffuser, special seats with special embroidery, 23 additional exterior colors, 20 more leather options, 10 additional Alcantara choices, and seven new carpet colors for customers to choose from. It also includes special wheels and an advanced "purpose-built" exhaust system featuring eight exhaust pipes. However, the Equipe Pur Sang option is not the most expensive option for this specific car. That honor goes to the Matt Vermillion Carbon and Matt Red paint job, which cost an additional—hold your breath—$360,000. For reference, that eclipses the $241,300 base price for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the $346,950 base price for the Ferrari 296, or roughly 12 bog-standard Toyota Priuses (based on a $28,350 base price). Other expensive options include $65,000 in additional personalization upgrades for the car's watch-like gauge cluster. Gold-plated accents for that cluster come in at an additional $20,000, or about the same price as a new Mitsubishi Mirage or a Nissan Versa. The Tourbillon's Sky View glass roof panels cost $75,000, while the 'Performance Noir' mesh grille inserts and a black exhaust coating cost an extra $25,000 and $15,000, respectively. To top it off, anyone wanting to travel with their Tourbillon might opt for the luggage set that includes a weekend and two garment bags matched to the car's exterior paint job. Those cost $36,000, about the same price as a well-equipped Honda Accord. It is no secret that the highest-income people are spending like there is no tomorrow. According to a recent analysis from credit rating bureau Moody's published in The Wall Street Journal, American households with the top 10% of incomes, those that make $250,000 or more per year, account for nearly half of all consumer spending in the country. In the 1990s, this bracket accounted for only about 36%, prompting economists to signal that economic growth is now unusually reliant on the richest Americans. However, this situation is making luxury automakers a heck of a lot money. Even though Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently told The Telegraph that he wanted to police its customers' more "garish" customization and personalization choices, even though it accounts for a large portion of its earnings. In 2024, Ferrari sold just 13,752 vehicles but grossed around €1.3 billion ($1.35 billion) from its "Atelier" and "Tailor Made" personalization programs last year, accounting for about a fifth of the Prancing Horse's overall revenues. As for Bugatti, it isn't surprising that Tourbillon options cost as much as they do. It's a Bugatti, after all. For many non-car enthusiasts, its reputation and distinction are built off the fact that it produces cars worth millions of dollars, and this revelation pretty much reinforces that.
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The Bentley Bentayga Is Ultra Luxe; Mulliner Makes It Exclusive
The Bentley Bentayga EWB There's Bentley, and then, there's Mulliner, the top of the line trim that not only allows buyers to commission a personalized design, but pushes a Bentley design into collectible territory, potentially with a future on the lawn at Pebble Beach or the Amelia Island Concours. The ability to create a truly bespoke Bentley is the lure of Mulliner. Paired with the best-selling Bentayga EWB, or extended wheel base offering 7' more legroom over the standard model, the ultimate Bentley is born. The Bentley Bentayga, which accounts for more than 40% of the brand's sales, has an opening price of $203,000. The Mulliner edition, which carries a decidedly lofty premium—$99,000 over the Bentayga EWB, which is itself a $34,000 upgrade over the standard wheel base, starts at $336,000. And 'lofty' is quite popular among Bentley buyers; more than 70% of Bentley customers opt for Mulliner designs. The exterior Mulliner badge on the Bentley Bentayga It's not easy to instantly spot a Mulliner edition of a Bentayga unless it carries the Mulliner icons, which is a design choice of course; those who commission a Mulliner can always skip the badging. The Bentayga I recently drove was denoted by exterior Mulliner badges: a slash of chrome near the front doors; there were also name plates inside. The interior Mulliner badges picture the silhouette of the Bentayga, embedded in the woodgrain dash and on the polished wood and metal lattice work on the back of the 'picnic tables' that extend from the seat backs. The thin arcs of brass are so delicate and precise they seem as if they flowed from an artist's pen. The Bentayga itself is a demure SUV, blending into the sea of similarly sized SUVs on the road. Its full-size proportions are typical for its class, built on the same platform as the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. And while its silhouette is familiar, it is distinct for its fenders, the sporty stance of its wheels, oval crystal-cut tail lights and its iconic face, framed by crystal cut headlights and a diamond mesh grille. The front end of the Bentley Bentayga You don't just buy a Bentley Bentayga, you commission one. Even with its entry level model, buyers can create a unique look and feel, even in the entry model, with hundreds of choices of deeply glowing paints. Mulliner takes this a step further, allowing custom colors, layered tints and hues that deepen the paint's resonance, to custom colors that Bentley's designers will create for a buyer. The resulting paint can be incredible on its own: a solid matte shade or one that seems to change color with the shift of clouds or sun. Our test model was painted in Brodgar with a Pale Brodgar roof, or silver and platinum that took on a sheen of chinchilla in the shade but looked more blue-gray in the sun; even though the roof was painted a lighter color, it was hard to tell if it was truly a different paint, or simply reflecting the sun. Inside the Bentley Bentayga you're greeted by layers of Bridge of Weir leather, deeply polished wood surfaces and elegant textured metals—or at least we were in our test model. The feel is of both the jewelry and the jewel box, all in one. I had to sit in the rear seat of the Bentayga before sliding into the driver's seat; I knew it would be good, but I wasn't prepared for just how good. I didn't want to leave. The seats envelop you with soft quilted leather and a microsuede pillow cradles your head. Push a button and the right rear seat begins to transform into a lounge chair complete with a footrest that extends from the back of the front seat. A panoramic sunroof overhead allowed the cabin to glow. With every surface finished in leather, wood or crafted metals your senses are completely ensconced in the Bentley world. The view from the driver's seat in the Bentley Bentayga Behind the wheel the Bentley Bentayga Milliner is just as delightful, or even more if you like to drive. The front cabin of our test model was fitted with gleaming wood called Liquid Amber, and it stands out instantly giving the cabin a yacht-like fee. The wood is a rich contrast to the creamy color of the Portland hide, which in any other luxury car might be called oyster or creamy beige. A contrasting darker brown Burnt Oak leather covered the dashboard, door panels and seat backs and other surfaces, allowing the lighter colors to guide the mood in the cabin. The dashboard is an undulating swath of leather, wood, gloss black and technology panels, the multimedia screen sitting in the space between the driver's display and the passenger's side of the cabin Below the screen is a climate panel with buttons for optimal control, and below that a command center with the gear shifter lever, drive mode selector and drive control buttons, all set on black backgrounds. The control buttons give a solid analog feel to the cabin; the gear lever, topped with a Bentley winged B icon, feels commanding in your hand. The Mulliner badge on the interior of the Bentley Bentayga Power is a luxury, after all, but too much power demands more of the driver and can take away from the luxury feel. The Bentayga Mulliner hits the perfect point between satisfying power—the twin turbo V8 is confident and offers quick acceleration—and performance: Even on curvy roads this large SUV holds its own, sticking to every curve but not tossing passengers around in the cabin. While all Bentayga models are powered by a twin turbo V8 engine that delivers a liberating 542 hp and 568 pound-feet of torque. And even with all that power, the Bentayga is relatively quiet. In B mode the default mode it's a bit louder and more assertive than comfort mode, but not quite as peppy as Sport mode. You'll hear the engine, but but even so, the sound is more ambient than prominent. The rear of the Bentley Bentayga; the push-button badge that opens the liftgate This moment could be a fleeting one for the current Bentley Bentayga, as the company mulls the next makeover of this full-size, full-luxe SUV. And just to be clear, Bentley has not announced a redesign of the Bentayga, though the recent redesigns and new powertrains in the Continental GT and Flying Spur have many anticipating that a Bentayga with a new powertrain can't be far behind. When Bentley announced the end of production of the W12 engine in 2024 and added more powerful plug-in hybrid electric powertrains to replace it, collectors pounced. The W12—essentially a dual V6 engine—was much-loved for its hand-built mechanical prowess. Buyers were encouraged to give the new powertrain a chance; while some dismissed the idea of a plug-in hybrid electric, others, like me, found it elating; far more quick and powerful. The loss of the W12 and wait for the hybrid means that the Bentley Bentayga offers only the single twin turbo V8 powertrain. And after driving it for a week, I found, that it's plenty. In fact, it delivers just 38 fewer horses than the W12 engine. But increasing power to 771 hp, as in the Continental and Flying Spur? That surely will add to the status of the Bentayga, making an even more illustrious and luxurious SUV.
