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- Highs Smooth and powerful engine, comfortable ride, opulent interior furnishings.
- Lows Styling might not appeal to Bentley purists, handling shows its size, don't even ask about the price.
- Verdict The Bentayga continues Bentley's reputation for ultra-luxury with the added benefit of an SUV's utility.
Overview
Quite simply, the 2018 Bentley Bentayga represents the pinnacle of what it means to be one of the ultimate luxury-branded SUVs. With a cabin worthy of a Michelin star and a powertrain to make many supercars green with envy, the Bentayga elevates the once-humble sport-utility into the stratosphere of the luxury-car world, both in terms of neck-straining performance and eye-watering price tag.
What's New for 2018?
For the 2018 model year, the Bentayga arrives with more color and trim options, including the highly customizable Mulliner model, which includes innumerable ways to personalize this already over-the-top SUV. This includes a unique picnic hamper, complete with silver cutlery, French porcelain, and Bentley-branded champagne flutes. A Breitling Tourbillon clock can be fitted to the center of the dash for a cool $170,000 extra. In terms of utility, or at least passenger count, the 2018 Bentayga is available in a three-row, seven-seat configuration for the first time.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Onyx Edition: $201,425
- Activity Edition: $221,425
- Signature: $235,525
- Black Edition: $245,425
- Mulliner: $304,425
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Getting the Bentayga down the road is a 600-hp W-12 engine fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite the hefty SUV tipping the scales at more than 5000 pounds, this silky-smooth engine allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. Top speed is listed as 187 mph, though credit to any driver who’s brave enough to get this beast to the limit of its straight-line ability. The handling gets the Bentayga where you point it, though it’s a pretty numb helm no matter what speed you’re traveling. And while the ride is tuned for cross-continental comfort, the largest wheels (22 inches in diameter) can cause sudden bumps or expansion joints to unsettle the normally buttoned-down suspension.
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 might not look like a typical Bentley, but it certainly plays the part when you’re inside this opulent SUV. Deep wool carpets, real metal and wood trim, and top-quality leather cover every surface. It's hard to cover the Bentayga's standard equipment; suffice it say, if you can think of it, it's probably there. Space in the second row is comfortable for adults, though the available third row is best suited to (very lucky) kids, or short trips with (equally lucky) grown-ups. Options include everything from built-in refrigerators and safes with fingerprint recognition to exterior paint and interior trim color choices customized to whatever an owner might want. Cargo space in the Bentayga fitted with two rows of seats is ample, though having the optional third-row seats occupied takes a sizable chunk out of the space that's left for shopping bags, prized greyhounds, or polo-pony saddles.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch infotainment screen occupies the center of the Bentayga's dashboard and comes with Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a 700-watt audio system with 10 speakers. The graphics are clear, and the menus are generally simple to navigate. Tech upgrades include a rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10.2-inch screens mounted on the front-seat headrests. Audiophiles, take note, an available Naim audio system comes with 20 speakers and a whopping 1950-watt amplifier.
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.
