The narrative of Bentley’s emblem is not just one of visual refinement—it is the unfolding of a luxury legacy. From its earliest conception in 1919 to its most recent modernization in 2025, the “Winged B” has remained a symbol of motion, elegance, and technical prowess, evolving with precision yet preserving identity.
The Evolution of the Bentley Logo
The Bentley logo is one of the most recognizable emblems in the luxury automotive world, symbolizing prestige, performance, and craftsmanship. At its core is a bold, capital letter “B”, representing the Bentley name, encased within a circular or oval frame. Extending from either side are a pair of stylized wings, a visual metaphor for speed, freedom, and the brand’s historic connection to aviation through its founder, W.O. Bentley. Traditionally, the wings featured an asymmetrical feather count—an intentional design choice in early versions to deter counterfeiting.
Over the years, the Bentley logo has undergone subtle refinements while retaining its timeless identity. Its color scheme often varies to denote different model categories: black for standard models, red for high-performance versions, and green for racing heritage models. Modern interpretations blend heritage with innovation, incorporating precise lines, premium metallic finishes, and three-dimensional detailing that evoke the craftsmanship of fine jewelry or luxury watches. Whether mounted on the grille of a grand tourer or displayed digitally in marketing materials, the Bentley logo remains a powerful emblem of the brand’s dedication to elegance, engineering excellence, and exclusivity.
1919 – 1931
In 1919, amidst the aftermath of World War I, Walter Owen Bentley founded Bentley Motors. Straights after inception, the brand enlisted F. Gordon Crosby—a celebrated motoring artist who had captured the thrill of races—to design a logo that would embody both grandeur and speed. Out emerged the first iteration of the “Winged B”: a bold capital “B” surrounded by stylized wings, chosen to symbolize exhilaration and the founder’s background in aviation.
In a stroke of brilliance, Crosby introduced asymmetry: the wings carried different numbers of feathers, a detail meant to make replication difficult and stave off forgery. Thus, the logo served both as a design icon and a safeguard—a testament to ingenuity in both branding and security.
1931 – 1991
Following Bentley’s acquisition by Rolls-Royce in 1931, the logo underwent its first major redesign. The emblem’s asymmetry was replaced with symmetry: each wing was straightened and balanced, each carrying ten feathers. This change conveyed a measured, restrained elegance befitting corporate stewardship.
The “B” remained central, but the overall aesthetic shifted from expressive to refined, aligning with the more conservative elegance of the era. This version would endure for decades, becoming a familiar and trusted symbol of prestige.
1991 – 2002
The 1990s brought renewed interest in Bentley’s sporting lineage and forged a visual revival. Asymmetry returned to the wings, a nod to the original design and to the dynamic heritage of the marque.
The head-on “B” was also subtly restyled to echo earlier versions, reintroducing expressive character without sacrificing elegance. This era, closely preceding Volkswagen Group’s acquisition, represented a delicate balancing act between tradition and renewed vitality.
2002 – 2025
In 1998, Bentley reemerged under the ownership of the Volkswagen Group, powered by substantial investment and reenergized design ambition. In 2002, in anticipation of the Continental GT, Bentley introduced a major emblem update: wings sharpened toward their tips, textured details enriched the metallic sheen, and a larger circular surround emphasized the central “B”.
Designers re-echoed aspects of Crosby’s original while embracing precision and contemporary sensibilities. The wings bore eleven feathers on one side and ten on the other, reintroducing subtle asymmetry in tribute to heritage.
2025 – Present
In July 2025, Bentley introduced a bold new interpretation of its iconic emblem, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s visual identity. The unveiling coincided with two major events: the debut of the futuristic Bentley EXP 15 concept and the grand opening of the company’s state-of-the-art Design Studio in Crewe, England. Crafted by Bentley’s in-house design team under the guidance of Design Director Robin Page, the emblem was the result of an internal competition, with the winning concept created by designer Young Nam. The refreshed logo made its first appearance on July 1, followed by its official global debut on July 8 at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This latest redesign presents a dramatic shift in character, moving away from the traditional rounded wings toward a sharper, more dynamic aesthetic. Inspired by the wings of a peregrine falcon, the new emblem features aggressive, angular contours that convey speed, precision, and modernity. The intricate feather details of past versions have been replaced by a sophisticated diamond-pattern structure, symbolizing advanced technology and aerodynamic excellence. In pursuit of a cleaner, more contemporary appearance, the lower set of feathers beneath the central section has been completely removed, allowing the design to breathe with minimalism and clarity.
Equally transformative is the treatment of the central “B,” which now stands as a powerful, independent symbol capable of representing the brand on its own. Its refined form draws inspiration from luxury watchmaking, incorporating a metallic outer border, finely beveled edges, and a three-dimensional finish that adds visual depth. This jewel-like execution evokes the precision and craftsmanship of a premium timepiece, underscoring Bentley’s dedication to luxury detail.
The new Bentley emblem represents a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. While it preserves the instantly recognizable identity that has defined the marque for more than a century, it also aligns perfectly with modern digital platforms and Bentley’s forward-looking strategy. Designed to complement the brand’s transition into the era of electrification—particularly future members of the Bentayga family and other next-generation models—the emblem embodies elegance, performance, and technological sophistication. In doing so, it reinforces Bentley’s position as a leader in the luxury automotive segment while signaling a confident step into the future.
Font and Typography: Consistency Amid Change
Throughout the century, the font—specifically the “B”—has maintained remarkable consistency. It reflects a bold, sans-serif, display typeface: strong, vertically expanded, and unmistakably Bentley. This steadfastness underscores respect for tradition and a firm sense of identity. Subtle refinements in the 1990s and 2002 update polished its form, but the essential character remained intact—ever-present and enduring.
FAQ’s
Who is the most notable person credited with designing the original bentley logo?
The most notable person credited with designing the original Bentley logo is F. Gordon Crosby.
Crosby was a celebrated British motoring artist and illustrator, best known for his work in The Autocar magazine during the early 20th century. In 1919, Bentley commissioned him to create an emblem that would capture both speed and elegance. His design—the now-famous “Winged B”—featured a bold central “B” flanked by outstretched wings, with an intentional asymmetry in the feather count to make forgery more difficult.
Would you like me to also explain the meaning behind the asymmetry in Crosby’s original design? That detail is often overlooked but fascinating.
What does the asymmetry in the wings signify?
Originally a safeguard against forgery, asymmetry became a hallmark of originality. Its return in the 1990s and 2000s signaled a rekindled valor for heritage and motion.
Why remove the lower feathers in 2025?
To achieve cleaner, sleeker aesthetics in line with modern design language, and to render the emblem more adaptable across digital and physical platforms.
Can the “B” now stand alone?
Yes. The 2025 redesign makes the “B” a standalone icon—especially useful for digital media, badges, and promotional use.
Final thoughts,
From its inception in 1919, through periods of refinement and renewal, to its current cutting-edge reinterpretation, the Bentley “Winged B” has consistently symbolized motion, excellence, and heritage. Each redesign—though infrequent—is purposeful: bolstering tradition while signaling modernity. The font and emblem remain anchors of identity, while color distinctions continue to whisper stories of exclusivity. As Bentley embarks on a new electric future, its badge gracefully evolves—a bridge between storied craftsmanship and tomorrow’s design.
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