Minor upgrades to mainstay Bentley models

MINOR changes have been made to some Bentley models with a focus on enhancing the exterior look for two door Continental Azure variants in coupe and convertible and other upgrades to the four door Flying Spur sedan (saloon).

The refresh is relatively mild in nature but sufficient to offer a new look to the venerated vehicles and to potentially attract buyers away from Bentley competitors.

But the upgrades bring no mechanical changes to the extensive Bentley range which comprises numerous versions of the Bentayga SUV EWB (Extended Wheelbase), Bentayga SUV, Continental GT two-door coupe, Continental GTC convertible, Hybrid models in Bentayga and Flying Spur and the Mullinar top end Flying Spur variant.

On the outside, Azure variants introduce a 22-inch ten-spoke black painted and bright machined wheel design, a first for the Continental range.

Further tweaking the exterior on all Speed models: Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur, and as an alternative to the usual chrome or body coloured exterior hardware, Bentley now offers an edgy new Granite-coloured exterior hardware choice.

High performance versions of the Flying Spur (Speed and S) models are differentiated by a matrix grille on the outside and a diamond-in-diamond stitch pattern to surfaces inside the cabin. The matrix grille is synonymous with Bentley and originally inspired by racing models from the 1920s and replaces the straight vane grille.

What Bentley describes as “lofted quilting” (thicker) is now standard across the Azure range placing an emphasis on comfort and wellbeing for the driver.

And on the cabin floor, new deep pile wool Wilton weave carpet is the base for a double layer of floor coverings which use over-mats unexpectedly in 100 per cent recycled nylon to deliver the same level of comfort but without using virgin material.

Customers desiring a more individual look to their Bentley can now choose dark tint diamond brushed aluminium to fascias and waist rails with introduction of a new ‘technical’ finish with a three-dimensional effect.

The final outwardly obvious change is the introduction of a new exterior colour called Topaz Blue that provides an intense blend of blue and green which Bentley describes as “portraying cool and calm attributes that create a sparkling turquoise jewel laden surface appearance.” It is available across all models.

Bentley says the changes take inspiration from the Bentayga EWB Azure SUV and are centred on wellbeing, comfort and luxury that are diametrically opposed to the performance-focused S and Speed models.

Powertrains used include W12, V8 and V6 petrol (hybrid and PHEV) but the premium auto maker, part of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and then consolidated under VW's premium brand arm Audi in 2022, sold no cars here in April 2023 with year-to-date sales of 57 units in total.

Competition at the top end of town would seem to be fierce however in line with VW’s plan to be fully electric by 2035, Bentley has introduced mild and plug in hybrid variants into their line-up which will start to level up the playing field with its main rivals some of whom are already well down the full electrification path.

Bentley has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and was consolidated under VW's premium brand arm Audi in 2022.