Overview

Though thoroughly overhauled in 2020, the  Bentley Bentayga has been with us since 2016, and it’s interesting to see how our attitudes to it have changed since that time. At its original launch, it seemed almost heretical that a company like Bentley should build an SUV. And here we are now viewing it in just the same way as any other super-premium luxury car.

That’s party because none of the core Bentley attributes have been lost in the Bentayga – it’s monstrously fast with a well-appointed cabin and levels of comfort and build quality that set it far above rivals. But also because more and more prestige brands have moved into the SUV space, including most recently Ferrari with the Purosangue.

Such are the Bentley Bentayga’s wide range of skills, that the selection of direct rivals is rather broad as well. The upper echelons of the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover line-ups are either as quick or luxurious, but neither simultaneously. At a similar price point is the amazing Lamborghini Urus, which is fast and drives like a sports car. If you fancy something with a price tag of twice as much, you could splash out on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

On the other hand, you might also be considering luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. To more directly compete with the limo-like rear space these (and long-wheelbase versions of the Range Rover), 2022 has seen Bentley launched a stretched version – which you can read more about in our separate Bentley Bentayga EWB review.

Regardless of version, the Bentayga is based on the same underlying technology as the Audi Q7, which is a good start. However, apart from a bit of shared switchgear that no amount of leather trimming can hide, the Bentayga feels a way beyond any other VW Group SUV in terms of premium quality.

As with all Bentley models, the Bentayga comes with an interior finished with thick carpet, outstanding leather and a remarkably wide choice of top-class veneers. The options list is vast. How your Bentayga looks will be ultimately down to how far you’re prepared to go with the personalisation, which is nearly limitless.

There are two engines to choose from: a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with 550hp and a slightly more eco-conscious 3.0-litre V6 plug-in hybrid, which still has a minimum of 449hp. These were previously distinct models, but as of September 2022 are now available across all three UK trim levels: Bentayga, Bentayga S and Azure.

There are no diesels on offer as Bentley is moving towards an all-electric future, and the firm’s tremendous W12 motor isn’t available in the UK (although some overseas markets do get it in a Bentayga Speed model still).

Over the next few pages we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Bentley Bentayga and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run.