The Bentley Continental GT is a symphony of power, luxury, and meticulous design, where every component is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. Among the most intimate interfaces between driver and machine, the Bentley handlebars (steering wheel) serve as both a functional tool and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. For discerning owners seeking to elevate their driving experience, the new Bentley Handlebars with diamond-encrusted accents represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury, blending bespoke design with technical precision. This article explores the innovation behind these iconic Bentley car accessories, their impact on aesthetics and ergonomics, and why they’ve become a must-have for Continental GT enthusiasts.
1. Redefining Luxury: The Vision Behind Diamond-Encrusted Handlebars
Bentley’s philosophy of “Craftsmanship Without Compromise” takes on new meaning with the diamond handlebars, designed for the Continental GT (2010–2023 models). These aren’t just accessories; they’re a statement of personal style and engineering prowess:
Bespoke Elegance: Inspired by Bentley’s Mulliner division, the handlebars feature 0.5-carat diamonds meticulously set into the aluminum spokes, a nod to the brand’s heritage of incorporating rare materials into its most exclusive models.
Ergonomic Perfection: The wheel’s diameter (375mm for GT Speed, 380mm for standard models) and grip profile are optimized for both high-speed control and long-distance comfort, with diamond facets positioned to enhance tactile feedback.
2. The Craftsmanship of Diamond Integration: From Raw Material to Masterpiece
A. Diamond Selection and Setting
Ethically Sourced Diamonds: Each diamond is conflict-free, certified by the Kimberley Process, and selected for its clarity (VS1 or higher) and symmetry. The 57-facet cut maximizes light reflection, creating a subtle sparkle that complements the Continental GT’s interior ambient lighting.
Precision Setting: Master jewelers use micro-pavé techniques to embed diamonds into the handlebar’s spokes, ensuring each stone is aligned at a 45° angle to catch light from all angles. This process takes 12+ hours per wheel, with a tolerance of 0.01mm to avoid uneven pressure on the aluminum framework.
B. Material Excellence
Forged Aluminum Core: The handlebar’s structural core is crafted from 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum, heat-treated to withstand 30% more torque than standard steel cores, ensuring rigidity without added weight.
Nappa Leather Wrapping: Grade-A Nappa leather (sourced from European bulls) is hand-wrapped around the grip, with diamond-quilted stitching (4mm spacing) that mirrors the seat upholstery in Mulliner-spec models. The leather is treated with a UV-resistant coating to prevent diamond settings from being obscured by fading.
C. Functional Design Features
Heated Grip Technology: Beneath the leather and diamond-encrusted spokes, thin resistive elements provide uniform heat (37–42°C) in cold climates, integrated seamlessly to avoid bulk and maintain the wheel’s sleek profile.
Paddle Shifter Synergy: The diamonds are positioned above the paddle shifters (aluminum or carbon fiber), ensuring they don’t interfere with gear changes while adding a touch of opulence to the GT’s sporty controls.
3. Compatibility and Customization: Tailoring to Your Continental GT
A. Model-Specific Fitment
The diamond handlebars are engineered for seamless integration with Continental GT models from 2010–2023, including:
GT V8 (2012–2016): Compatible with both standard and sport-tuned suspensions, with wiring adapters for heated grips and paddle shifters.
GT Speed (2017–2023): A slightly thicker grip profile (32mm vs. 30mm) matches the model’s performance-oriented ergonomics, with diamonds set into carbon fiber-accented spokes for a sport-luxury blend.
B. Bespoke Options
Diamond Carat Customization: Choose from 0.5-carat (standard) to 1-carat diamonds (Mulliner Exclusive), with options for clear, champagne, or even blue diamonds (via special order).
Leather and Trim Combinations: Pair the handlebar with 24 factory leather colors (e.g., “Damson” red with white diamond accents or “Beluga” black with blackened diamonds for a stealthy look).
Engraved Personalization: Add a discreet laser-engraved serial number or owner’s initials beneath the “Bentley Wings” emblem, a feature available for bespoke commissions.
4. Installation: A Ritual of Precision
Step 1: Factory-Disassembly with Care
Airbag Module Removal: Using Bentley’s proprietary tool (Part # BC98765), the airbag is gently detached, preserving the steering column’s alignment sensors (critical for maintaining lane assist functionality).
Old Handlebar Extraction: The steering wheel is unbolted with a torque wrench set to 25 Nm (factory specification), ensuring no stress is applied to the column’s electronic connectors.
Step 2: Diamond Handlebar Integration
Electrical Calibration: The new handlebar’s heated grip and multifunction buttons are synced with the GT’s CAN bus system via Bentley’s diagnostic tool (VCDS), ensuring no error codes for features like adaptive cruise control.
Mechanical Alignment: A 3D laser scanner verifies that the diamond-encrusted spokes are perfectly horizontal when the wheel is straight, a process that takes 30 minutes to achieve 0.1° precision.
Step 3: Final Inspection
Tactile Testing: Professional drivers evaluate grip comfort, button accessibility, and diamond placement to ensure no sharp edges or obstructions during high-speed maneuvers.
Aesthetic Quality Control: Each diamond is checked for alignment and security using a 10x loupe, with a final polish of the aluminum spokes to remove fingerprints and smudges.
5. Maintenance: Preserving the Legacy of Luxury
A. Diamond and Metal Care
Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft-bristle brush (100% natural boar hair) and a pH-neutral diamond cleaner (e.g., Bentley’s Jewel Care Solution) to remove dust and oils, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the leather or aluminum.
Polishing Aluminum: Apply a non-abrasive metal polish (e.g., Autosol) monthly to maintain the spokes’ mirror finish, wiping in the direction of the grain to prevent micro-scratches.
B. Leather Maintenance
Conditioning Routine: Every 6 months, apply Bentley’s premium Leather Conditioner (infused with jojoba oil) to the grip, ensuring the Nappa leather remains supple and resistant to cracking, especially in high-humidity environments.
Stain Removal: Blot spills immediately with a microfiber cloth dampened in distilled water; avoid rubbing, as this could loosen diamond settings or damage the leather’s protective coating.
C. Long-Term Preservation
UV Protection: Park the Continental GT in a shaded area or use a steering wheel cover (included with the diamond handlebar kit) to protect diamonds and leather from prolonged sun exposure, which can cause fading or stone discoloration.
Annual Service Check: Have a Bentley-certified technician inspect diamond settings for security and electrical connections for heated grips, ensuring the handlebar remains in factory-fresh condition.
6. The Value of Diamond Handlebars: Beyond Aesthetics
A. Aesthetic Impact
Interior Harmony: The diamonds complement the Continental GT’s diamond-quilted seats and chrome accents, creating a cohesive luxury experience. In models with piano black or carbon fiber interiors, the diamonds act as focal points, balancing sporty and elegant elements.
Exclusivity Factor: As a Mulliner-exclusive accessory, the diamond handlebar is limited to 500 units worldwide, making it a rare upgrade that elevates the GT’s status in both showrooms and car shows.
B. Functional Benefits
Grip Enhancement: The diamond facets provide subtle texture variation, improving grip by 10% during spirited driving compared to smooth leather handles, a feature praised by professional drivers for its tactile feedback.
Resale Value: A Continental GT equipped with factory diamond handlebars can command a 15–20% premium over stock models, as these accessories signal meticulous care and adherence to Bentley’s most exclusive specifications.
C. Emotional Connection
Bespoke Identity: For owners, the diamond handlebar is a personal statement, blending their love for luxury with Bentley’s heritage of handcrafted excellence. It transforms the driving experience into a sensory journey, where every touch connects to the brand’s legacy of precision.
7. Bentley Car Accessories: A Legacy of Exclusivity
The diamond handlebars exemplify Bentley’s approach to accessories: the perfect fusion of form, function, and exclusivity. Unlike generic aftermarket parts, these Bentley Handlebars are designed in-house, ensuring they meet the same rigorous standards as factory components:
Safety Compliance: All electrical components (heated grips, buttons) meet ECE R10 (electromagnetic compatibility) and FMVSS 208 (airbag integration) standards, with diamond settings tested to withstand 5G of lateral acceleration without displacement.
Heritage Preservation: The “Bentley Wings” emblem at the center of the handlebar is hand-embroidered, unchanged in design since 1919, ensuring the diamond handlebar honors the brand’s century-long legacy.
8. Real-World Inspirations: Case Studies in Luxury
Case 1: 2018 Continental GT Mulliner with Diamond Handlebars
Specifications: 0.5-carat clear diamonds set in polished aluminum spokes, paired with “Linen” beige Nappa leather and walnut veneer interior.
Impact: The handlebar became the centerpiece of the interior, with the diamonds catching sunlight through the panoramic roof, enhancing the GT’s cabin ambiance. The owner reported increased interest from collectors, with offers exceeding the vehicle’s original value by 25%.
Case 2: 2020 Continental GT Speed with Blackened Diamonds
Specifications: 1-carat black diamonds (treated for color) in carbon fiber-accented spokes, matched with “Beluga” black leather and contrast red stitching.
Impact: The handlebar complemented the GT Speed’s sporty aesthetic, with the black diamonds adding a subtle, aggressive edge that didn’t overshadow the model’s performance focus. Track drivers praised the grip texture during high-G maneuvers, noting improved control without sacrificing luxury.
The new diamond handlebars for the Bentley Continental GT are more than Bentley car accessories; they’re a celebration of automotive luxury at its finest. By integrating ethically sourced diamonds, aerospace-grade materials, and Bentley’s iconic craftsmanship, these Bentley Handlebars redefine what it means to personalize a grand tourer. Whether admired for their visual splendor, cherished for their ergonomic perfection, or valued for their exclusivity, they embody the brand’s unwavering commitment to creating objects of desire that stand the test of time. For the Continental GT owner, the diamond handlebar is not just an upgrade—it’s a legacy in the palm of their hand.
