Unveiling the Regal Elegance of Bentley State Limousines
Some cars whisper status. The Bentley State Limousines practically bow. Commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, these two Bentley-built state cars are the ultimate expression of British coachbuilding. I’ve stood roadside for a state procession and watched one glide past. No drama. Just a calm, silent wave of authority. That’s the magic of the Bentley State Limousines: they don’t shout power; they embody it.
The Origin Story: How the Bentley State Limousines Came to Be
The British Monarch needed something appropriately special for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime event: 50 years on the throne. Bentley, with Mulliner’s master craftsmen at Crewe, answered with a pair of bespoke state limousines. They weren’t just dressed‑up production cars; they were purpose-built ceremonial machines guided by palace protocol. High visibility for well-wishers. Easy ingress and egress for a Queen in formal attire. Security without turning the thing into an armored bunker on wheels (even if, between us, there’s serious protection baked in).
Bentley State Limousines Design: Ceremony Meets Clever Engineering
In person, the proportions make sense in a way photos don’t quite capture. A taller roofline and expansive, near-panoramic glazing let crowds see the principal passenger without a contortionist’s neck. The rear doors are rear-hinged and open to a near 90 degrees, so you don’t so much “get in” as step into a private salon. The finish is regal—traditionally a deep claret offset by black—with the familiar Bentley grille set for state duty: mountings for the Royal Standard, interchangeable badging, and that unmistakable presence you feel before you hear it.
Under the Skin: The V8 That Whispers
Power comes from Bentley’s 6.75‑litre twin‑turbocharged V8—akin to the Arnage of its era—tuned more for velvet torque than headline horsepower (call it circa 400 hp, but the exact figure has always been politely vague). The calibration is all about smooth pull from walking pace. In convoy, it wafts. Over rough city streets when I trailed one near Westminster, the chassis shrugged off potholes like a butler gliding across thick carpet. Quiet enough that, yes, you could hear your kids arguing in the back. Not that they’d be allowed in this one.
- Rear-hinged doors with wide openings for graceful arrivals
- Raised rear seating for better public visibility
- Special glazing and bodywork designed for protection and clarity
- Hand-finished veneers and trim tailored to royal preferences
- V8 torque for unruffled progress, even at ceremonial crawl speeds
In Royal Service: Bentley State Limousines at Work
These aren’t museum pieces. For two decades, the two Bentley State Limousines have been the rolling stage for some of Britain’s most significant moments—State Openings of Parliament, formal welcomes, state banquets. They became as familiar to UK audiences as the pomp and pageantry surrounding them, a reassuring sight of continuity.
A Legacy That Rolls On
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, the Bentley State Limousines continue their duties—unflustered, unchanged in their purpose. They’re symbols of a monarchy evolving carefully over centuries, and of a British marque that still knows how to craft a car to a brief few others could even understand, let alone execute.
How the Bentley State Limousines Compare to Other Royal Cars
| State Car | Era in UK Service | Powertrain | Signature Trait | Can You Buy One? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley State Limousines | From 2002 | Twin‑turbo 6.75‑litre Bentley V8 | Panoramic visibility, wide-opening coach doors, bespoke Mulliner build | No—two exist, both for the Royal Household |
| Rolls‑Royce Phantom VI State Cars | Primarily pre‑2002 | 6.75‑litre V8 | Traditional coachbuilt formality; long royal service | Very rarely—private Phantom VIs exist, state cars don’t trade |
| Daimler DS420 Limousine | Late 1960s–1990s | 4.2‑litre inline‑six | Formal, roomy, and ubiquitous on official duties | Yes—former ceremonial cars sometimes appear privately |
A Majestic Union of Craftsmanship and Royalty
Are the Bentley State Limousines “royal cars”? Absolutely. They’re rolling craftsmanship—quiet, exacting, and purposeful. And while the world obsesses over touchscreen sizes and 0–60s, these Bentleys remind us that true luxury is being delivered to the right place, at precisely the right moment, in absolute calm.
Elevate Your Bentley Experience with AutoWin Floor Mats
If you already drive a Bentley—lucky you—you’ll know the cabin is half the experience. Protect it properly. I’ve fitted custom mats in a few press cars over the years, and the difference between universal rubber and tailored pieces is night and day. That’s where AutoWin earns its keep: precise fit, premium materials, and finishes that don’t cheapen the vibe.
Why choose AutoWin floor mats:
- Precision fit: Tailored specifically for your Bentley, so they sit flat and protect properly.
- Quality you can feel: Durable, premium materials that hold up to real life—muddy boots, coffee mishaps, the lot.
- Elegant design: Finishes that complement, not clash with, Crewe’s craftsmanship.
- Easy maintenance: Quick to clean, even after a weekend’s worth of family chaos.
Conclusion: Why Bentley State Limousines Still Matter
The Bentley State Limousines aren’t about speed or lap times. They’re about significance. About the art of arriving. And they show—beautifully—that Bentley can still craft a car around a very human brief: comfort, visibility, security, dignity. In an age of disposable everything, these two are the opposite: built to serve, and to last.
If you’re settling into your own Bentley today—ideally with AutoWin mats underfoot—spare a thought for the lineage. Same winged B. Same obsession with doing things the right way, quietly.
Bentley State Limousines: FAQ
How many Bentley State Limousines are there?
Two. Both were built by Bentley Mulliner in 2002 for the British Royal Household.
What engine powers the Bentley State Limousines?
A Bentley 6.75‑litre twin‑turbocharged V8, tuned for smooth torque and quiet progress rather than outright speed.
Are the Bentley State Limousines armored?
They include significant security enhancements and special glazing. Exact specifications aren’t publicly detailed—for obvious reasons.
Can the public buy a Bentley State Limousine?
No. These are state vehicles. If you want something with a similar spirit, a well-kept Arnage or modern Flying Spur delivers a related Bentley feel—minus the flags.
Do the Bentley State Limousines still serve the Royal Family?
Yes. Commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II, they remain in service under King Charles III for state occasions and official duties.
