The words “Bentley” and “Turbo” don’t intuitively go together. Bentley is often seen as the epitome of luxury, a car for men tired of pretending that their beer belly isn’t a challenge when getting into a vehicle lower than their waistline. Turbo, on the other hand, evokes speed, power, and the hissing sound of compressed air.
But what if Bentley and Turbo aren’t so incompatible? Bentley’s founder, Walter Owen Bentley, considered racing a cornerstone of the brand. Without racing, there might not even be Bentley today. These cars were always big and powerful. Even the pre-war Blower Bentleys used forced induction via supercharger.
Bentley’s identity waned during the Rolls-Royce era, especially from the 1950s to the 1970s, when Bentleys were essentially Rolls-Royces with a different grille. The shift came in the late ’70s when the aluminium Rolls-Royce-Bentley L410 V8 engine was tested with a turbocharged conversion in the RR Camargue prototype. Bentley executives were so impressed that a few years later, the Bentley Mulsanne, a sibling of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, was released with an official Turbo version.
The Mulsanne Turbo marked Bentley’s departure from being a mere Rolls-Royce derivative and began the brand's revival. It was soon succeeded by the Turbo R, the "R" standing for Roadholding. With a massive Garrett T04 turbocharger, a more powerful engine, wider tires, and a sportier suspension, the Turbo R was the first Bentley in decades with its own distinctive character.
The Turbo R largely shares its DNA with the Silver Spirit, being a massive, luxurious, meticulously crafted sedan. Yet, by injecting power and agility into one of the world’s most luxurious vehicles, Bentley birthed a new grand touring concept that the brand continues to uphold. The Turbo R was not just a new model; it laid the blueprint for Bentley's success in the 21st century.
Getting inside the Turbo R is an experience in itself. The driving position feels more like sitting on a bar stool than sliding into something cool and upmarket. With its low roof, high seating arrangement, and large thin steering wheel, manoeuvring the car out of a parking space feels almost comedic, as if piloting an old dump truck. The steering wheel demands wide arm movements, and your head nearly grazes the ceiling.
The 6.75-liter V8 engine, in production for over 60 years, saw many iterations. In its most powerful Turbo RT form, it delivered 860 Nm of torque and 426 horsepower – numbers that rivalled even some trucks. The Turbo R I got to experience was from 1989, offering about 300 horsepower and 660 newton-metres of torque, paired with the legendary General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed gearbox.
Once you shift the column-mounted gear lever and start moving, the car surges forward with minimal throttle input, its torque constantly pushing the rear axle. As I drive and the road gets twisty, the Turbo R doesn’t crumble under its weight. Its high-profile tires provide surprisingly clear feedback, and its lowered suspension and upgraded stabilizers keep body roll in check. The Turbo R handles as it was designed to, with precise steering and impressive stability for a car of its size and weight.
After some aggressive driving, the Turbo R returns to a more subdued state, reminding you of a classic 1980s car with luxurious materials, creaking soft leather and a suspension that feels cushioned, yet communicative. Its massive, glass-surrounded cabin recalls a Mercedes-Benz W124, while its interior space feels akin to a Volvo 740.
What truly sets the Turbo R apart is its interior design and materials. The upright dashboard is covered in lacquered wood, evoking the ambiance of a stately study. Then there’s the scent – a unique aroma from the Connolly leather, also found in luxury cars like the Lamborghini Miura. This soft, fragrant leather leaves an impression, lingering in your clothes and even your home.
The Turbo R reminds you that nothing happens without the driver. It’s an experience – a car designed to make every drive feel theatrical, turning the mundane into a celebration. Now that’s what a true limousine is all about. But to focus solely on the performance and craftsmanship of the Turbo R would be to miss one of its most defining characteristics: its sheer presence. This is not a car you simply park on a street or tuck discreetly into a corner of a car park. The Turbo R commands attention, its broad grille and imposing stance making it a rolling declaration of arrival. Even in neutral tones, its size and regal demeanor ensure it stands out in a way few cars can.
What’s more, this Bentley is not a car that suffers anonymity. It is a magnet for conversation, curiosity, and admiration. I couldn’t even count the times I got cheers and waves as I was driving around. Unlike modern luxury vehicles that often blur into a sea of predictable elegance, the Turbo R exudes a distinctiveness that appeals to those who appreciate the audacity of an era when cars were designed to dominate, not blend in.
And then there’s the sound—an understated but unmistakable burble of the turbocharged V8, like a low growl that hints at the power lying beneath its refined surface. It’s a noise that isn’t intrusive but is always present, a reminder that beneath the wood and leather lies a machine built as much for performance as for prestige.
Perhaps the true beauty of the Turbo R, however, lies in its contradictions. It is a car as comfortable being driven sedately through the countryside as it is powering down a motorway, overtaking with effortless authority. It is a machine that asks for respect but rewards indulgence, a reminder of an era when luxury didn’t just mean comfort—it meant making a statement.
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