In 2015, Bentley captured the attention of attendees at the Geneva Motor Show with its stunning EXP 10 Speed 6 concept. This eye-catching coupe combined a hybrid powertrain with numerous 3D-printed elements. Alongside luxurious leather interiors, the display showcased innovative 3D wooden door inserts, reflecting the diamond-quilted leather characteristic of Bentley’s Mulliner specialization. Although this advanced concept has remained dormant since its unveiling, Bentley is now incorporating its exquisite “quilted” wood design into the latest Flying Spur.
The new 3D-machined wooden door panels of the Flying Spur underwent 18 months of meticulous development. Each panel is expertly crafted from a single block of either American Walnut or American Cherry, as opposed to traditional layered veneers. These sustainably sourced woods are intricately carved using a multi-axis routing machine with a precision of 0.1 millimeters, ensuring a perfect fit with the die-cast aluminum door panels. The final touch is an open-pore lacquer finish that reveals 150 unique diamond patterns. Additionally, Mulliner enhances the experience with its trademark diamond-quilted leather, making the Flying Spur a worthy successor to the now-discontinued Mulsanne.
This innovative approach certainly sets a new benchmark in the luxury automotive industry. However, it also raises questions about the implications of such a high-end product—after all, it caters to an affluent clientele.
Bentley emphasizes the sustainability of its materials, noting that American Walnut trees are growing at a rate of three million cubic meters annually, while American Cherry woodlands are thriving even more, adding seven million cubic meters each year. Therefore, drivers can enjoy their Flying Spur with a sense of environmental responsibility, even when opting for numerous Mulliner features..
