Bentley motors are primarily made by Bentley itself at its Crewe, England headquarters. This has been the case since 1998 when the Volkswagen Group took over the brand. Before creating this answer, it's important to clarify that while Bentley manufactures and assembles its engines, the development is a collaborative effort within the wider Volkswagen AG family, heavily relying on technology and expertise from Audi, particularly for the V8 engines.
The most iconic Bentley engine is the famed 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12, a masterpiece of engineering that was exclusively developed and hand-built by Bentley in Crewe. The term "W12" refers to its unique cylinder bank configuration, which is essentially two narrow-angle VR6 engines merged together on a common crankshaft. This compact design allows for a 12-cylinder engine that is shorter than a conventional V12.
For its V8 models, like the Continental GT V8 and Bentayga V8, Bentley sources the base engine architecture from Audi. These 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engines are produced in Győr, Hungary, and then shipped to Crewe where Bentley's engineers meticulously re-engineer them. This process includes fitting bespoke turbochargers, modifying the engine management software, and tailoring the intake and exhaust systems to produce the distinctive, deep-bellowing performance character expected of a Bentley.
With the industry's shift towards electrification, Bentley's future powertrains are being developed as part of the Volkswagen Group's shared strategy. The upcoming first-ever Bentley electric vehicle will utilize a platform and powertrain technology developed collectively by the Group.
| Engine Type | Displacement | Key Features | Primary Manufacturing Location | Notable Models |
|---|
| W12 Twin-Turbo | 6.0 liters | 12 cylinders in a 'W' configuration, hand-assembled | Crewe, England | Mulsanne, Continental GT Speed, Flying Spur Speed |
| V8 Twin-Turbo | 4.0 liters | High-performance petrol engine with cylinder deactivation | Győr, Hungary (base engine) / Crewe, England (final assembly) | Continental GT V8, Bentayga V8 |
| Plug-in Hybrid V6 | 2.9 liters (Petrol + Electric Motor) | Combustion engine with electric motor for reduced emissions | Győr, Hungary (combustion engine) | Bentayga Hybrid, Flying Spur Hybrid |
