BENTLEY'S ‘INSPIRED BY CHINA’ BESPOKE COLLECTION BY MULLINER IS CULTURALLY-INSPIRED ART.
Bentley’s Mulliner division has long been the benchmark for handcrafted excellence, but their latest bespoke collection takes things to another level. Dubbed Inspired by China, this ultra-exclusive series dives deep into the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, transforming the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, Continental GT, and Flying Spur into rolling masterpieces. Mulliner’s bespoke team left no detail untouched - whether it’s the precise number of claws on an embroidered dragon or the way a Koi Carp appears to swim within the cabin, every element has been obsessively crafted to reflect Chinese symbolism, tradition, and elegance.
The Colourful Koi Carp – Symbolism in Motion
The Bentayga EWB was chosen as the perfect canvas to bring the Colourful Koi Carp collection to life. In Chinese culture, koi symbolizes courage and good fortune, and their vibrant colours have been adored for centuries. Bentley has woven this energy into the Bentayga’s expansive interior, pairing a deep Beluga black leather with striking Mandarin orange accents - a nod to the koi’s distinctive hues. But it’s not just about colour. Every koi inside the cabin had to be positioned swimming in a clockwise direction, a subtle yet significant detail that embodies prosperity and balance. The number six - considered lucky in Chinese culture - appears throughout the design, with six embroidered and veneered koi placed strategically within the interior. Outside, a gold rear pillar badge and delicate gold trim inserts serve as finishing touches, channelling themes of wealth and success. Even the treadplates and passenger fascia feature a ‘ripple’ effect, mimicking the gentle disturbance of water as a koi moves through it.
A Tribute to China’s Masterpiece – ‘A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains’
For the Famous Landscapes edition, Bentley took inspiration from one of China’s most revered artworks: A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains by Wang Ximeng. Painted during the Song Dynasty when Wang was just 18 years old, this 11.9-meter masterpiece captures the grandeur of China’s natural landscapes in breathtaking blues and greens. Mulliner translated this artistic brilliance into the Flying Spur Azure, a model already designed around the theme of well-being. The bespoke interior features a sweeping blue palette, accented with intricate embroidery and overlays inspired by the painting’s delicate brushwork. Gold detailing highlights key areas, adding a sense of prestige while honouring the original piece’s composition. Beyond its visual appeal, this collection embodies the Daoist philosophy of harmony between man and nature - an ethos that aligns perfectly with Bentley’s blend of luxury, power, and serenity.
Ru Yi – The Wish for Prosperity
Another standout in the collection is Ru Yi, named after the traditional Chinese decorative object symbolizing good fortune and the fulfilment of wishes. Typically crafted in jade, wood, or metal, the Ru Yi sceptre is associated with prosperity and smooth sailing through life - qualities that Bentley’s Flying Spur captures effortlessly. This collection is available in three exclusive colour specifications, each featuring a gold-thread-embroidered Ru Yi motif on the seat facings, a silver overlay on the passenger fascia, and matching detailing on the treadplates. A chevron pinstriped centre console and gold exterior badging complete the look, ensuring this edition carries its auspicious message from every angle. The Ru Yi has long been a cherished gift during major celebrations, from weddings to Chinese New Year, making this bespoke Bentley not just a statement of luxury but a symbol of fortune and success.
Further Bespoke Creations – Dragons, Lions, and Pandas, Oh My
Beyond these key collections, Mulliner has also crafted bespoke editions celebrating Chinese dragons, lion dances, and even playful pandas. Whether through the precise number of claws on an embroidered dragon, the symbolic eye colour of a lion, or subtle accents referencing bamboo, each design carries deep cultural significance while upholding Bentley’s relentless pursuit of craftsmanship. The Inspired by China collection isn’t just about exclusivity - it’s about storytelling through design. Mulliner has taken the essence of China’s artistry and tradition, infused it with Bentley’s legendary handcraftsmanship, and created rolling expressions of culture, luxury, and heritage. For the ultra-elite collectors who’ll get their hands on these bespoke creations, they aren’t just buying a car - they’re commissioning a piece of history.
Take a look at the YouTube video that has nothing to do with the new Chinese inspiration on some new Mulliner builds, but it does show what Mulliner is all about and what it's capable of pulling off: Mulliner: A Tradition of Bespoke Craftsmanship | Bentley Motors
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