Crewe, 19 January 2024 – Bentley Motors, known for its exquisite luxury cars, had a remarkable 2023 despite facing some challenges in the global market. While they didn’t quite surpass their record-breaking 2022 sales, they managed to deliver a whopping 13,560 extraordinary cars worldwide. But here’s the twist – it seems like Bentley customers are taking customization to a whole new level, making their vehicles as unique as a unicorn in a sea of horses.
In a surprising turn of events, Bentley enthusiasts have embraced personalization like never before. According to the latest data, a staggering 75% of customers ventured beyond the 46 billion standard configuration options available. Yes, you read that right – 46 billion! This represents a jaw-dropping 43% increase compared to the rather mundane 2022. Clearly, the desire for luxury cars that scream “me” has reached new heights.
Bentley’s lineup saw some exciting shifts too. Customers couldn’t resist the allure of higher-revenue models like Azure, S, and Speed, which accounted for a whopping 70% of sales, up from a mere 30% in 2022. But the real star of the show was the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), which took more than a third of the company’s SUV orders during its first full year on the market. Apparently, size does matter in the world of luxury cars.
The trend for hybrid vehicles continued its surge, with the UK leading the pack. One in four Flying Spur and Bentayga customers in the UK decided to go green by choosing the hybrid option. That’s right, Bentley’s home market became the hybrid hotspot of 2023, proving that even the most refined Brits have a soft spot for eco-friendly luxury.
However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows in the world of Bentley. Some regions faced rough roads, and sales took a hit. China and the UK, for instance, saw an 18% decrease in sales, blaming external factors for their less-than-luxurious results.
But fear not, Bentley fans, because the Bentayga is here to save the day. It remained Bentley’s top-selling model, making up a whopping 44% of total sales. The Continental GT and GT Convertible weren’t too far behind, accounting for 31% of sales. And let’s not forget the Flying Spur, which captured 25% of the market, proving that four-door luxury is still very much in vogue.
Despite these challenges, the Americas retained their crown as the top-selling global market. And to add a dash of irony to the mix, Bentley’s homeland, the UK, proudly claimed the title of the top-selling region for hybrid models, with a staggering 27% of sales choosing the green path.
In response to these surprising results, Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, quipped, “The luxury market faced its fair share of challenges in 2023, but we’ve managed to deliver our third-best retail position in history. Our customers are more in love with personalization than ever, and we remain cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. More unique Bentleys are coming your way, folks!”
It seems like in 2023, Bentley owners weren’t just driving luxury cars; they were driving their own unique stories on wheels. Who said the world of luxury couldn’t have a sense of humor?
Regional performance–
| Market | 2023 (sales) | 2022 (sales) | 2023 (% of total sales) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Americas | 3,848(-9%) | 4,221 | 28% |
| Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao | 3,006(-18%) | 3,655 | 22% |
| Europe | 2,376(-15%) | 2,809 | 18% |
| Asia Pacific | 2,123(+5%) | 2,031 | 16% |
| United Kingdom | 1,218(-18%) | 1,490 | 9% |
| Middle East, India and Africa | 989(+2%) | 968 | 7% |
| Total | 13,560(-11%) | 15,174 | 100% |
