In the world of luxury automobiles, few brands command the respect and admiration that Bentley Motors has cultivated over more than a century. As we navigate through 2025, this British marque continues to demonstrate why it remains at the pinnacle of automotive excellence, seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. Let’s explore how Bentley is redefining what it means to be truly grand, graceful, and gliding in today’s automotive landscape.
A Revolutionary Design Renaissance
Understanding Bentley’s current trajectory requires appreciating the magnitude of change happening at their Crewe headquarters. In July 2025, Bentley unveiled not just a new concept car, but an entirely reimagined vision for their future with the EXP 15 concept and the fifth iteration of their iconic Winged B emblem in 106 years.
The EXP 15 Concept: Where Heritage Meets Tomorrow
The EXP 15 represents Bentley’s design vision for the future, taking inspiration from early 20th century Grand Tourer heritage and interpreting it in a thoroughly modern way. Think of this concept as a bridge between two eras – imagine trying to explain to someone from 1930 how their elegant Speed Six could evolve while maintaining its essential character. This is exactly what Bentley has achieved.
The concept features what designers call ‘Upright Elegance’ and an ‘Endless Bonnet Line,’ reflecting heritage where large combustion engines needed accommodation underneath. However, here’s where it gets fascinating from an engineering perspective: as powertrains transition to electric and require less space, spare space under the EXP 15’s bonnet is repurposed into two elegant storage solutions, accessed via twin panels which reference the historic Gurney Nutting coupe.
The New Winged B: A Symbol Transformed
Created in-house by Bentley’s own design team, the new Winged B is the first step of the next chapter for the Bentley brand and its DNA, representing the biggest change to the instantly-recognizable mark in more than a century. To understand the significance of this change, consider that the previous emblem had been in use since 2002 – an entire generation of luxury car enthusiasts has never known Bentley without it.
Performance Evolution: Power Meets Responsibility
Bentley’s approach to performance in 2025 demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modern luxury expectations. Rather than simply pursuing maximum horsepower, they’re crafting experiences that satisfy both emotional and rational decision-making.
The Most Dynamic Bentayga Yet
Bentley’s most powerful, most dynamic and best sounding Bentayga features increased performance from a twin-turbocharged, non-hybridized V8 with more power than the previous W12-engined Bentayga Speed. This shift represents an important lesson in automotive engineering: sometimes, doing more with less creates a superior overall experience.
The new Bentayga also introduces a more extreme SPORT calibration with a new ESC Dynamic mode that permits exhilarating drift angles where appropriate – a first for Bentley’s pinnacle performance SUV. This development shows how Bentley balances its traditional refinement with the dynamic capabilities that modern luxury SUV buyers expect.
Hybrid Innovation: The Azure Philosophy
The new Azure models mark the arrival of Bentley’s new High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which unites an advanced 4.0-liter V8 engine and powerful electric motor to develop a maximum power output of 680 PS and a maximum torque output of 930 Nm.
Understanding hybrid technology in luxury vehicles requires grasping a fundamental shift in priorities. Traditional luxury focused primarily on comfort and status. Modern luxury, as exemplified by Bentley’s Azure range, adds wellness and environmental consciousness to this equation.
The Wellness Revolution in Luxury Motoring
Perhaps the most intriguing development in Bentley’s 2025 lineup is their systematic approach to occupant wellness. This isn’t merely about comfort – it’s about understanding how environment affects human performance and wellbeing.
Science-Based Comfort Technology
Developed with the help of wellbeing experts and neuroscientists, the Bentayga EWB Azure includes features that enhance comfort as a driver or passenger. The Azure models focus on reducing stress and promoting wellbeing, complemented by driver assistance technologies for smoother, safer journeys.
Consider the practical implications: both front and rear seats feature Bentley’s Wellness seating, with heating and ventilation to maintain the occupant’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness, plus a massage function with six programmable settings that promotes constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture essential in preventing fatigue.
The Psychology of Luxury Space
This wellness approach extends beyond physical comfort to psychological wellbeing. The Continental GT and Flying Spur Azure models include mood lighting, Harmony quilting, and carefully curated aesthetic elements designed to create environments that promote calm and focus. Think of these vehicles not just as transportation, but as mobile wellness sanctuaries.
Craftsmanship in the Digital Age
What makes Bentley’s 2025 approach particularly compelling is how they’re preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing digital innovation. Every car bearing the Bentley name is made to the same exacting standards, with the company’s extraordinary cars always designed and built by exceptional people using only the finest materials.
Customization Without Compromise
The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure displayed at Auto Shanghai features new bespoke color Nīla Blue, available exclusively to Mulliner customers and deeply inspired by acclaimed British fashion designer Supriya Lele’s Indian heritage. This represents the modern approach to luxury customization – not just offering choices, but creating narratives and emotional connections through design.
Technology Integration
Modern Bentley ownership includes connected and extraordinary ownership experiences, with the brand pursuing sustainability as paramount in their journey into the future. This integration of technology serves the user experience rather than dominating it – a crucial distinction in luxury automotive design.
The Future of Grand Touring
Bentley’s 2025 developments reveal a brand confidently navigating the transition between automotive eras. They’re not abandoning their heritage but rather using it as a foundation for innovation. The company launched the ‘Beyond100’ manifesto in 2020, outlining their intention to become the most sustainable luxury automotive brand in the world.
The EXP 15 concept and new model introductions demonstrate that grand touring in the modern era means more than just traveling in style. It means traveling in a way that enhances human wellbeing, respects environmental responsibility, and maintains the emotional connection that makes driving a Bentley special.
Understanding Bentley’s current position requires appreciating that they’re not simply making cars – they’re crafting experiences that honor the past while embracing the future. In a world where luxury often feels disconnected from purpose, Bentley’s 2025 vision proves that true elegance comes from meaningful innovation, not just expensive materials.
As we observe Bentley’s evolution, we’re witnessing a masterclass in how heritage brands can remain relevant without losing their essential character. The company continues to be grand in ambition, graceful in execution, and gliding smoothly toward a future where luxury and responsibility are not competing values, but complementary ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the 2025 Bentley models different from previous years? A: The 2025 models introduce High Performance Hybrid powertrains, wellness-focused technology developed with neuroscientists, and a completely redesigned brand identity including the new Winged B emblem.
Q: How does Bentley’s wellness technology actually work in their cars? A: Bentley’s wellness features include temperature-controlled seating, programmable massage functions, mood lighting, and driver assistance technologies all designed to reduce stress and maintain optimal comfort for alertness and health.
Q: Is Bentley moving away from traditional luxury toward electric vehicles? A: Bentley is evolving their luxury philosophy to include sustainability and wellness while maintaining their handcrafted quality and performance heritage, with hybrid technology serving as a bridge to their electric future.