Bentley is ditching traditional hazard warning lights for something way cooler – a drone that pops out of its iconic logo. This isn’t just a fancy gimmick; it’s a fully functional drone that can signal the car’s location, help with parking, and even provide a bird’s-eye view of the road. The drone is designed to be super lightweight, weighing in at under 250 grams, which means it can avoid some of the stricter flying regulations.
According to José MarÃa Ortega Hernández, the engineer behind this innovative idea, the drone will be integrated into the car’s front grille and can be activated from both inside and outside the vehicle. It’s not just aone-trick pony either – this drone can be used to capture aerial videos and selfies, which is sure to be a hit with social media enthusiasts. The drone is set to become an optional feature on Bentley models like the Continental and Bentayga starting in 2027, pending regulatory approvals.
But how does it work? The drone uses four tiny rotors to take off from the car’s logo and can hover above the vehicle to provide a clear signal of its location. It can also be used to scout out parking spots and guide the driver to them. The possibilities are endless, and it’s clear that Bentley is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with car tech.
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, and there are some serious regulatory hurdles to overcome before this tech can become a reality. For example, in many European countries, drone operators need to get certified and follow strict guidelines set out by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). There are also limits on where and how high drones can fly, and owners will need to get special insurance and registration for their drones.
And then there’s the issue of data protection – with the drone’s camera capturing all sorts of footage, there are concerns about privacy and data security. The good news is that Bentley is ahead of the curve on this one, with plans to make sure that any footage captured by the drone is handled in accordance with strict data protection laws like the EU’s GDPR.
It’s not just about the tech itself, but about the experience it provides. Imagine being able to capture stunning aerial footage of your road trip or being able to get a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings. It’s a whole new level of luxury and convenience, and it’s clear that Bentley is committed to making it happen.
So what does the future hold for this tech? With Bentley leading the charge, it’s likely that we’ll see other luxury car brands following suit. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll see drones becoming a standard feature on cars across the board. For now, though, it’s exciting to see a company like Bentley pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and giving us a glimpse of what the future of car tech might hold.
Key features of the Bentley drone
- Integrated into the car’s front grille
- Can be activated from inside and outside the vehicle
- Uses four tiny rotors to take off and hover
- Can signal the car’s location in emergency situations
- Can be used to capture aerial videos and selfies
- Optional feature on Bentley models starting in 2027
Regulatory challenges
The drone will need to comply with strict regulations set out by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other regulatory bodies. This includes:
- Getting certified to operate the drone
- Following strict guidelines on where and how high the drone can fly
- Getting special insurance and registration for the drone
- Complying with data protection laws like the EU’s GDPR