Bentley bids farewell to the W12 after 21 years and 100,000+ engines

After 21 years and more than 100,000 engines produced, Bentley has said goodbye to the W12: the final unit has already been assembled, bringing a defining chapter in the brand’s story to a close.

The last Bentley W12 engine: where it is going

The very last Bentley W12 is destined for the Batur Convertible, Mulliner’s latest bespoke creation. Production will be limited to just 16 cars, in addition to the 18 examples of the Batur Coupé.

The figures for the ultimate evolution of the 6.0 W12 biturbo are also the highest the engine has ever delivered: 750 cv and 1000 Nm. That compares with the original 560 cv and 650 Nm-and it is worth remembering these gains arrived in parallel with ever-tightening emissions regulations.

Bentley says two decades of W12 development lifted power by 34% and torque by 54%, while CO₂ emissions fell by 25%.

Bentley W12 development highlights (2003–2015)

The biggest step change for the W12 came in 2015 with the arrival of the second generation, introduced alongside the launch of the Bentayga. The engine adopted twin-scroll turbochargers for sharper response, two petrol injection systems, and cylinder deactivation to help reduce both emissions and fuel consumption.

In addition, because it was now powering an SUV, Bentley ensured the W12 would operate correctly even on inclines of up to 35º in any direction.

The best-selling 12-cylinder of all time

Bentley took up the W12 baton in 2003 with the debut of the Continental GT, although the story began earlier, in 2001, when the engine appeared in models such as the Audi A8 and the Volkswagen Phaeton.

Once the W12 arrived at Bentley, the first priority was to raise its output, achieved by adding two turbochargers-and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

With the W12 fitted across every Bentley launched since 2003, it is no surprise it racked up remarkable production numbers for a 12-cylinder engine: more than 100,000 units. That makes it the most-produced 12-cylinder engine ever.

“The W12 propelled our models and business at exceptional speed and will be remembered as one of the most important innovations in our distinguished history”.

Dr Matthias Rabe, Bentley Motors board member for research and development

The future

The W12 era at Bentley is over, and it does not look set to return. Replacing the charismatic engine, the fourth-generation Continental GT will introduce a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Known as Ultra Performance Hybrid, the pairing of a biturbo V8 with an electric motor delivers even more power - 782 cv - and, thanks to a 25.9 kWh battery, it claims up to 80 km of fully electric range. Find out more:

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