Bentley is Using AI to Scan for Defects in Leather You Can’t See

Bentley Motors has entered its “robots-with-good-taste” era.

The ultra-luxury British carmaker is now using artificial intelligence to inspect the leather that goes into its cars. Not because their craftspeople aren’t up to the task (they very much are), but because even the best-trained eyes can miss a pinprick-sized insect bite or an imperfection so small it would take a microscope—and maybe a prayer—to spot.

The new AI-powered Hide Inspection program is now fully in play at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, England. And yes, that’s what they actually call their manufacturing plant. Dreamy name aside, it’s part of a broader push toward sustainability, tech innovation, and what Bentley calls its Beyond100+ strategy—a plan to go greener and smarter while still cranking out cars that smell like success and stitched leather.

Here’s how it works: Leather hides—about nine of them per Bentayga SUV—are scanned by high-res cameras while the AI scans for defects invisible to the naked eye. We’re talking scars, holes, blemishes, bug bites, and other natural quirks. Normally, a human would have to go over each hide manually. Now, the AI handles the grunt work, and the craftspeople get to do the fun part: sewing, shaping, and detailing some of the world’s finest car interiors.

Importantly, this isn’t about replacing humans with machines. It’s more like giving them a superpower. The AI flags any issues and ensures that only the best parts of each hide make it into the car. The result? Less waste, faster production, and fewer emissions—Bentley says this process cuts about 135.7 kg of CO₂ emissions per car.

Andreas Lehe, Bentley’s manufacturing chief, put it this way: “Hide Inspection showcases how cutting-edge innovation and Bentley’s traditional craftsmanship techniques can co-exist side-by-side.” Translation: let the AI do the scanning, and the humans can get back to doing the cool artisan stuff.

It’s also the first time this kind of leather-inspecting AI has been used within the entire Volkswagen Group, which Bentley is part of. So yes, they’re quietly leading the charge in this very niche but very luxurious field.

AI spotting insect bites on leather might sound like a small detail. But in Bentley’s world, that kind of detail is everything.