2024 Bentley Bentayga

Overview

These days even legacy luxury automakers like Bentley need an SUV in their stable, and the 2024 Bentayga doesn't skimp on the ultimate posh experience that the brand's Continental GT and Flying Spur models are known for. Step up into its cabin and the Bentayga's aromatic leather wraps you in a gentle hug. Scan the dash and take in the gorgeous metal trim and rich wood inlays mixed with modern infotainment tech. Press the Bentayga's console-mounted start button and one of two available engines—a velvety V-8, or a silky plug-in hybrid V-6—smoothly comes to life behind the appropriately imperious grille. You're in a Bentley, for sure, even if it takes the less alluring shape of an SUV. Performance is admirable with any of the powertrains, but the V-8 proved quickest in our testing, hitting 60 mph in a scant 3.5 seconds. But performance may not matter if you plan to be chauffeured, and if that's the case, the extended wheelbase Bentayga is the one you should opt for—and make sure to order the reclining rear seats for maximum relaxation.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#12 in Ultimate Luxury Vehicles

1

Bentley Flying Spur

STARTING AT: $217,625

2

Bentley Continental GT

STARTING AT: $245,425

3

Rolls-Royce Spectre

STARTING AT: $422,750

4

Rolls-Royce Phantom

STARTING AT: $505,750

5

Rolls-Royce Ghost

STARTING AT: $354,750

12

Bentley Bentayga

STARTING AT: $205,925

What's New for 2024?

The Bentayga gets a new range-topping Mulliner trim for 2024 that comes with unique exterior design elements and can be specified in almost 4000 different interior color combinations. Bentley says it's also used more sustainable materials inside the Mulliner than other Bentleys, including carpets made from wool or recycled nylon, and leather tanned using a byproduct of olive oil. The Mulliner can be had only with the Bentayga's extended-wheelbase body and the V-8 engine. The rest of the Bentayga lineup receives some subtle styling changes, namely the grille and wheels. The S and Azure models receive a rear-wheel steering system. A pair of cushy bucket seats for the second row are now available too. The W-12 engine is no longer an option for the Bentayga as the brand phases it out in favor of more fuel-efficient offerings such as hybrids and EVs. The S models can be had with a new Black Edition appearance package. The bundle is available with both the V-8 and the hybrid powertrains, and replaces the Bentayga's chrome exterior accents with black bits, including on the Bentley logo, a first for the brand. The cabin features carbon fiber and dark chrome trim, plus Black Edition badging and unique door sill protector plates.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We like the V-8 model best. We'd suggest picking the eight-cylinder model over the hybrid V-6 and adding some niceties to it, such as the adaptive suspension, the rear-seat entertainment system, and the 20-speaker Naim stereo. And choosing the Touring Specification package will give you a suite of driver-assistance features. If you're looking to maximize luxury for your rear-seat passengers, go with the extended-wheelbase model, which provides additional legroom and more rear-seat amenities.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Bentley offers a variety of powertrains for the Bentayga. On the low end, you have a 443-hp hybrid arrangement with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and an electric motor; Azure and S hybrids offer a slightly more powerful 455-hp version of the electrified powertrain. During testing, the Azure Hybrid reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, so not as quickly as the big-power twin-turbo V-8. Then there's the 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine. The V-8 emits a hearty burble on its way to 60 mph, which it does in just 3.5 seconds. Sadly, Bentley's W-12 engine is no longer offered in the Bentayga. Regardless of what's under the hood, all Bentaygas utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive. We also tested a 2023 Bentley Bentayga S as part of a 0-to-150-to-0 speed test where it returned to a stop in just 32.8 seconds.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The V-8-powered model's ratings of 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined aren't bad for a large SUV, but the hybrid is the one to get if you're concerned about fuel economy. The hybrid is rated for 20 mpg combined and can drive for 23 miles on electricity alone. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the V-8-powered Bentayga managed to outperform its EPA-rating with a 24-mpg result. For more information about the Bentayga's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Filled with rich-smelling leather, real wood trim, and glitzy metal accents, the Bentayga's cabin stays true to its luxury breeding. Bentley allows buyers to customize just about everything. Buyers can opt for front and rear buckets, seating four, or they can select a three-across second-row bench. While the rear seat doesn't feel as lavish as that of the Bentayga's key rival—the Rolls-Royce Cullinan—it still offers plenty of space for adult passengers to stretch out in. The new long-wheelbase model offers more legroom and additional amenities, so that's the one to buy if you're planning on being chauffeured. It's still a two-row vehicle, and it can be ordered with rear bucket seats that massage and recline up to 40 degrees. Two different mother-of-pearl-faced Breitling dash clocks are available as is a bottle cooler for rear-seat passengers, adjustable ambient interior lighting, and even a safe with a biometric lock and fingerprint reader. The Bentayga's cargo area is generous, at least in two-row versions; we were able to fit nine carry-on suitcases back there.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

All Bentayga models come standard with a 10.9-inch infotainment screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional entertainment system consists of two 10.2-inch displays mounted to the front-seat headrests. With it, rear-seat passengers can browse the web, interact with the Bentayga's infotainment system, or play movies. A 12-speaker stereo is standard, but you can opt for Naim's 20-speaker premium audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Bentley offers several driver-assistance features but, surprisingly, almost all of them cost extra. Paradoxically, buyers of lesser luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7 or Cadillac Escalade will find that many of these features come standard. For more information about the Bentayga's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control and night-vision system

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like all other Bentley models, the Bentayga comes standard with a three-year warranty that has no mileage expiration. Also, the first maintenance visit is free. The Cullinan offers more value here in the form of a four-year warranty package and four years of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years, unlimited miles
• Powertrain warranty covers three years, unlimited miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

Specifications

 

2021 Bentley Bentayga V-8

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED 
$226,985 (base price: $179,725)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 in³, 3996 cm³
Power: 542 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 568 lb-ft @ 1960 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented disc/15.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero, 285/40R-22 (110Y) B

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 201.8 in
Width: 78.7 in
Height: 68.6 in
Passenger volume: 109 ft³
Cargo volume: 17 ft³
Curb weight: 5470 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.9 sec
130 mph: 16.1 sec
150 mph: 23.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.2 sec
1/4 mile: 11.9 sec @ 114 mph
Top speed (mfr's claim): 180 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 324 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 24 mpg
Highway range: 540 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 17/14/23 mpg

2023 Bentley Bentayga Azure Hybrid
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-motor, rear/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $234,450/$273,095

POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 335 hp, 332 lb-ft + AC motor, 134 hp, 295 lb-ft (combined output: 456 hp, 516 lb-ft; 14.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 7.2-kW onboard charger)
Transmissions, F/R: 8-speed automatic/direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.8-in vented disc/15.0-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero
285/40ZR-22 (110Y) Extra Load B1

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 201.8 in
Width: 79.1 in
Height: 67.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/52 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 62/17 ft³
Curb Weight: 5668 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 sec
100 mph: 11.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.0 sec @ 107 mph
130 mph: 20.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 158 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 339 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed Gasoline: 23 mpg
Observed Gasoline + Electricity: 25 MPGe
Percentage of Miles Driven on Electricity: 13

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/24 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 47 MPGe
EV Range: 23 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs