British ultra-luxury carmaker Bentley Motors has restructured its India operations, strengthening its dealer-investor network across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to capitalise on lower import duties under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The move could make its premium models, particularly the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), more competitively priced, with industry sources estimating annual sales could rise from 60-70 to 180-200 vehicles.
Confirming Bentley’s renewed India push, Axel Dewitz, board member of Bentley Motors, said: “For Bentley, this is a wonderful growth opportunity in the market and also from a UK perspective.”
“We have restructured our setup in India over the past few months with highly valued investors. We now have a strong investor base in Delhi, as well as investors in Mumbai and Bengaluru,” Dewitz said.
Bentayga could become ₹1.7 crore cheaper
Industry sources estimate the Bentayga EWB could become as much as ₹1.7 crore cheaper, with its price potentially falling from about ₹5.9 crore to ₹4.2 crore. The revised pricing remains a market estimate and has not been confirmed by the company.
The Bentayga EWB is Bentley’s extended-wheelbase luxury SUV, aimed at chauffeur-driven customers seeking greater rear-seat comfort, additional legroom and extensive personalisation. Its blend of SUV practicality and limousine-like comfort makes it particularly attractive to India’s ultra-high-net-worth buyers.
Bentley’s other key models include the Continental GT grand tourer and the Flying Spur luxury sedan, both offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
FTA opens pricing opportunity
Under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, customs duties on qualifying British-origin petrol vehicles with engines above 3,000 cc and diesel vehicles above 2,500 cc have been reduced from 110 per cent to 30 per cent in the first year, subject to import quotas. The preferential duty rate will decline further to 10 per cent by the fifth year.
The immediate benefit applies to conventional petrol models such as the Bentayga EWB, while Bentley’s plug-in hybrid models will qualify for preferential quota access from the sixth year.
Stronger network to support growth
Industry sources said lower prices, coupled with a stronger distribution network, could significantly expand Bentley’s customer base and support annual sales of 180-200 vehicles over time. However, the forecast remains an industry estimate, not a company target.
For Bentley, the restructuring reflects a longer-term commitment to India beyond the immediate tariff benefits.
“Bentley is here to stay. It is not a short-term investment in this market. This is, and will remain, a growth story for everyone’s benefit,” Dewitz said.