In this undated photo, luxury carmaker Bentley Motors displays its latest product lineup at the ongoing Beijing auto show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Luxury car brand Bentley Motors is showcasing its renewed product lineup during the ongoing Beijing auto show. The brand says it has achieved sustained growth and expects a more positive forecast this year in the world's largest auto market.
"After celebrating our first centenary year in 2019, 2020 marks the start of a new century and indeed a new era for Bentley," said Kim Airey, managing director of Bentley Motors Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Despite the turbulent economic situation, Bentley has achieved sustained growth in China. During the past 12 months, three new models have been introduced to the Chinese market. In the first eight months of this year, Bentley saw a year-on-year increase of more than 80 percent in delivery on the Chinese mainland.
With the continued confidence we have in the Chinese market and our strongest product portfolio ever with the new Bentayga, the new Flying Spur and the new Continental GT V8, we anticipate significant growth in 2020 and an even more positive forecast in the future.
Kim Airey, Managing director of Bentley Motors Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao
"With the continued confidence we have in the Chinese market and our strongest product portfolio ever with the new Bentayga, the new Flying Spur and the new Continental GT V8, we anticipate significant growth in 2020 and an even more positive forecast in the future," Airey said.
One of the highlights of the Bentley booth at the Beijing auto show is the new Bentayga, which hit the Chinese market in July and began delivery to Chinese customers this month.
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The luxury SUV made improvements based on customer feedback throughout the R&D, building upon the original model introduced to China in 2016, according to the carmaker.
"What's immediately obvious with the new Bentayga is its strikingly dynamic look. The new exterior design adopts the latest Bentley DNA from front to rear, creating a cleaner, more modern look," Airey said.
The refreshed, handcrafted cabin combines luxury materials with exquisite craftsmanship and the rear-seat passengers are offered up to 100 millimeters more legroom depending on the model configuration.
Setting new standards in the sector for customer technology interfaces, the new Bentayga introduces a new, cutting-edge infotainment system with a high-resolution 10.9-inch touch screen spanning the entire width of the center fascia.
The new model is also equipped with My Bentley Services. That option provides a range of connected services comprising a list from Emergency eCall to Natural Speech Interaction that meet Chinese customers' intelligent requirements.
Kim Airey, managing director of Bentley Motors Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, introduces the company's new models at the auto show in Beijing on Saturday. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Beyond its intelligent features, the new Bentayga remains a high-performance masterpiece. The powerful and efficient V8 engine delivers 550 horsepower and 770 newton meters, which can achieve a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour and accelerate from zero to 100 km in 4.5 seconds.
The model's chassis 48V Bentley Dynamic Ride anti-roll technology culminates in a grand touring experience that can handle any terrain.
In addition to the new Bentayga, the new Continental GT V8 is also on display at the Beijing auto show.
Bentley launched the first Continental GT in 2003 to establish an entirely new market segment of the modern luxury grand touring and the refined model. The third-generation Continental GT was released in 2017.
With a V8 engine, the Continental GT V8 is exceptionally responsive, delivering incredible acceleration, Kim Airey said. The new generation 4.0-liter, 32-valve V8 petrol engine develops 550 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque while accelerating to 100 km per hour in just four seconds
"Following the launch of the W12-powered all new Continental GT Coupe and Convertible, which redefined the luxury grand touring sector, the GT V8 Coupe and Convertible bring even more dynamism to the range," Airey said.
With a V8 engine, the Continental GT V8 is exceptionally responsive, delivering incredible acceleration, he added. The new generation 4.0-liter, 32-valve V8 petrol engine develops 550 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque while accelerating to 100 km per hour in just four seconds. Its top speed is 318 km per hour.
The new model also features 20-inch, 10-spoke painted alloy wheels and the option to choose from nine other designs measuring up to 22-inches. Bentley also offers seven standard exterior body colors with an extensive array of additional paint options.
The Continental GT V8 interior seamlessly integrates natural materials, such as high-quality leathers and sustainable sourced veneers, into the finest handcrafted cabin.
"The powerful engine, elegant design, contemporary craftsmanship and seamless technology will allow customers to make every journey a breathtaking one," Airey said.
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Bentley's flagship model, the new Flying Spur, has attracted the eyes of audiences at the Beijing auto show. The Flying Spur has received good market feedback and strong orders.
The carmaker has produced a total of 40,000 Flying Spur units during the model's lifetime. The third-generation Flying Spur showcases modern luxury with the latest innovations.
Electronic All-Wheel Steering is used for the first time in a Bentley, combining Active All-Wheel Drive and Bentley Dynamic Ride－the world's first 48V electric anti-roll system－to deliver phenomenal handling and ride.
"The new Flying Spur delivers engaging performance in various conditions, whether spanning a massive, flourishing metropolis like Beijing, or long-distance touring," Airey said.
The Bentayga range, the new Continental GT V8 and the new Flying Spur create a new family of vehicles that are more visually connected than ever before. They have showcased the British luxury carmaker's expertise at the auto show, according to the company.
