The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki captures the soul of New Zealand in a singular, spectacular drive.
Few car brands in the world are as synonymous with luxury as Bentley. The British marque is defined by a carefully finessed balance of fine craftsmanship (with skills passed down through generations), engineering prowess, and a knack for tech integration. Still, it’s a penchant for future thinking that sets it apart. And nowhere is this more evident than in the recent unveiling of the first-ever Bentley Bentayga inspired by the captivating landscapes and unique heart and soul of New Zealand — the Bentley Mulliner Aoraki.
In 2023, our editor-in-chief embarked on a truly extraordinary journey with the storied marque, traversing one of the world’s most exceptional driving routes in what she described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Deep in the South Island, immersed in a world of design, wellbeing, and adventure (behind the wheel of Bentley’s fleet of models), the adventure not only offered the chance to experience and connect with the cars, but also an immersion into nature, witnessing some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. And it’s here, amongst the snow-capped mountains, sprawling tussock-covered plateaus, and breathtaking fiords, that the seed was planted for The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki, Bentley’s one-of-a-kind new model.
Named for New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and drawing inspiration from our country’s captivating landscape, this unique vehicle was commissioned by Bentley Auckland and crafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s Bespoke Studio based in Crewe, England. The genesis of the New Zealand-inspired car was to craft something as spectacular and majestic as everything witnessed on the Extraordinary Journey.
“The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki was Named for Aoraki Mount Cook and draws inspiration from our country’s captivating landscape.”
Mulliner set to work, crafting a material and colour combination that captured several elements of Aotearoa’s unique environment, and the result is a vehicle of rare distinction. The Mulliner Aoraki’s Anthracite over Cyprus duo-tone exterior nods to the craggy hues of alpine rock, while tussock-covered plateaus are represented in Khamun contrast hand-painted pinstriping to the carbon fibre styling.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in bespoke design, from the Open Pore Galaxy Stone centre console to the richly grained ‘Kea Green’ leather accents — a nod to the South Island’s mischievous native parrot. Even the six o’clock steering wheel spoke and grab handles are finished in this deep olive-emerald shade, subtly tying in the colour story of Fiordland’s forested valleys.
Beyond aesthetics, the car has been engineered with both urban and off-road exploration in mind. Built on a foundation of performance and comfort, it comes equipped with Bentley’s Touring and All-Terrain Specifications, ensuring capability on even the most rugged backcountry roads. A bespoke, colour-matched roof box offers additional storage for longer escapes, while 22-inch Azure Wheels in Beluga Gloss with Cyprus pockets provide an effortlessly elegant stance. Inside, acoustic privacy glass, mood lighting, and a B&O for Bentley audio system create a cocooned, cinematic experience for passengers.
A tribute to (and reminder of) New Zealand’s spectacular natural environment and a true collector’s item, the Bentley Mulliner Aoraki is not only a masterpiece, but also a testament to how powerful a sense of connection can be — and a nod to Bentley’s ever-evolving ambition.
