$267,000 Bentley Bentayga SUV is the shape of luxury’s future
Forget the meek. SUVs have inherited the earth, or at least the roads. The biggest, baddest, and best, the most important and impressive luxury vehicles in the world today are SUVs. Ultra-luxe brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce know it, though some other prestigious brands have yet to catch on.
Ironically, U.S. luxury brands Cadillac and Lincoln stumbled onto this truth years ago, despite the fact that they were an afterthought in the global luxury market.
The U.S. brands discovered that big SUVs are the real flagship luxury automobiles inadvertently. Lincoln and Caddy got in early when the Navigator and Escalade, respectively, rescued their parent brands from a wasteland of uninspiring sedans in the late ‘90s.
Bentley was the first of the top-shelf global brands to cotton on, introducing the powerful and sumptuous Bentayga in 2015.
Contrary to what their apologists would have you believe, the super-rich aren’t generally big on understatement. Every inch of the Bentayga screams power and prestige.
The 2022 Bentayga S I recently tested stickered at more than a quarter-million. It was nowhere near the top of the line, but it made a statement, and that’s the name of the game.
How much?
Bentayga prices start at $180,500 with a “modest” plug-in hybrid engine, last sold as a 2021 model, but expected back for ’23. Powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, it has 443 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid is expected to return for 2023.
All Bentaygas have all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission
The 2022 model line began at $193,400 for the Bentayga V8, powered by a 4.0L bi-turbo V8 that produces 542 hp and 568 pound-feet of torque. The same engine powers the Bentayga S, which adds features and starts at $226,600.
The current top model is the Bentayga Speed, with prices starting at $259,400 and boasting a 6L W-12 (a name unique to the Volkswagen family, where two V6s are paired in a "w" shape) that produces 626 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque. All prices exclude destination charges.
A long-wheelbase model joins the lineup this fall. Called the Bentayga EWB, it will add about 7.1 inches of wheelbase, all of it for rear legroom, and is powered by the V8. Prices haven’t been announced.
I tested a Bentayga S with features including Naim audio, sport pedals, deep pile wool mats, metallic paint, and 22-inch wheels. It stickered at $267,140.
Like most ultra-luxe vehicles, the Bentayga’s competition isn’t other vehicles as much as yachts, kitchen and bathroom rehabs and other high-end accessories.
The most nearly direct automotive competitor is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a chrome grille that dwarfs the attached SUV and starts at $349,500.
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Bentley Bentayga prices and trim levels
2021 Bentayga plug-in hybrid: $180,500
2022 Bentayga V8: $193,400
2022 Bentayga S: $226,600
2022 Bentayga Speed: $259,400
Prices exclude $2,725 destination charge
Source: Edmunds.com
Power and handling belie SUV’s size
The Bentayga S I drove came within a first-class passenger’s luggage allowance of three tons, but felt almost nimble, thanks to its extravagant power and finely tuned steering and suspension.
At 201.8 inches long, it’s three inches longer than a Ford Explorer. Rather than the three rows of seats a plebeian family hauler must squeeze into that footprint, the Bentayga S I drove offered a "five seat comfort" package — a $5,780 option that’s a bargain when you consider the $8,970 20-speaker, 1,920-watt Naim audio system. Both performed flawlessly. Four- and seven-seat packages are also available, though the impending long-wheelbase model suggests the seven-seat base model is on borrowed time.
The twin-turbo V8 delivers seamless torque from low rpm for effortless acceleration. Bentley claims a 4.4-second 0-60 mph time and top speed of 180 mph.
The steering is sharp and responsive. A 48-volt active antiroll suspension provides power to counteract body roll in fast curves and quick changes of direction. The air suspension can also vary damping to keep the body stable for comfort and handling.
The brakes contribute to sharp handling by sensing cornering forces and lightly applying the rear inside brake in curves to make the steering feel even more responsive. In addition to a sport mode that changes engine and transmission response, the Bentayga has driving modes for snow, wet grass, gravel, sand and mud.
The Bentayga can ford up to 19.7 inches of water.
Modern luxury with classic touches
The SUV’s ride height made it easy to step into its wide doors and was low enough not to need running boards.
The interior was wrapped in black and cream leather and contrasting stitching with an Alcantara headliner.
The interior featured a couple of design flourishes that go back to Bentley’s earliest days: A stylize B on the shifter and “organ stop” pulls to open or close the vents.
The analog gauges are big and clear, classically beautiful and functional despite using the latest video technology. The high-res screen can also show maps and media information.
Climate controls have a welcome combination of buttons and dials. A touch screen was reserved for navigation, Apple CarPlay and other functions that technology does best.
My phone tended to slide out of contact with the wireless charging pad, a minor annoyance, but one that vehicles that literally cost one-tenth as much don’t have.
The SUV borrows key styling elements from Bentley sedans, from its winged B badge to its grille, elliptical lights, vented and flared fenders.
The Bentayga S gets black grilles, side mirrors and sills.
2022 Bentley Bentayga S at a glance
Base price: $226,600 (all prices exclude $2,725 destination charge)
All-wheel drive luxury 5-passenger SUV
On sale now
Specifications as tested:
Price as tested: $267,140
Engine: 4.0L bi-turbo V8
Output: 542 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 568 pound-feet of torque @ 1,950-4,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: 15 mpg city/24 highway/18 combined. Premium gasoline.
EPA estimated annual fuel cost: $4,800
0-60 time: 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 180 mph
Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Length: 201.8 inches
Width: 78.7 inches, excluding mirrors; 87.5 w/mirrors
Height: 68.6 inches
Cargo volume: 17.1 cubic feet
Water fording: 19.7 inches
Curb weight: 5,326 pounds
Weight distribution: 56/44
Towing capacity: 5,940 pounds
Assembled in Crewe, England
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: $267K Bentley Bentayga SUV is the shape of luxury’s future
