The darker side of luxury
Bentley has always been synonymous with understated opulence. The kind of vehicles that whisper wealth rather than scream it. Now, with the introduction of their new Black Edition models, the British marque has taken this philosophy to its logical conclusion by draining almost all colour from their most prestigious offerings.
For the first time in the company’s storied history, the iconic ‘Winged B’ badges have been rendered in gloss black, alongside matching boot lettering. The result is a trio of vehicles that look as though they’ve been designed specifically for executives who conduct their business affairs after sunset. Production will be strictly limited to 400 examples worldwide, all constructed at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe.
What makes these models particularly special is the marriage of visual drama with genuine performance credentials. The Black Edition specification combines the potent High Performance Hybrid powertrain with the GT Speed’s Performance Active Chassis and Sports Exhaust – previously only available on Speed models. The result is a driving experience that promises to be as aggressive as the aesthetics suggest.
Design: darkness visible
The exterior treatment of the Black Edition models represents a masterclass in restraint. Rather than festooning these vehicles with garish accoutrements, Bentley has employed subtraction as its primary design tool. The Blackline specification creates a stealthy visual impression through careful attention to detail.
Matrix grilles, bumper grilles and brightware are all finished in gloss black, complemented by a Beluga black front splitter. Those gloss black Bentley badges and lettering provide a distinctly menacing touch that sets these models apart from their more conventional siblings. The 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels come in gloss black as standard, though punters can opt for a duo-tone black and bright machined finish if absolute darkness proves too much.
The Continental GT and GTC variants feature the recently introduced Harmony single headlamp design, complete with that rather theatrical welcome animation that greets drivers upon approach. Perhaps most striking of all, however, is the optional splash of Mandarin orange brake callipers – available at no extra cost. They provide a single, vivid counterpoint to the otherwise monochromatic scheme, like a flash of danger in the darkness.
Interior: dark comfort
Inside the cabin, Bentley has maintained the noir theme while ensuring occupants remain suitably cocooned in luxury. The Black Edition namestyle appears embroidered on the front seat headrests of Continental models and all four headrests in the Flying Spur variant.
Piano Black veneer dominates the trim surfaces, complemented by Black Edition treadplates and contrast stitching in the owner’s chosen hue. The specification includes Comfort seats, mood lighting, the rather clever Bentley Rotating Display, sports pedals and comprehensive mood lighting options.
The overall effect manages to be both sporty and sophisticated – perfect for the sort of driver who wishes to travel quickly without attracting undue attention. That said, the contrast stitching option does allow for a degree of personalisation should one wish to reveal a hint of personality beneath the dark veneer.
Powertrain: hybrid muscle
Beneath the shadowy exterior lies genuine performance substance. All Black Edition models harness Bentley’s new High Performance Hybrid powertrain, which combines a substantial 520 PS 4.0-litre V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor.
Together, they develop a peak output of 680 PS and a tarmac-rippling 930 Nm of torque. The Continental GT will dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in a mere 3.7 seconds, while the Continental GT Convertible and Flying Spur require just 3.9 seconds to achieve the same benchmark. For context, these figures actually surpass those of the previous-generation GT Speed.
Despite this prodigious performance, the Black Edition models maintain a degree of environmental consideration with the capability to travel approximately 50 miles (80 km) in electric-only driving mode. When the petrol engine does fire up, the included Sports Exhaust ensures the V8’s characteristic snarl is suitably intensified at full throttle.
Chassis: Speed credentials
Perhaps most significant for driving enthusiasts is the inclusion of Bentley Performance Active Chassis technology – previously exclusive to the 782 PS Speed models. This system allows drivers to explore an expanded range of dynamic capabilities, from luxury-focused Comfort and Bentley modes to a properly engaging Sport setting.
Select Sport mode and the system will send up to 100 per cent of available power to the rear wheels, delivering more natural, intuitive and agile driving dynamics. The mode also significantly alters the rear-wheel steering calibration while firming up damping and anti-roll bar settings.
The result is more direct steering and greater agility, providing drivers with a deeper connection to their vehicle. It’s the sort of technology that transforms a luxury grand tourer into something approaching a genuine sports car when circumstances permit, without compromising the fundamental refinement expected of a Bentley.