Bentley launched the Bentayga long-wheelbase version, and the ultra-luxury has also begun to roll in?

On May 28, Bentley's recently released new Bentayga Long Wheelbase Yado made its Asian debut at the 2022 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Auto Show.At present, customer orders for the first limited edition of the new Bentayga Long Wheelbase Yado have been opened, and customer delivery is expected to be realized by the end of 2022.

It is understood that the new Bentayga long wheelbase version is based on the latest second-generation Bentayga, and the wheelbase and the rear row of the cockpit are extended by 180 mm, providing a more comfortable and luxurious riding space.

Image source: Photo courtesy of Bentley

From the perspective of the global auto market, the Chinese auto market has obvious differences and uniqueness.One of the most classic is the exclusive elongated design for the Chinese market.

Audi is the first manufacturer in the domesticluxury carmarket to lengthen, and it is also the leader in China's luxury car sales so far.Subsequently, BMW and Mercedes-Benz joined in one after another, and the lengthening became a trend of luxury cars. After the lengthening, they were recognized by the market, and sales rose all the way.Since then, the saying "Wheelbase determines fate" began to appear, and now luxury cars have taken into account the special preference of Chinese consumers for long wheelbases from the very beginning.

Today, Bentley has also joined the "long wheelbase" club, and the "Chinese style" is getting stronger and stronger.

China has become one of Bentley's most important markets

Bentley is ushering in a bright moment in China.

In 2002, Bentley officially entered the Chinese market.Over the years, the rapid growth of China's luxury car market and high-net-worth individuals has allowed Bentley to enjoy dividends.

In 2021, Bentley sold a total of 14,659 new cars worldwide, a year-on-year increase of 31%.Among them, the Chinese market has the fastest growth rate, with a year-on-year increase of 40%.In the first half of 2021, the Chinese market has become Bentley's largest single market for the first time.In 2021, the Chinese market contributed over 27.5% of Bentley's sales.

Image source: Photo courtesy of Bentley

The rise of the Chinese market allows Bentley to see greater potential.Therefore, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Bentley's entry into China, the long-wheelbase version took advantage of the trend.

Bentley Motors Executive General Manager of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau said, "Bentley's new Bentayga Long-Wheelbase Edition satisfies those customers who want more rear cockpit and legroom, as well as those who care about family, health and pleasure. Travel and business customers. Of course, the car will also attract some Bentley customers who are interested in the existing Bentayt and more new customers.”

It is understood that there are two main reasons for Bentley to create a new long-wheelbase version.First, in the face of the booming ultra-luxury SUV market and the shrinking global E-segment market, the Bentley brand hopes that the new Bentayga long-wheelbase version can redefine the D-segment market.Second, global customers have high demand for larger Bentley ultra-luxury SUVs.At the same time, in China, the new Bentayga Long Wheelbase Edition is also an important presentation of the 20th anniversary of the Bentley brand in China, especially in line with the expectations of Chinese customers.With the release of the new Bentayga long-wheelbase version, the Bentley brand product lineup has also been officially expanded to five models, further consolidating the Bentley brand's leading position in the ultra-luxury SUV segment.

Bi Xile predicts: "With the gradual advancement of customer orders in the global market, the sales of the new Bentayga long-wheelbase version will reach 45% of the total sales volume of the Bentayga, and the sales of the two car series will be evenly divided."

Image source: Photo courtesy of Bentley

In addition to the new Bentayga Long Wheelbase Edition, in order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of entering China, Bentley will also launch four 20th anniversary limited edition models this year, namely: "The Guard" (based on the Continental GT), "The Carnaby" (based on the Continental GT) Continental GT Convertible), "The Savile Row" (based on Bentayga), "The Pall Mall" (based on Bentley Flying Spur).

Pandemic has limited impact on ultra-luxury brands

Unlike ordinary car brands that are severely affected by the epidemic, for ultra-luxury brands, the impact of the epidemic is indeed limited.

In 2021, Porsche's annual sales exceeded 300,000 units for the first time, reaching 301,915 units, an increase of 11% compared to the 272,162 units sold in the global market in 2020.Among them, the delivery volume in the Chinese market accounted for 31.7%, reaching 95,671 units, an increase of 8% year-on-year, and it is still the largest single market for Porsche in the world.

2021 was also Lamborghini's best year for sales, with 8,405 new cars delivered, a 13 percent increase from 2020's 7,430.Among them, the Chinese market is the largest sales market outside the United States, with 935 new vehicles sold throughout the year, a year-on-year increase of 55%.

Aston Martin's total sales in 2021 will be 6,182 units, compared with 3,394 units in 2020, an increase of 82% year-on-year.The Chinese market sold 894 vehicles, an increase of 107% over the previous year, doubling the growth.

Maserati's insurance coverage in the domestic market in 2021 will be 7,100 units, a year-on-year increase of 47.9%; Rolls-Royce will sell 5,586 units in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 49%, reaching the highest sales record in 117 years.

Rolls-Royce CEO Ston Mueller Utfer said that in 2021, the company's sales in the United States, Canada and China have reached record highs, with particularly strong demand for the new Ghost sedan and Cullinan SUV. At present, orders for the Cullinan and Phantom, the main models, have been placed in the fourth quarter of this year.

Also achieving rapid growth is Bentley.

"This reflects the steady expansion of high-net-worth individuals in the Chinese market. More importantly, the active and effective epidemic prevention and control measures adopted by the Chinese market have promoted the economic recovery and normal operation of the market." Bi Xile said, regarding chips The shortage problem, Bentley is currently not affected, the main reason is that Bentley'sproductionis smaller than other mass-produced brands.

Bentley said that although there are still a series of uncertainties in the global situation, Bentley is still full of confidence in the future development.