The Bentley story
W.O. Bentley founded Bentley Motors in London in 1919. Bentley cars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930, driven by the "Bentley Boys". Rolls-Royce bought the company in 1931, and since 1998 Bentley has been part of the Volkswagen Group. Its home has been Crewe since 1946.
What makes Bentley powerful
Bentley's British craftsmanship makes it a benchmark for luxury grand tourers. The Continental GT, Bentayga and Flying Spur combine handcrafted interiors with performance. Each car can be personalised through its Mulliner division.
Bentley today
Bentley Motors is owned by Volkswagen AG. Its factory in Crewe is carbon neutral. The company plans to launch its first fully electric car in the coming years.
What comes next for Bentley
Bentley's road ahead is its move to electric power under its Beyond100+ strategy while keeping its craftsmanship and personalisation.
Why Bentley ranks #66
Brand Positioning & Recall (72.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (70.0) carry Bentley's Power Score of 68.28.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 62.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
13 Automotive & Mobility brands are in the Europe 100. Bentley is #9 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Bentley in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Bentley ranks #66 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 68.28 out of 100.
When was Bentley founded and who founded it?
Bentley was founded in 1919. Founder(s): W.O. Bentley.
What is Bentley's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Bentley's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 62.0 out of 100.
Who leads Bentley today?
Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO. The brand is owned by Volkswagen AG.
Where is Bentley headquartered?
Bentley is based in Crewe, United Kingdom. Its country of origin is United Kingdom.
What is Bentley's revenue?
€2.62bn revenue (FY2025), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Bentley?
Bentley won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930.
Key facts
| Brand | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Volkswagen AG |
| Headquarters | Crewe, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder(s) | W.O. Bentley |
| Leadership | Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO |
| Latest revenue | €2.62bn revenue (FY2025) Source |
| Sector | Automotive & Mobility |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Signature fact | Bentley won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930. |
| Official website | bentleymotors.com |
Bentley is ranked #66 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 68.28).