Bentley in the UAE: Performance Luxury for Modern Drivers
The winner’s car—that’s Bentley. Famous for multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bentley has long been synonymous with performance and prestige. For drivers in the Emirates who want the agility of a supercar without having to give up the grace of a limousine, the Bentley UAE market offers the ultimate solution.
The story of Bentley began over a century ago with W.O. Bentley’s simple mission to build a fast, good car, the best in its class. The iconic winged B at the hood of each Bentley was designed by him, and stands as a reminder of his vision for prestige and excellence.
This commitment to craftsmanship remains the cornerstone of the brand today. Every vehicle is a product of hundreds of hours of manual labor at the Crewe factory, where artisans hand-stitch leather and book-match wood veneers with exceptional attention to detail.
In the UAE, the brand appeals to a specific demographic of performance-focused luxury buyers. It is best-suited for those who enjoy power that feels controlled and effortless, whether commuting through the city or heading out for a drive on mountain roads.
The Continental GT redefined the modern era of Bentley when it debuted in 2003 as the first all-new model under Volkswagen Group ownership. Yet, its story stretches back over seven decades, rooted in the legendary 1952 R-Type Continental, which at the time was the fastest four-seater in the world. This model established Bentley as a maker of luxury cars that could combine luxurious comfort with high-speed capability, setting the blueprint for grand touring.
In the 1960s, the S2 and S3 Continentals carried forward this ethos, merging elegant design with performance that made them highly sought-after among enthusiasts and collectors. Later, the 1980s and 1990s saw the Continental R and T models push the boundaries of speed and luxury even further, while maintaining Bentley’s reputation for long-distance, high-speed travel.
The 2003 Continental GT honored this storied lineage but also introduced advanced engineering, modern design, and innovative craftsmanship, making it a global icon. Today, it remains the quintessential grand tourer for those who buy Bentley in the UAE. Its sleek silhouette, muscular haunches, and unmistakable stance make it a frequent sight at prestigious destinations such as the Burj Al Arab, embodying both luxury and legacy.
For those who prefer an open-air experience, the Bentley Continental GTC offers the same performance and luxury as the GT, with a retractable soft top that allows drivers to enjoy the UAE’s sunshine while on the road.
The Flying Spur is a sedan that is equally exhilarating to drive as it is comfortable to ride. The name pays tribute to the 1957 S1 Flying Spur, a four-door luxury sedan that brought unmatched speed and elegance to its segment. Originally developed as a four-door variant of Bentley Continental models, the Flying Spur became a standalone model with the 2005 Continental Flying Spur, combining the agility of a sports car with the spaciousness and sophistication of a sedan.
In the decades that followed, Flying Spur variants of the 1960s and 1970s continued to exemplify four-door luxury, combining sleek design with dynamic performance that made them highly sought after.
By the 21st century, the modern Flying Spur introduced cutting-edge engineering, contemporary technology, and meticulous craftsmanship, solidifying its position as Bentley’s flagship executive sedan.
Today, the Flying Spur is a popular choice in the UAE, admired by executives, dignitaries, and luxury-enthusiasts alike. The expansive rear cabin, athletic stance, and commanding presence make it particularly well-suited to the streets of Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Bentayga offers a luxury SUV experience that is impressive on city streets as it is off-road. The name pays tribute to the Roque Bentayga rock formation on the Canary Islands. As Bentley’s first SUV in the ultra-luxury segment, the Bentayga was designed to demonstrate that the brand’s signature luxury could perform on various terrains.
Given the regional preference for high-riding vehicles, the Bentayga has become a highly sought-after model in the UAE. It combines off-road capability with a comfortable interior, meeting the high demand for luxury SUVs that can handle both school runs and long-distance travel across the Emirates.
Beyond the traditional V8 and W12 powertrains, Bentley offers a hybrid range that aligns with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future. The Bentayga Hybrid pairs a 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, allowing short-distance, silent, zero-emission driving for urban commutes.
The heart of a Bentley is its powertrain, typically featuring the W12 engine or the 4.0-liter V8. They deliver smooth acceleration, allowing the vehicles to reach triple-digit speeds with deceptive ease. The driving dynamics are defined by Bentley’s trademark ‘waftability’—a sensation that makes the drive feel like gliding over the asphalt, whether on city streets or open highways.
Luxury is also about how the car moves. You will find that with a Bentley, advanced air suspension systems automatically adjust to smoothen out road bumps, for an ultra-smooth ride on the UAE’s urban streets, while firming up for stability during high-speed cruising on highways. Even at this size, the Bentley feels surprisingly nimble, with active roll control and torque vectoring ensuring stability and confidence through every corner and sudden maneuver.
Inside, Bentley engineering extends to the cabin, where noise insulation, adaptive chassis tuning, and precision steering combine to create an environment of control. In the UAE, where long-distance drives across the Emirates are common, these systems guarantee that every journey is handled with poise, safety, and comfort.
Stepping inside a Bentley can be described as a treat for the senses. The cabins feature sustainably sourced bull hides and rare wood inlays, all of which undergo rigorous quality checks. Bentley also employs wood experts who travel the globe in search of trees with unique colors and patterns. This handcrafted approach ensures that no two interiors are exactly alike.
Modern infotainment systems are housed behind rotating displays or integrated into veneered dashboards. These systems provide connectivity, high-resolution navigation, and premium audio options like ‘Naim for Bentley’, which is a bespoke sound system developed through an exclusive partnership between Bentley Motors and Naim Audio. Rear-seat passengers are equally pampered, with touchscreens to control climate, lighting, and massage functions, ensuring a first-class environment for all occupants.
Understanding the financial aspect of luxury performance cars in the UAE requires some knowledge of the model, trim, and whether it is new or pre-owned. The following figures are approximate and may vary:
New Models (adjusted)
Bentayga & similar SUVs: AED 850,000+ (base). Many trims may be well above this
Continental GT & similar cars: Starting AED 800,000+ (base)
High‑spec/Mulliner/Flying Spur/Custom: AED 1,000,000+, often significantly higher
Pre‑Owned
Recent‑year used: These models can range between AED 400,000–900,000+, varying with year, mileage, and specs
*Ownership costs also include a VAT on the purchase price and registration fees with the RTA, which are standard for all vehicles in Dubai.
The pre-owned market offers a strategic entry point for buyers looking for luxury and performance at a lower investment. At The Elite Cars, we offer a hand-picked selection of pre-owned Bentley models, each thoroughly inspected through a rigorous process. Visit our website to compare prices or get in touch for more information.
Minor servicing: Oil change, filters, inspection could cost around AED 1,500 - AED 3,000
Major servicing: Comprehensive inspections and replacements typically range AED 9,000–AED 15,000+ depending on model and service needs, though actual costs depend on mileage, vehicle age, and choice of service provider.
Tire replacements: The UAE’s heat can accelerate wear on tires. It may cost around AED 12,000 - 20,000 to replace a set of 4 tires after 2-3 years.
Brake pad replacement: Around 11,500 AED for every 25,000 KM
Insurance premiums: Comprehensive insurance generally runs at approximately 2%–5% of the vehicle’s value annually, varying with model, driver profile, and coverage level.
For those searching Bentley models in the UAE, our detailed guide to Rolls-Royce in Dubai may also be of interest.
Why Buy Your Bentley from The Elite Cars?
We maintain a diverse and high-quality hand-picked selection of luxury cars including Bentley at The Elite Cars. Our team subjects every vehicle to a rigorous verified inspection process to ensure it meets our standards for mechanical and aesthetic integrity.
Choosing us gives you access to expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction that extends long after you drive away in your new luxury car. Our service center will help maintain your Bentley in peak condition, and our team can also guide you toward flexible financing options tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us today!
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