Bentley Motors, on a mission to become the world’s most diverse luxury car manufacturer, has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the ‘Belonging Bentayga.’ This unique Alpine Green Bentayga Hybrid, hand-painted by the renowned architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire, MBE, is a striking celebration of inclusion and belonging.
The ‘Belonging Bentayga’ features a mesmerizing design, showcasing 29 different landmarks and people from all corners of the globe. These landmarks, including iconic structures from New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, adorn the car’s exterior, with each side representing a different continent. Stephen Wiltshire, known for his extraordinary ability to draw landscapes from memory after seeing them just once, created this artistic masterpiece.
This marks the first time a Bentley car has been hand-painted in this unique manner at the factory in Crewe, using a one-of-a-kind process developed by the Bentley Excellence Centre Bespoke Paint team. The design goes beyond just architectural landmarks, as it also incorporates drawings of people from various nationalities, symbolizing unity in diversity.
“We’re delighted that Stephen has agreed to collaborate with us to create the ‘Belonging Bentayga,'” said Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and D&I Officer at Bentley Motors. “This remarkable car celebrates Bentley craftsmanship and Stephen’s unique artistic genius. It’s also a key element in our Beyond100 strategy, which includes our industry-leading, five-step diversity and inclusion plan.”
Bruce added, “We’re very proud to be able to say that Bentley’s workforce is made up of people from 52 different nationalities, and our diverse team handcrafts and sells our luxury cars in 67 countries. The message that the unique and striking imagery of the Belonging Bentayga sends is that no matter where you live, you belong. Our culture of supporting everyone to be able to achieve their highest potential mirrors Stephen’s ethos of doing the best you can and never stopping.”
Stephen Wiltshire, reflecting on the project, stated, “Buildings have a way of telling a story, where you were born, your first job, the first church you got married, happy memories mean happy people. I have been on many travels throughout my career, and what stands out for me the most are the buildings, their architecture, and the people. I believe Bentley and the Belonging Bentayga relate in the same way, bringing people together, creating a journey, creating memories. My art has always been about existing and connecting. The Belonging Bentayga was a great challenge for me, but I like to be challenged as it tests my ability, and it also proves that if you put your heart and soul into it, you can overcome anything. I am very proud of the finished car, which in my humble opinion looks amazing.”
Stephen Wiltshire, who was born in London to West Indian parents and diagnosed with autism at a young age, communicated through drawings when he couldn’t use words. His intricate cityscapes have garnered international acclaim and admiration.
In 2021, Bentley Motors initiated a five-step diversity and inclusion strategy, focusing on outreach, recruitment, succession planning, culture, and development, as it recognized the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives in its Crewe-based dream factory. This unveiling of the ‘Belonging Bentayga’ is yet another significant step in their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the luxury car industry.
