is the automaker’s dedicated design team that was created in 2014. On July 9, the design team celebrated the completion of 1,000 bespoke projects and personal commissions, according to their press release.
Here’s an overview of the brand’s projects and what to consider when you’re shopping for a luxury car.
Bentley completes 1,000 commissions
Bentley Mulliner said in their release that in 2014 when the team was formed, there was an increasing demand for personalized vehicles. The specialist team consists of designers and digital artists who produce photo-realistic renders of designs before customers place orders.
The 1,000th project was for a European customer that wanted two specific interior features to personalize their Bentley.
The first was the application of a veneer, Olive Ash, that’s associated with the heritage of Mulsanne. This was added to the inside of a Bentayga model. The second custom feature was a contrast twin stitch to the upper areas of the seats and door trims.
The first-ever project, from seven years ago, was a limited edition of 15 vehicles that focused on passenger comfort: the Flying Spur Serenity. The seats and headrest were re-engineered, and the diamond quilting throughout the cabin was redesigned.
The unique textured leather was the inspiration of the diamond design featured in the current Continental GT Mulliner.
The projects span across the entire Bentley model range since 2014. Here are some of the team’s favorite customizations from the last seven years:
Jet-fighter inspired Continentals
6.75-liter V8 engine Mulsannes
Different interior trims between the driver and passenger sides in a Bentayga
Some commissions were created as a series of cars and sold to a small number of customers. Seven cars were made to match the color for each aircraft of the Breitling Jets aerial display team.
From bespoke treadplates to Coachbuilt projects like the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, the team took on a variety of customizations. Bentley said in their release that "The Mulliner customer of today is now only limited by two constraints—their imagination and the law."
Luxury cars have hefty insurance costs
Paul Williams, Director of Milliner and Motorsport, said that "Since 2014, our Mulliner Design team has averaged three customer commissions a week, showing just how popular bespoke Bentleys are becoming."
All of these designs have only one thing in common—they’re customized for individuals. This customization comes with a big price tag. According to
, a 2020 Bentley Mulsanne can start at $304,670 without any customizations.
Luxury and exotic vehicles don’t just have high initial costs, they’ll also come with hefty car insurance premiums.
Car insurance companies charge high premiums because theft or damage to a customized car can mean significant losses. If you can buy a high-end car, you can probably afford the insurance. But if you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle on a budget, you’ll want to consider the total costs of ownership.
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