Since its inception, the automobile industry has been pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities. As automobile popularity grew, it became necessary to design concepts that further embraced the technology of the time. Providing the best amenities is what gave each company the edge it needed to survive in the burgeoning industry. However, as we enter a new era of automotive technology, companies must once again find a niche that will set them apart from their competition. In the summer of 2024, it was revealed that Bentley Motors had been granted a patent that would seemingly provide that edge involving drone technology.

According to the patent, Bentley intends to alter their iconic Flying B badge by turning it into a tiny drone. The drone would be an extension of the Flying B. Its body would dock inside the hood of the vehicle without disrupting the car’s smooth lines. The docking station would also serve as a charging port. When ready for use, the driver will be able to control the drone via a smartphone app or through the car’s smart control center. Weighing only 250 grams, the four-propeller drone will be small enough to be exempt from current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registration regulations. This weight class does not exempt the operator from adhering to FAA drone safety regulations.

Bentley envisions the drone as a feature that can help scout traffic issues, locate parking spots, or guide an owner through a parking lot if they don’t remember where they parked. But most likely, it’s just a really cool feature that Bentley hopes their tech-savvy customers will appreciate. Bentley has not released any news on which vehicle model or timeframe they plan to incorporate the Flying B drone. One thing people can definitely assume is that the drone upgrade will align with the expected cost of a new Bentley, upwards of $300,000. Bentley Motors is not the first automotive manufacturer to venture into the novel idea of accessorizing vehicles with drones.

Polestar, an all-electric luxury vehicle brand, has also added a drone as a feature in their Polestar O2. Their drone is stored in the third row of the car’s seating. Polestar has positioned the drone as more of a novelty that can be used to capture cinematic scenes as you drive along. The Polestar O2 is available at a starting price of $200,000. Meanwhile, up-and-coming Chinese car manufacturer BYD Auto has released their tech-heavy electric SUV, the Yangwang U8, which features a drone through a partnership with the world’s largest drone company, DJI.

The Yangwang U8’s drone is stored in the SUV’s roof and is fully integrated into the vehicle. This includes the control center, cameras on the drone and in the docking station, and three spare batteries. The vehicle will even automatically swap out batteries for the drone when needed. The Yangwang U8 is available in China for 1,098,000 RMB, roughly $160,000. Unfortunately, the Yangwang U8 will not be available in most markets within the foreseeable future. Perhaps the most affordable option will be the AI Trail from Audi, with a starting price of around $75,000, which includes a whopping five drones.

As explained in an Audi press release, “Instead of conventional low beams and high beams, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with a total of five rotorless, triangular, electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. They are capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle, and docking onto the inductive charging elements.” The drones can be used to help light the way when adventuring off-road. They also, like nearly all drones, have onboard cameras that can provide the driver with advanced situational awareness.

As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the integration of drone technology represents an exciting frontier that promises to enhance the driving experience. From scouting traffic to capturing breathtaking aerial footage, these advanced features not only appeal to tech-savvy consumers but also showcase the potential for increased safety and convenience on the road. As companies like Bentley, Polestar, BYD, and Audi push the boundaries of technology, the future of driving may be as much about the skies above as the roads below. As we look ahead, the collaboration between cars and drones could redefine what we expect from our vehicles, paving the way for a new era of automotive luxury and functionality.

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