Bentley Custom Style

Bentley’s Custom Scene

Back in the day, say the late 90s, owning a Bentley was a clear mark of exclusivity as the company was moving just about 1,500 units annually. Jump to 2025, and Bentley’s production has soared to roughly 10,500 vehicles a year. With this expansion comes a peculiar dilemma — the risk of a Bentley feeling less unique. To counteract this, Bentley’s Mulliner division steps in.

Personal Touch

Today, 70% of Bentley buyers are opting for at least one customized feature from the Mulliner team. It’s a fascinating trend when you think about how much more personal people want their cars these days. Think about it like this: everybody wants their car to scream individuality, especially when that car carries a badge as prestigious as Bentley.

The Candy Pink Bentayga

A vivid example of Mulliner’s craftsmanship and the bold requests of clients is the bright Candy Pink Bentayga. It’s not just any Bentayga, though. This SUV didn’t just roll out of the factory painted pink. The color is complemented by a Blackline specification that replaces the chrome with black accents across the door handles, tailpipes, and more. This choice turns what could have been startling into something daring yet elegant.

Inside Story

The inside echoes this bold exterior choice with the use of cherry blossom leather details against a primarily black interior. It’s like having a canvas with splashes of vibrant color without overwhelming the senses. Customers are invited to be a part of the design process. The question here, though, is how much input do the designers have in steering these projects given the potential for wildly unique, yet controversial, aesthetic choices?

Driving Experience

Driving a Bentayga, regardless of how it’s customized, remains a luxurious affair. It’s powered by a robust engine that delivers seamless power and acceleration. The comfort of a long drive in this SUV is hard to match unless you’re sitting in another high-end vehicle, say the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Both are titans in their comfort, but the Bentayga turns heads in ways a Cullinan may not, especially when dressed in such vivid colors.

Customization: A Double-Edged Sword?

For Bentley, customization is lucrative but also risky. The challenge lies in accommodating customer wishes while maintaining brand integrity. Turning down peculiar requests could alienate affluent clients. However, fulfilling every desire means walking a fine line to ensure these new creations still represent the Bentley ethos. Consider this: should a brand maintain its traditional values or embrace these new and varied expressions entirely?

It’s an interesting dilemma, and as Bentley continues to navigate the balance of tradition and innovation through customization, one can appreciate the artistic freedom provided to the clients while understanding the potential pitfalls for a luxury automaker.

What’s your take on Bentley’s approach to customization? Should they allow such bold choices, or should there be a limit? Let your thoughts be known in the comments.