Bentley announced its sales results for 2022, selling more than 15,000 cars per year for the first time. That's a 4% growth over 2021 sales, which ended with 14,659 units. At the time, we predicted introducing new hybrid models would bolster sales.

Despite the continued semiconductor shortage and the sinking of the Felicity Ace, Bentley already broke the previous record for profits in November 2022. Late last year, Bentley's profits already stood at €575 million ($617 million).

The Bentayga SUV accounted for 42% of sales, reaching roughly 6,370 models. Rolls-Royce sold 6,021 units in total, which means the Bentayga by itself is a more successful business than Rolls-Royce in its entirety.

This time Bentley did not publish a profit statement but rather a model count. The total sales tally was 15,174 units, an increase of 515 models. Using the cost of the cheapest Bentley on sale, that growth represents another $82.4 million in the bank account. It's bound to be more than that, however.

According to Bentley, this impressive achievement was driven by increasing demand for its hybrid options and Mulliner personalization. Looking closely at Rolls-Royce's sales figures, we see the same trend. Rolls-Royce sold more bespoke commissions than ever, and pre-orders for its all-electric Spectre have surpassed expectations.

As with Rolls-Royce, Bentley saw massive growth in custom cars. The oldest coachbuilder in the world, Bentley Mulliner, has seen business grow five-fold over the last five years.

The Continental GT and GT Convertible remain a staple for the brand, accounting for nearly a third of sales. The go-faster GT Speed took 31% of the model mix.

Bentley's beautiful sedan, the Flying Spur, was responsible for 28 percent of sales. Since its introduction in 2021, its share of sales has grown to 30% of the model mix. That's impressive, considering the other two options are the last W12 on sale and the even more attractive twin-turbocharged V8.

In the UK, two-thirds of all Flying Spurs sold are hybrid. Thanks to the introduction of new Flying Spur Hybrid models in 2022, the brand is now officially 50% electrified. However, the Americas (4,221 units) remained the most prominent market for the luxury brand.

"The reaction to the market introduction of our hybrid models, Flying Spur joining Bentayga last year, demonstrates the path the luxury sector is heading, and we are positioned firmly at the forefront. These numbers are validation that we not only lead the sector in sales and market share, but also investment in electric technologies and commitment to being net carbon neutral in 2030," said Adrian Hallmark, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors.