19-05-2025
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.
