When you think of luxury cars, Bentley often comes to mind with its elegant design and superior craftsmanship. Many car enthusiasts wonder who stands behind this prestigious brand that has become synonymous with luxury and excellence.
Bentley has been owned by the Volkswagen Group since 1998. Since 2022, it has been consolidated under VW’s premium brand arm Audi.
The ownership story of Bentley is an interesting journey through automotive history. The company was founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, but has changed hands several times throughout its existence.
Before Volkswagen’s acquisition, Bentley went through various ownership phases, including a period between 1997 and 2003 when Bentley vehicles were produced jointly by Volkswagen and BMW.
Today, while under Volkswagen Group ownership, Bentley continues to operate from its historic factory in Crewe, England. This relationship has allowed the luxury automaker to maintain its distinctive British character while benefiting from the technological and financial resources of one of the world’s largest automotive conglomerates.
Key Takeaways
- Bentley is a luxury automobile brand that has been owned by the Volkswagen Group since 1998.
- The company maintains its distinctive British identity while operating under German ownership from its factory in Crewe, England.
- Volkswagen’s resources have helped Bentley continue as a leading luxury car manufacturer while preserving its heritage and craftsmanship.
History of Bentley
Bentley’s rich heritage spans over a century, evolving from its early racing roots to becoming a symbol of luxury craftsmanship and engineering excellence.
The Founding by W.O. Bentley
Walter Owen Bentley, commonly known as W.O. Bentley, established Bentley Motors in London on January 18, 1919. His vision was simple but ambitious – “to build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.”
Before founding the company, W.O. had gained valuable experience designing aircraft engines during World War I. This engineering background helped him create the company’s first automobile.
The iconic Bentley 3 Litre was introduced in 1921, marking the beginning of the brand’s commitment to performance and luxury. This revolutionary car featured an innovative four-valve engine and quickly established Bentley’s reputation for engineering excellence.
W.O.’s dedication to quality and performance set the foundation for what would become one of Britain’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers.
The Bentley Boys and Racing Heritage
The 1920s saw the rise of the famous “Bentley Boys” – a group of wealthy British motorists who raced Bentley cars with tremendous success. These adventurous gentlemen helped cement Bentley’s racing legacy.
Bentley achieved remarkable success at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the endurance race five times between 1924 and 1930. The most impressive feat came with four consecutive victories from 1927 to 1930.
The racing triumphs brought fame to the brand but required substantial financial investment. Despite their success on the track, these racing endeavors put a strain on the company’s resources.
The Bentley Boys’ exploits created a lasting racing heritage that continues to influence the brand’s sporting character even today.
Period of Financial Challenges
Despite racing success, Bentley faced serious financial difficulties in the late 1920s. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and subsequent Great Depression severely impacted luxury car sales worldwide.
By 1931, Bentley Motors was struggling to survive. The company was wound up due to financial difficulties and put into receivership.
A mysterious buyer operating through the British Central Equitable Trust made an offer for the company. Initially, many believed the buyer was Napier & Son, a British engineering company.
W.O. Bentley himself had no idea who the actual purchaser was until the deal was completed. This period of uncertainty marked a turning point in the company’s history.
Acquisition by Rolls-Royce
In a surprising turn of events, the mysterious buyer of Bentley Motors was revealed to be none other than Bentley’s chief competitor – Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce formed a new company, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd, and production moved from London to Derby, where Rolls-Royce was based.
W.O. Bentley reluctantly joined Rolls-Royce as a designer but left in 1935, unhappy with his diminished role in the company he founded. He later joined Lagonda, another British luxury car manufacturer.
Under Rolls-Royce ownership, Bentley models became more luxurious but lost some of their sporting character. This acquisition began a new chapter for Bentley that would last for decades until Volkswagen Group acquired the brand in 1998.
Ownership Journey
Bentley Motors has changed hands several times throughout its century-long history, with each owner bringing different influences to the luxury car brand. The ownership transitions shaped Bentley’s development from a racing icon to a modern luxury manufacturer.
Role in Rolls-Royce Motors
Bentley’s fate changed dramatically in 1931 when Rolls-Royce acquired the struggling company. This acquisition marked the end of the W.O. Bentley era and the beginning of a new chapter.
During this period, Bentley vehicles were often referred to as “disguised Rolls-Royces” as they shared many mechanical components. The brand maintained its sporty image but with Rolls-Royce’s focus on luxury and refinement.
In the late 1970s, Rolls-Royce faced financial difficulties, leading to a split of the car business from the aircraft engine operations. Vickers, a British engineering company, purchased Rolls-Royce Motors (including Bentley) in 1980.
Under Vickers’ ownership, Bentley began to develop a stronger identity separate from Rolls-Royce, with models like the Continental R helping to establish Bentley’s unique character.
Volkswagen AG Acquisition
In 1998, a bidding war erupted for Rolls-Royce Motors. Volkswagen Group ultimately acquired Bentley, while BMW secured the rights to the Rolls-Royce name in a complex arrangement.
This acquisition brought substantial investment to Bentley. Volkswagen poured resources into modernizing the Crewe factory in England and developing new models.
Under VW’s ownership, Bentley experienced unprecedented growth and innovation. The launch of the Continental GT in 2003 helped transform Bentley into a more accessible luxury brand with higher production volumes.
Today, Bentley operates as part of Volkswagen’s luxury division, alongside other premium brands like Audi. The German parent company has maintained Bentley’s British heritage while providing the technological resources and financial stability needed to compete in the modern luxury car market.
Bentley Models and Innovations
Bentley has created numerous iconic vehicles throughout its history, combining luxury craftsmanship with powerful performance. The company’s dedication to innovation has resulted in some of the most prestigious automobiles in the world.
The Iconic Bentley 3 Litre
The Bentley 3 Litre marked the beginning of Bentley’s prestigious heritage. Introduced in 1921, this revolutionary automobile was designed by W.O. Bentley himself. The car featured an innovative 3-liter four-cylinder engine with aluminum pistons and twin spark plugs – advanced technology for its time.
The 3 Litre wasn’t just elegant; it was also incredibly capable. It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924 and 1927, establishing Bentley’s racing pedigree early in the company’s history.
What made the 3 Litre special was its unique combination of performance and luxury. Unlike many sports cars of the era, it offered both speed and comfort, establishing the dual-personality that would become Bentley’s trademark for generations to come.
Continental Flying Spur Development
The Continental Flying Spur represents Bentley’s perfect blend of power and luxury. First introduced in 2005, this four-door grand tourer was designed to complement the popular Continental GT coupe.
The name “Flying Spur” comes from the heraldic device of the Mulliner family, who were famous coach builders associated with Bentley. This connection highlights Bentley’s respect for its heritage while pushing forward with innovation.
Over the years, the Flying Spur has evolved significantly. Modern versions feature:
- W12 or V8 engine options
- All-wheel drive systems
- Advanced driver assistance technologies
- Hand-crafted interiors with the finest materials
Each Flying Spur takes approximately 130 hours to build by hand at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England, where over 4,000 dedicated employees create these extraordinary vehicles.
Bentley’s Luxury SUV – The Bentayga
The Bentayga, launched in 2015, marked Bentley’s bold entry into the luxury SUV market. It represented one of the biggest innovations in the company’s recent history, expanding beyond their traditional sedan and coupe offerings.
As the world’s first ultra-luxury SUV, the Bentayga combined Bentley’s craftsmanship with surprising off-road capability. The vehicle features an adaptive chassis that can handle everything from track driving to genuine off-road terrain.
The Bentayga offers several powertrain options, including:
- W12 twin-turbocharged engine
- V8 twin-turbo for more efficiency
- Hybrid version for environmentally conscious luxury
Inside, it maintains Bentley’s reputation for opulence with handcrafted leather, wood, and metal finishes. Modern Bentaygas also include cutting-edge technology like night vision, advanced driver assistance, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems.
The Bentayga has been a commercial success for Volkswagen Group-owned Bentley, helping to introduce the brand to new luxury consumers worldwide.
Bentley in Modern Times
The iconic British luxury car brand has undergone significant changes in ownership and direction since the late 1990s. Bentley has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1998 and was later consolidated under VW’s premium brand arm Audi in 2022.
Competing in the Luxury Market
Bentley faces stiff competition from other luxury brands like Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, and Maybach. Despite this, they’ve carved out a unique position in the ultra-luxury segment with their combination of handcrafted interiors and powerful performance.
Their Continental GT and Flying Spur models have become modern classics in the luxury car world. These vehicles balance traditional Bentley craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and comfort features.
Bentley’s Bentayga SUV, launched in 2015, was a bold move into new territory. This expansion helped the company reach new customers while maintaining the exclusivity the brand is known for.
Customer experience remains central to Bentley’s business model. The company offers extensive personalization options through their Mulliner division, allowing buyers to create truly one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Sustainable Practices and Electrification
Bentley has embraced an ambitious plan called “Beyond100” to transform its product lineup. This strategy focuses on offering hybrid or fully electric versions of all their models by 2026.
Their first all-electric vehicle is scheduled to debut in 2025, marking a significant turning point for the brand. This move reflects both environmental concerns and changing luxury market preferences.
The company has also committed to becoming carbon neutral in its manufacturing operations. Their factory in Crewe, England already uses renewable energy sources and focuses on reducing waste.
Bentley’s approach to electrification maintains their luxury identity while acknowledging the need for more sustainable options. Rather than compromising on performance or comfort, they’re integrating new technology with their traditional strengths.
The Bentley Community
The Bentley community brings together passionate owners, enthusiasts, and brand representatives worldwide. This network celebrates the luxury marque’s heritage while fostering connections among those who appreciate Bentley’s craftsmanship and prestige.
Bentley Owners and Clubs
Bentley owners form an exclusive group united by their appreciation for luxury automobiles. These enthusiasts often join Bentley Communities where they share experiences and advice about their vehicles.
Ownership clubs exist in many countries, hosting regular gatherings, driving events, and concours competitions. These clubs create spaces for owners to showcase their prized possessions and exchange maintenance tips.
Many Bentley owners are high-net-worth individuals including business leaders, celebrities, and royalty. The sense of belonging to this exclusive community adds significant value beyond the car itself.
Club events often feature heritage displays, highlighting classic models alongside new releases. This connection between past and present reinforces the brand’s legacy and helps new owners appreciate Bentley’s rich history.
Bentley’s Global Brand Presence
Bentley Motors Limited, headquartered in Crewe, England, maintains a strong global presence through dealerships in major cities worldwide. The company creates community engagement through exclusive events and experiences tailored to local markets.
Bentley strengthens customer relationships through personalized services like bespoke design consultations and factory tours. These experiences help customers feel connected to the brand’s craftsmanship traditions.
The company actively engages with local communities where it operates. In Crewe, for example, Bentley is a major employer and supports community initiatives.
Digital platforms have expanded Bentley’s community reach, with virtual events and social media connecting enthusiasts regardless of location. This modern approach complements traditional owner gatherings.
Bentley’s community involvement extends to philanthropy, with partnerships supporting arts, education, and environmental causes. These efforts reflect the values shared by many Bentley owners and enhance the brand’s reputation.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Bentley Motors has formed strategic alliances with luxury brands and automotive companies to enhance its prestige and technological capabilities. These partnerships reflect Bentley’s commitment to excellence while benefiting from shared expertise across various fields.
Aligning with Other Luxury Brands
Bentley has created meaningful partnerships with prestigious brands that share similar values of craftsmanship and luxury. One notable collaboration is with The Macallan, a premium single-malt whisky producer. This partnership focuses on sustainability and innovation while creating exclusive products that appeal to discerning customers of both brands.
The luxury automaker has also developed collaborations with various partners worldwide, creating products ranging from furniture to fragrances. These partnerships extend Bentley’s brand beyond vehicles into lifestyle products.
In early 2025, Bentley partnered with We Are PoWEr to sponsor the ‘Power List’, showcasing their commitment to supporting influential women in business.
Technological Synergy with Audi and Others
Bentley’s technological partnerships are centered within the Volkswagen Group. The brand was acquired in 1998. Audi, also a Volkswagen Group member, has shared advanced technologies with Bentley.
The relationship with Audi has been particularly fruitful. Bentley borrowed platforms and engine technologies to enhance performance while maintaining luxury standards. This technological exchange helped Bentley modernize its lineup while preserving its distinct character.
Mobil 1 has collaborated with Bentley Motors for over a decade. This ensures optimal engine performance in Bentley vehicles. This partnership underscores Bentley’s focus on reliability and performance even in their most luxurious models.
Porsche, another Volkswagen Group member, shares engineering expertise with Bentley. They help with chassis development and performance enhancements.
