July bloomed listening to the exquisite details of the new Bentayga, as revealed by Bentley. Since it was launched in 2016, 20,000 Bentaygas have been handcrafted and now the new Bentayga is set to take that story forward.
The new Bentley design DNA has already graced the Bentley Continental GT and more recently the Flying Spur. Adopting centre-stage with the freshest interpretation of luxury, the Bentayga has been significantly revised both inside and out with the very latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin.
Since it was launched as a concept that elevated the sport utility vehicle in 2015, the Bentayga has combined the abilities of a performance grand tourer, a luxury limousine, a spacious family car and an off-roader. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, England, the extraordinary new Bentayga builds further on the outstanding success of its predecessor.
Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, delineates the brand’s vision of the Bentayga. “From its moment of launch nearly five years ago, the Bentayga has been the very definition of the luxury SUV. Like the Continental GT, the Bentayga created an entirely new part of the market, and since we set the benchmark many others have joined the sector, but no other car can offer a breadth of ability to rival the Bentayga. With the new Bentayga, we’re repositioning the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment to be even higher, even further away from the competition. We’ve listened to our customers and made improvements to the areas most important to them, and the new Bentayga is a thoroughly modern and beautiful extension of the original car’s abilities and achievements.”
In its bold new styling, every panel at the front of the Bentayga is redesigned for a cleaner, modern look. The larger, assertive matrix grille stands more upright above a more aggressive front bumper, while new, intelligent LED matrix headlamp technology includes the signature Bentley design inspired by cut crystal glassware. For the first time, the Bentayga gets heated, wet-arm windscreen wipers, with 22 washer jets in each arm.
Bentayga is transformed in the rear with a total redesign including a new full-width tailgate with new encapsulated lamps. The licence plate now finds its place on the bumper. The performance aspect of the Bentayga is highlighted by wide, split tailpipes and a 20 mm increase to the rear track width. This repositions the wheels in their arches and gifts with a powerful stance, enhanced by a new design, unique to Bentayga.
Ventilated comfort and edge-to-edge graphics
Passengers in the rear is rewarded with greater spacious comfort, as legroom grows by up to 100 mm depending on configuration. There is a standard 5-seat cabin and an optional 4-seat layout with a centre console separating the two rear seats. A three-row, seven-seat configuration is also available. Inside all is new, from the centre fascia to the steering wheel, new door trims and all-new seats – now available with ventilation in the rear of the five-seat cabin.
A next generation infotainment system takes its place on the Bentley ‘wing’ dashboard design and features a 10.9-inch display screen with edge-to-edge super high-resolution graphics, configurable to suit driver preferences. Making music in the cabin is a Bentley Signature Audio or an optional Naim for Bentley system with no less than 20 speakers!
Connectivity and tech gets better
All-new navigation comes with satellite maps, online search and other features while Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard for the first time, alongside the existing wired system and Android Auto (market dependant). The rear occupants receive a new, larger remote controlled tablet, like the one introduced in the all-new Flying Spur. USB-C data ports and a wireless phone charger improves the state of connectivity in the Bentayga.
The luxurious interiors are enhanced by: Dark tint diamond brushed aluminium trim for the first time / two new straight-grained veneers: Koa and Crown Cut Walnut / Mulliner Driving Specification adds a new quilting design / micro piping detailing is a new option for the seats
Supercar performance
Bentayga will be initially available with a V8 with the promise of a W12-powered Speed version later this year. The 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged eight cylinder petrol engine develops 542 bhp and 770 Nm of torque. The eight-speed automatic gearbox delivers powerful performance with a top speed of 290 km/h and 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. This familial asset can de-activate four of its eight cylinders when the drive isn’t compromised. One of the reasons that contribute to a refined efficiency of 13.3 l/100 km adding up to a range of 639 km with CO2 emissions of 302 g/km.
The drive also has been touched by the new changes, with the widest range of on and off-road drive settings in any SUV, courtesy of Bentley’s Drive Dynamics Mode and the optional All-Terrain Specification. Bentley Dynamic Ride – the world’s first electric active roll control technology – has been further enhanced on the model. This technology that helps minimise body roll and improve agility across the driving spectrum casts its positive influence on both the luxurious and performance sides of one the world’s most luxurious SUVs.
[Efficiency figures updated on 22nd July as per revised press information from Bentley.]
