Cars12/03/2025

Ashore Elegance: Discovering the Automotive Counterparts to Yachting Luxury

3 minutes

Limited edition Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Maybach models pay homage to the elegance of yachting

Cars inspired by yachts are making waves in the automotive world, as Riviera elegance, Riva artistry, and the sea’s allure inspire today’s most coveted automobiles. Discover land-bound yachts: bespoke creations blending terrestrial elegance with maritime luxury, evoking coastal cruises and private yacht ambiance.

Nautical Design on Four Wheels

Automotive engineering and nautical artistry unite, crafting limited edition cars inspired by yachts that express refined living. Shining examples include the Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection with its Riviera-inspired hues, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 with its sailing heritage, and the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail with its yacht-like deck. Gleaming finishes and yacht-inspired interiors redefine exclusive grand touring, offering a unique experience for the discerning.

Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection

For those who relish the seamless transition between coastal drives and seafaring adventures, the Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection embodies the essence of nautical automotive design. Inspired by the sun-drenched French Riviera, this luxury SUV boasts an exclusive Aegean Blue exterior, mirroring the captivating hues of the Mediterranean.

Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection parked at dusk, showcasing its design inspired by the Riviera lifestyle in a fitting coastal setting.

Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection with yachts in the background.

Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection interior dashboard.

Interior view of the Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection rear seats.

Interior detail of the Bentley Bentayga Azure Riviera Collection showing a metal plaque with the inscription 'Riviera Collection' and 'Hand Crafted by Bentley Mulliner'.

Close-up of Bentley Azure Riviera Collection seat details.

The interior, a testament to yacht-inspired car interiors, features supple blue and beige leathers, complemented by teak wood accents reminiscent of a luxury yacht’s deck.

Rear passengers indulge in unparalleled comfort with business-class airline seats, offering 22-way adjustments, and a sophisticated air chamber system, ensuring every coastal journey to Cannes or St. Tropez is a voyage in pure luxury. This Bentley is a showcase of luxury cars with marine design.

Mercedes-Maybach S 680

Evoking the grandeur of the golden age of sailing, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is a masterpiece of automotive design inspired by sailing. Its one-of-a-kind design draws inspiration from the 1939 ‘Sphinx’ yacht, a 12-meter class icon that captivated America’s Cup audiences.

The 1939 'Sphinx' yacht, a 12-meter class icon that captivated America's Cup audiences, sailing on open water

Rear view of a two-tone Mercedes-Maybach S 680.

Close-up of the rear of a two-tone Mercedes-Maybach S 680 with a classic sailing yacht Sphinx.

Interior shot of a Mercedes-Maybach S 680, showing the rear seats with white leather upholstery and a large, striped wood panel in the center.

A close-up of the Mercedes-Maybach interior, highlighting the rear center console with two champagne glasses.

The exterior, with its distinctive two-tone palette and a white waterline-inspired line, is an homage to its nautical muse. Inside, pristine white leather with gray stitching evokes the image of billowing sails, while walnut wood trim and aluminum accents mirror the refined craftsmanship of a ship’s deck.

This Mercedes-Maybach is a prime example of luxury cars with yacht styling, offering unparalleled comfort and timeless elegance.

Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail

As the pinnacle of bespoke automotive artistry, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail, a creation of the esteemed Coachbuild division, offers a motoring experience reminiscent of a private yacht cruise.

Close-up of the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail front, featuring the iconic grille, Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and distinctive headlight.

Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail rear view with open door.

A detailed shot of the Rolls-Royce Droptail's interior, highlighting the two-tone leather seats, the curved wooden rear deck, and the wood-accented dashboard and steering wheel.

Close-up of the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail's bespoke dashboard clock, created by Rolls-Royce's Coachbuild team.

The Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail's interior wood paneling,

This convertible masterpiece exemplifies cars with yacht interiors, with a harmonious blend of white and cream leathers and meticulously crafted wooden accents. The exterior, finished in a custom-developed white paint with a luminescent shimmer, accentuates its sleek lines.

The car’s most striking feature, the artisanal wooden rear deck, is a direct homage to the classic Riva yachts, solidifying this Rolls-Royce as an icon of maritime-themed automobiles. It is a perfect example of a bespoke luxury car design nautical theme.