2017 Bentley Bentayga

Overview

Bentley has finally taken literally its reputation of making the “fastest trucks in Europe,” with the all-new, 187-mph Bentayga sport-utility vehicle. It is based on Volkswagen Group’s premium rear-wheel-drive platform that also underpins the second-generation Audi Q7 SUV and comes in four- or five-seat, two-row configurations. The 2017 Bentayga went on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2016, about a year after its European sales launch. It is available with just one powertrain, a twin-turbo W-12 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. A 48-volt system powers the vehicle’s Dynamic drive mode, automatically adjusting front and rear anti-sway bars for various ride and handling demands. In the coming years, Bentley says it will add V-8 and third-row seating options.

What's New for 2017?

For 2017, Bentley built 608 Bentayga special Launch Edition models for sale globally, featuring 22-inch two-tone wheels, Union Jack badging, illuminated tread plates, but just 10 exterior paint color options. Bentley also offers the Bentayga with Mulliner personalization, comprising 90 exterior paint options, plus six option packages, including two special style treatments.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Bentayga’s 626-hp 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 engine is capable of a 187-mph top speed, the manufacturer claims, making it the fastest production sport-utility extant. It comes only with all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic. We estimate a 4.0 second 0-60 mph time, and despite the physics involved in moving this large and tall vehicle with such alacrity, we declared it “rather spectacular to drive.” Dynamic drive mode offers eight configurations, and damping is exemplary, seamlessly soaking up bumps. The electric power steering is nicely weighted and precise, though somewhat lacking in feel and feedback. The big surprise is that the Bentayga, while decked out like the sort of SUV that would go no further than the prime parking spot at a country-club parking lot, is quite capable off-road. While not quite Land Rover territory, the Bentayga can handle most remote dirt roads.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Bentayga’s interior is worthy of a Mulsanne sedan, with only the best leather hides for upholstery, real metal trim, and the choice of seven hand-crafted genuine wood veneers. Choose the four-passenger Bentayga over the five-passenger version and all four seats are 18-way power, heated and ventilated, with massage programs. An optional dash-mounted Mulliner Tourbillon mechanical clock by Breitling, which the vehicle winds automatically, is available in either mother-of-pearl or black ebony with eight diamond indexes. (But be warned, it costs almost as much as the car itself.) The 608 First Edition launch models come with diamond-quilted leather, embroidered seats, custom stitching, and ambient lighting. The Bentayga has 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and a fold-down “event” seat in the rear offers true tailgating.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Bentayga comes with two LCD monitors in front, one LCD monitor in the rear, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 4G LTE with a WiFi hotspot, and a 12-speaker audio system. Buyers can upgrade from the standard stereo to Bentley Signature Audio or premium Naim hi-fidelity audio.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Bentley Bentayga’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.