(Crewe, 13 February 2025) In a showcase of refined craftsmanship and cultural appreciation, Mulliner—Bentley’s renowned Bespoke Studio—has curated eight exclusive collections ‘Inspired by China.’ Each collection pays homage to the depth and richness of Chinese heritage, combining vibrant colours, symbolic motifs, and meticulous design elements with Bentley’s famed handcraftsmanship. With the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), Flying Spur, and Continental GT serving as the canvases, these bespoke creations celebrate a captivating fusion of artistry, tradition, and automotive excellence.
Elevating Craftsmanship Through Cultural Narratives
Mulliner’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in attention to detail and respect for cultural significance. The studio’s craftspeople have gone to extraordinary lengths to incorporate symbolic motifs, colours, and textures that resonate with China’s storied past. Each of the eight ‘Inspired by China’ editions represents a unique theme, brought to life through masterful embroidery, custom veneers, and carefully chosen materials.
From the number of claws on embroidered dragons’ feet to the direction a school of Koi swims in the cabin’s interior, every decision is made with reverence for cultural customs. The level of personalization extends to even the smallest finishes: a subtle gold trim might symbolize prosperity, while intricately carved granite inlays evoke strength and continuity. Combined, these thoughtful elements result in vehicles that are not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful.
The Colourful Koi Carp
Among the most eye-catching of the eight collections is the vibrant Colourful Koi Carp edition, brought to life on the Bentayga EWB. In ancient Chinese culture, Koi Carp symbolize good fortune, courage, and perseverance. Their fiery orange and deep black markings inspired an interior palette that contrasts Mandarin accents against a Beluga-black backdrop. A distinctive granite stone centre console echoes the fish’s mosaic-like patterns, highlighting Bentley’s expertise in blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials.
Special attention has been given to symbolic direction: the Koi fish embroideries swim in a clockwise formation, believed to embody balance and good fortune. Further reinforcing these auspicious themes, exactly six fish appear throughout the cabin—four embroidered on the seats and two portrayed as overlays on the veneered waistrails—reflecting the number six’s reputation for luck in Chinese numerology. Completing the elegant ensemble, a gold rear pillar badge and delicate gold trim inserts serve as subtle nods to wealth and success.
The Famous Landscapes
This collection for the Flying Spur Azure draws its muse from “A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains,” a masterwork by Song Dynasty painter Wang Ximeng. Measuring nearly 12 meters in length, this remarkable scroll painting embodies the essence of harmony between humans and nature. Mulliner’s designers embraced the artwork’s signature “blue-green landscape” style, weaving blues, greens, and touches of gold into the cabin’s overarching theme.
From the deep blue interior tones to carefully embroidered details depicting mountains, rivers, and foliage, each design choice conveys tranquillity and balance. Elegant overlays on the passenger fascia and treadplates mirror the painting’s panoramic vistas, inviting occupants to experience a serene sense of discovery and peace. By melding the Flying Spur Azure’s focus on wellbeing with the painting’s Daoist ideals, Mulliner presents an immersive homage to one of China’s most revered cultural treasures.
Ru Yi
Another highlight in this bespoke collection series is Ru Yi, a symbol of good fortune and the fulfilment of wishes in Chinese tradition. Often fashioned as a decorative sceptre with a cloud-like head, Ru Yi is associated with prosperity and granted as a meaningful gift during celebrations. Mulliner brings this auspicious motif to life across three Flying Spur specifications, each featuring intricate gold-thread embroidery of the Ru Yi on seat facings, complemented by a mirrored silver overlay on the passenger fascia and treadplates.
Subtly accented by gold exterior badging and a chevron pinstriped centre console, this refined design exudes both elegance and auspiciousness. The cloud-like form of the Ru Yi, believed to connect bearer and heavens, aligns seamlessly with Bentley’s ethos of elevated luxury and craftsmanship.
Further Bespoke Collections
The remaining ‘Inspired by China’ editions each pay tribute to iconic Chinese symbols and narratives. Dragons, dancing lions, and playful pandas make appearances—each reimagined to reflect subtle design nuances, from the precise hue of a dragon’s eyes to the embroidered depiction of bamboo. This remarkable breadth of inspiration underscores Mulliner’s commitment to delivering bespoke luxury, achieved through a blend of research, artisanal skill, and a profound respect for cultural heritage.
A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
Bentley’s Mulliner Bespoke Studio stands at the forefront of automotive craftsmanship, merging time-honoured techniques with modern innovation. The ‘Inspired by China’ collections epitomize this synergy, offering not only exceptional vehicles but also artful expressions of cultural reverence. In these eight bespoke editions, every stitch and surface conveys a story—one that intertwines Bentley’s timeless elegance with the depth and grandeur of China’s artistic legacy.
For discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike, these unique creations showcase the potential of truly personalized luxury, where tradition and innovation meet in perfect harmony. Through thoughtful design, exquisite detailing, and cultural authenticity, Mulliner proudly invites the Chinese market to embark on a journey that resonates far beyond the road—honouring tradition, celebrating artistry, and championing the spirit of good fortune.
