Perhaps not wanting to be outdone by Range Rover's Haast Edition, Bentley Auckland has commissioned a special version of the Bentayga SUV inspired by our tallest mountain: Aoraki/Mount Cook. Bentley buyers can have essentially anything they want from the Mulliner bespoke studio of course, but this is notable for its specifically Kiwi trim themes.
And for one special feature: a mountain landscape is presented on the seatbacks in "negative perforation" quilting, a first for Mulliner on any car. Essentially, the graphic is created by sections of the leather not being perforated, which is actually a pretty cool effect when you realise what's been done.
Bentley Auckland says the idea for the car came from an "Extraordinary Journeys" trip for VIP guests back in 2023. It offered owners a chance to experience a collection of Bentley models on some of the "world’s most exceptional routes".
On day 3 of the journey, after arriving by helicopter at a remote high-country station in Central Otago for lunch, the group started discussing the idea of creating something inspired by the view... or so the story goes. The final design took several months of work with Mulliner to sign off.
The dashboard wears the exact coordinates (43,5950S, 170.1418E) of Aoraki Mount Cook's 3724-metre peak.
Anthracite over Cyprus Duo-tone exterior paint references the rock above the tree line on the Southern Alps. Tussock is represented in Khamun contrast hand-painted pinstriping, with the Carbon Fibre Styling specification.
The interior includes Open Pore Galaxy Stone on the centre console, with Kea Green accented leather, which has also been placed on the grab handles, and a six-o’clock steering wheel spoke; this has been curated to replicate the olive-emerald plumage of the mountain parrot.
The vehicle is equipped with All Terrain specification, which includes a bespoke colour-matched Bentley Roof Box for additional storage, and 22-inch Azure Wheels in Beluga Gloss with Cyprus pockets.
The Mullner Bentayga Aoraki is scheduled to arrive at Bentley Auckland in June 2025. How much? Officially POA, if you have to ask, etc.