Bentley’s Bold New Wings: A Modern Icon

Bentley's Bold New Wings: A Modern Icon

For over a century, the iconic winged ‘B’ emblem has symbolized Bentley Motors, representing a legacy of luxury, performance, and exquisite craftsmanship.

 

Now, after 106 years of storied history, the British automotive marque is unveiling a significant evolution of its renowned badge. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s the fifth iteration of the famous winged ‘B’ logo, signaling a deliberate and forward-looking shift in the brand’s visual identity. The redesigned emblem takes on a noticeably sharper and more modern look, reflecting Bentley’s vision for its future.

 

This new design is more than just an aesthetic update; it’s a strategic preview of what’s to come. While it won’t immediately appear on production models, the revamped logo is set to make its highly anticipated debut on a new concept car that Bentley is planning to reveal on July 8. This dual unveiling of a new emblem and a groundbreaking concept vehicle underscores a new chapter for the luxury automaker. It promises to offer a tantalizing glimpse into the design direction and innovative spirit that will define Bentley’s offerings in the near future, hinting at a blend of heritage and cutting-edge modernity.

 

The Evolution of an Icon: Bentley’s New Emblem

The “Winged B” is arguably one of the most recognizable automotive emblems in the world. Its latest transformation is not merely cosmetic but a purposeful refinement of a century-old symbol.

 

A Streamlined and Compact Design

Bentley’s newly unveiled winged “B” logo represents a significant step in the brand’s ongoing design evolution. This is only the “fifth iteration of the Bentley logo” since the company was founded “106 years ago.” The previous versions, while iconic, reflected the design sensibilities of their respective eras. The latest design, however, is deliberately “more streamlined and compact than its predecessors.” This shift towards a cleaner aesthetic is evident in several key changes.

 

Notably, the new emblem “loses some feathers that used to sit below the B.” This removal creates a visually cleaner and less cluttered appearance, contributing to the overall sense of modern sophistication. In addition to simplifying the wing structure, the updated logo “adds a new border around the two wings.” This subtle addition helps to define the shape of the wings more crisply and provides a sense of containment, giving the emblem a more refined and finished look. These design choices aim to balance Bentley’s rich heritage with a contemporary sensibility, ensuring the emblem remains instantly recognizable while conveying a forward-thinking identity.

 

Curated by Robin Page: A Hint at Future Design

The development of this pivotal new logo was not left to chance. The new design originates from a small, dedicated team within Bentley, led by Robin Page, Bentley’s new Director of Design. Page assumed this critical role for the brand in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience in automotive design. His vision for Bentley’s future design direction is intricately linked to this new emblem. According to Page, the refreshed logo “gives a hint at the design direction that he has planned for the brand in the near future.” This suggests that the principles embodied in the new emblem—sharpness, modernity, and refined elegance—will be reflected in the upcoming vehicle designs.

 

The in-house design process for the new Winged B was meticulous. It began with an internal competition, inviting concepts and sketches from the entire design team. The winning concept, which formed the basis of the final design, was proposed by Young Nam, a talented member of Bentley’s Interior Design team. This collaborative and internal approach emphasizes Bentley’s commitment to cultivating talent from within its ranks and ensuring that the new emblem genuinely represents the brand’s core values. Page’s leadership signifies a deliberate effort to evolve Bentley’s aesthetic while retaining its distinctive luxurious appeal, making the new logo a key indicator of the brand’s forthcoming stylistic journey.

 

Modern Aesthetics and Peregrine Falcon Inspiration

The redesign of Bentley’s winged ‘B’ logo is a deliberate effort to blend historical elements with contemporary design principles, drawing inspiration from natural forms to create a more dynamic symbol.

 

Sharper Lines and Watch-Inspired Details

The core objective behind the new Bentley logo was to “capture details from previous iterations” while simultaneously adopting “a more modern look.” This balance between heritage and innovation is central to Bentley’s brand philosophy. The result is a design that Bentley describes as “sharper and more dramatic.” This increased visual intensity is achieved through more angular lines and a refined silhouette that distinguishes it from its predecessors.

 

A fascinating element of the new design is its inspiration drawn from the natural world. While previous versions of the winged ‘B’ emblem were said to evoke “softer birds,” the latest iteration specifically “draws inspiration from the angled wings of a peregrine falcon.” The peregrine falcon is renowned for its incredible speed, precision, and aerodynamic form, especially during its characteristic dive.

 

This choice of inspiration imbues the new logo with a sense of dynamic motion, power, and cutting-edge performance, aligning with Bentley’s reputation for engineering excellence. Furthermore, a clever design choice allows the central “B” to function as a standalone graphic. Bentley notes that the “center of the logo is designed similarly to a luxury watch,” incorporating intricate details such as a “bevelled glass edge and chamfered metal surround.” This attention to fine detail, common in high-end horology, elevates the emblem’s perceived quality and allows the “B” to stand alone as a distinct, premium mark, reinforcing the brand’s association with precision and luxury craftsmanship.

 

The Grand Unveiling: A Concept Car Debut

The redesigned Bentley logo will not immediately grace production vehicles. Instead, its grand debut is strategically linked to a significant event in Bentley’s calendar: the unveiling of a new concept car.

 

July 8: A Date to Remember

The new winged ‘B’ emblem is poised to make its highly anticipated public debut on July 8. This date is significant not just for the logo’s reveal, but for what it represents in Bentley’s broader strategy. The emblem will first appear on a “concept car the company is planning to reveal” on that very day. This strategic decision means the new logo will be intrinsically linked to Bentley’s future design language and technological aspirations, rather than simply being a standalone rebrand.

 

The timing of this reveal is further amplified by another major development: the event “coincides with Bentley opening a new design studio at its headquarters in England.” This state-of-the-art facility, located in Crewe, the historic home of Bentley, signifies a renewed commitment to design innovation and marks a tangible investment in the brand’s creative future. While “no other details about the concept were provided,” the synergy between the new logo, the concept car, and the new design studio suggests a comprehensive strategy to usher in a new era for Bentley. The anticipation surrounding this reveal is palpable, as enthusiasts and industry experts alike eagerly await to see how these elements converge to shape the future of ultra-luxury motoring.

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A Glimpse into Bentley’s Future Vision

While the concept car set to debut on July 8 is “not production intent,” its significance cannot be overstated. This vehicle will serve as a powerful “future vision concept car,” offering a tangible glimpse into the direction Robin Page and his team plan to take Bentley’s design language for its upcoming product lineup. Such concepts are crucial for luxury automakers as they allow for exploration of bold new aesthetics and technologies without the immediate constraints of mass production. The new emblem, proudly displayed on this concept, will act as a herald for this fresh design philosophy.

 

Bentley has hinted that the concept will be “inspired by an iconic Bentley of the past,” suggesting a respectful nod to its rich heritage while simultaneously pushing boundaries. This approach allows the brand to honor its storied legacy while embracing modernity and innovation. The unveiling will likely showcase how Bentley plans to integrate cutting-edge design with its renowned craftsmanship in the era of electrification and advanced technology.

 

For those keenly interested in the evolution of luxury automotive design, the July 8 reveal promises to be a pivotal moment, providing crucial insights into the stylistic and philosophical underpinnings of Bentley’s next generation of vehicles. The world “won’t have to wait long to find out more,” making the approaching date a highly anticipated event in the automotive calendar.

 

The Significance of a Logo Redesign for Luxury Brands

For a brand with Bentley’s heritage, a logo redesign is more than just a marketing exercise; it’s a statement of evolution and intent.

 

Reflecting Modernity and Heritage

In the world of luxury automotive brands, a logo is far more than just a badge; it’s a powerful symbol of identity, history, and future aspirations. For Bentley, a brand with over a century of unparalleled craftsmanship, redesigning its iconic winged ‘B’ is a monumental decision. This new emblem is specifically “meant to capture details from previous iterations,” ensuring that the brand’s storied heritage remains firmly embedded in its visual identity. This connection to the past is crucial for a brand that thrives on its legacy and the emotional connection customers have with its history of excellence and exclusivity.

 

At the same time, the redesign aims to instill a “more modern look.” In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer preferences, luxury brands must evolve to remain relevant and aspirational. The “sharper and more dramatic” aesthetic of the new logo communicates a sense of dynamism and forward momentum.

 

This careful balancing act – honoring the past while embracing the future – is a delicate task for any heritage brand. By simplifying elements, making the design more compact, and drawing inspiration from agile natural forms like the peregrine falcon, Bentley signals its commitment to contemporary design principles without abandoning the very essence that has made it a global icon. The new logo thus acts as a visual bridge between Bentley’s illustrious past and its innovative future.

 

The Role of the Logo in Brand Perception

A brand’s logo is its most condensed form of communication, a visual shorthand for its entire identity. For Bentley, the redesigned emblem plays a critical role in shaping how the brand is perceived by both existing connoisseurs and potential new customers. The new logo, with its refined edges and streamlined form, directly contributes to a perception of renewed sophistication and precision. It aligns with current trends in luxury branding, which often favor understated elegance and clarity over overly ornate designs.

 

Furthermore, the thoughtful detail that allows the central ‘B’ to stand alone, mirroring the craftsmanship of a luxury watch with its bevelled glass edge and chamfered metal surround, speaks volumes. This design choice elevates the logo beyond a mere graphic, turning it into a miniature piece of art that embodies the meticulous attention to detail found within Bentley’s vehicles.

 

This flexibility also suggests broader applications for the logo in digital spaces and brand collateral, where a standalone, high-quality ‘B’ can maintain brand recognition without the full winged emblem. Ultimately, this redesign is a strategic move to reinforce Bentley’s status as a leader in ultra-luxury, signaling a brand that is confident in its heritage yet bold enough to redefine its visual signature for the next century of innovation. It’s a statement that Bentley is evolving, not just in its products, but in its very identity, promising an exciting future for aficionados worldwide.

 

Bentley’s Vision Takes Flight

Bentley’s unveiling of its redesigned winged ‘B’ logo marks a pivotal moment in the luxury automaker’s 106-year history. This fifth iteration of the iconic emblem signals a deliberate and thoughtful evolution towards a sharper, more modern aesthetic, seamlessly blending the brand’s rich heritage with a forward-looking vision. Under the guidance of Robin Page, Bentley’s Director of Design, the new emblem’s streamlined form, absence of lower feathers, and crisp new border reflect a sophisticated simplification, inspired by the dynamic angles of a peregrine falcon.

 

More than just a visual update, this new logo is a strategic preview. Its grand debut on a new concept car on July 8, coinciding with the opening of a state-of-the-art design studio in Crewe, emphasizes Bentley’s commitment to innovation and future design language.

 

While the concept car is not intended for production, it will serve as a powerful statement of the brand’s trajectory, promising a future where cutting-edge design and traditional craftsmanship continue to define the pinnacle of luxury motoring. This redesign reinforces Bentley’s position as a brand that respects its legendary past while boldly embracing the opportunities of a new era, ensuring its iconic symbol remains a beacon of excellence for generations to come.

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Prepare to encounter a vehicle unlike any other. The 1957 Spohn DV-13 Convertible, a remarkable coachbuilt custom car from Germany, is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer.   Read more