Bentley Bentayga

The Bentley Bentayga is a full-size SUV of the luxury niche, which is also the first crossover in the history of the British automobile manufacturer. The car stands out for its unusual appearance, unsurpassed luxury (both on and off the track), the most modern technical “stuffing”, as well as uncommon dynamics. The car was presented in 2015 during the Frankfurt Motor Show.

However, almost five years have passed since that moment, during which they managed to sell more than 20,000 copies of Bentley Bentyaga. But time does not stand still, so the company’s management decided to release a planned restyling, which was reflected in the exterior appearance and improved interior. So first we will talk about the “basic” variant, and then we will consider what appeared new after the restyling of the Bentley Bentyaga 2021. The whole model range is Bentley.

Bentley Bentayga luxury crossover (2015-2020)

Although the world premiere of the novelty was in September 2015, the conceptual version of the forerunner was shown in March 2012 during the exhibition in Geneva. The car then was called “EXP 9 F”. However, many people did not like it very much, so they decided to refine it, and the results were shown in 2015.

Exterior

The exterior of the British crossover is really a success. It completely corresponds to the stylistics of the company and does not break the tradition. There are motorists who did not like it. They think that the company lacks aggressive notes in the exterior, but this is quite a controversial opinion. The front is highlighted by four oval lights, which have an internal stamping of the brand name. The high hood has a large embossed line in the center. Separately we want to mention a large fully chromed rectangular grille.

The front bumper has a large number of air intakes, which are decorated with the already familiar chrome grille, as well as the main grille. The bumper itself boasts chrome inserts and compact plastic protection. Many agree that the front part of the crossover Bentley Bentyaga V8 has turned out to be successful. The side part received inflated wheel arches with molding, creating the impression of the presence of protection arches. Behind the front arch there is a chromed gill, from which you can notice a deep chiseled line.

A similar line, but not as deep, can be seen slightly above. It starts from the front optics. The lower part of the British crossover has a bump, which received a framing in the form of an insert made of chrome. In general, the car received a large amount of chrome, which is noticeable even on the windows as a trim.

Due to the fact that the Bentley Bentayga is a kind of sporty crossover, the design team decided to place the exterior mirrors on the legs. Ground clearance height can vary from 155 to 245 millimeters. The stylish crossover is based on 20-inch wheels, but as a separate option you can install 21-inch and even 22-inch “rollers”.

The stern of the car is a little bit similar to the German crossover Audi Q7. It is distinguished by the embossed lid of the luggage compartment, which received a small antifender. In addition, the upper part is equipped with a large spoiler, having a brake light repeater. Then there is a place for the stylish rectangular headlights, which have chrome edging. The chrome itself can still be found around the license plate and on the bumper. The latter has a small plastic protection, as well as two massive exhaust pipes underneath. Curb weight can be from 2,388 to 2,499 kg (depending on which modification is used).

Interior

The interior of this model is not easy to describe. To fully understand the interior of the Bentley Bentyaga, you just need to visit it. Here you can immediately notice the expensive leather, wood and chrome. Color options abound, so an extensive list is available to the buyer. Professionals will embroider everything by hand, which is very cool. If we talk about the seats themselves, they are excellent, the quality of leather is on a high level, and the appearance of the panelling itself is beautiful.

The British placed a 3-spoke thin steering wheel in front of the driver, which has leather paneling in two colors. The steering wheel boasts of chrome inserts and similar gearshift paddles. There are also pleasant buttons, which help to control the multimedia system and adaptive “cruise”. The stylish 8-inch dashboard is made in virtual style, but it smoothly imitates the analog gauges showing the speed mode and the number of engine revolutions.

The central part displays information about the navigation system or “on-board computer” readings. In other words, the functional mode of the dashboard is very high. The 2015 Bentley Bentyaga is not without projection on the front window, which informs the driver of the current speed, the data of the sign recognition system, the data of the navigation center and the all-around view system.

The crossover got its name not because of the endless Siberian taiga (although very consonant). So the car is called after a rocky ridge on one of the Canary Islands. Initially they wanted to name the car Falcon, however it was decided to refuse such variant.

As for the central console, it is mostly made of wood. Its upper part boasts two round chrome deflectors of climate control and an analog clock, which looks very stylish and expensive. After that, it’s hard not to notice the massive entertainment center screen that supports touchscreen control. It also displays navigation data. There is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G function.

In addition to this, the display can display pictures from the cameras, if necessary. Under it placed a block of separate “climate”, which is an abundance of keys and two washers. It is interesting that the temperature mode is displayed on the washers themselves. The base version has 4 seats, but there can be 7 if necessary. It is unlikely that in Russia there will be those who want a 7-seater car, so we do not see much point in stopping on it. The front seats have smart seats, covered with perforated leather.

It is not without electric adjustments with several memory modules, ventilation, as well as massage function. The tunnel in the lowest part got a compartment for small things, which is mostly made of wood. It also houses a compact transmission selector, where the Bentley logo is emblazoned. Near it are the keys for the handbrake, parking in automatic mode, as well as the “emergency lights”. To the right are two cup holders. There is also room for a washer, which is responsible for starting the power plant and driving modes control. The keys, which disable ESP, enable the mode of descending from the mountain and the settings of the pneumatic system are placed nearby.

Rear passengers also have the same seats with the same functions. Rear passengers can use cup holders with heating and cooling functions, tables and displays with 10-inch multimedia systems. In the center section, there is an additional compact display that supports touch control, thanks to which you can adjust the separate climate control system. The doors have a place for ashtrays and cupholders, trimmed with leather.

Speaking of the luggage compartment, it is quite good, very comfortable, but it can not be called the biggest for this class. Having opened its door 430 liters will be available to the owner. If there is a desire, you can optionally equip it with a table and picnic chairs. The table is very handy, because it makes it much easier to get some or things out of the back of the luggage compartment. If you need more volume (for the 5-seat version), you can remove the rear row of seats, which will provide already 1,774 liters of usable space (but there will not be a completely flat area).

Technical part

Powertrain

For the Russian market, the Bentley Bentayga was offered with three engines to choose from. In the role of the base diesel engine was a V-shaped eight-cylinder 4.0-liter power plant, which received two turbochargers, an electric supercharger, which is responsible for getting rid of turbulence, as well as a system of direct fuel injection and 32-valve timing mechanism. This produced 435 hp. (900 Nm). Consumption of “diesel” is about 7.9 liters per every 100 kilometers.

In the role of a regular gasoline modification offered an eight-cylinder 4.0-liter V-shaped “engine”, which received a twin-turbocharger type Twin-Scroll, direct “feed” technology, variable valve timing system, and 32-valve timing mechanism. As a result, the engine generated 550 horsepower (770 Nm).

But for the top versions, the British have provided a gasoline 6.0-liter W-shaped 12-cylinder power plant with Twin-Scroll turbochargers, mixed injection, phase shifters on the intake and exhaust, as well as technology deactivating half of the “pistons” at low load. This engine develops 608 horsepower (900 Nm). It can be seen that the technical characteristics of the Bentley Bentayga at a high level and fully comply with its class. Fuel consumption of Bentley Bentayga ranges from 11.4 to 12.8 liters per every 100 kilometers in the combined mode.

Transmission

For all power units British provided eight-band (reinforced) automatic gearbox ZF, as well as all-wheel drive transmission, which received a non-symmetric self-locking differential and free interwheel differentials. The ESP system prevents unwanted wheel slippage by engaging the braking system. In normal circumstances, power will be distributed in the 40/60 ratio, but if needed, the Torsen is capable of sending up to 65 percent of torque to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels. To reach the speed mark of 100 km / h “British” will need from 4.1 to 4.8 seconds, and the maximum speed range will be from 270 to 301 km / h (depending on the modification).

Chassis

As the basis for the first British crossover in the company Bentley decided to resort to an improved modular platform MLB, which many know from the concern VW AG. It provides for a longitudinally arranged “engine”. As for the power structure of the body, it is 60 percent made of aluminum and the remaining 40 percent is high-strength steel. Here, all models received independent suspensions, which have air equipment, adaptive shock absorbers, as well as transverse stabilizers on all wheels.

The front end got a 2-lever mechanism and the rear end got a multi-lever mechanism. “Steering” of the car is excellent thanks to the rack-and-pinion steering, working together with an electric booster. The latter got variable gear ratios. The braking system of the Bentley Bentayga is equipped with powerful brakes with ventilated “pancakes” in the circle. ABS, EBD and so on are also supported. As a separate option, carbon-ceramic brakes are available, getting 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers. There are 440-millimeter discs at the front and 370-millimeter discs at the rear.

The Bentley Bentayga can be optionally fitted with electric anti-roll bars, which counteract the roll of the car while maintaining good wheel-to-track contact and a high level of comfort.

Features and prices

The price of the Bentley Bentayga in Russia was very large. And over time, nothing has changed. It was possible to buy a Bentley Bentayga from $213680.00. It is clear that the potential buyer could choose a huge number of additional options. However, even the basic configuration of the Bentley Bentayga can already boast:

• Eight airbag;
• 20-inch rollers;
• Full LED headlights;
• Four-zone climate control;
• 8-inch entertainment center;
• ABS, EBD, ESP, TCS;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Premium “music” with 20 speakers;
• ERA-GLONASS system;
• Technology, which controls the blind spots;
• Panoramic roof;
• Front seats with electric drive, heating, massage and ventilation;
• “Circle” parktronic;
• Luggage compartment lid servo with non-contact actuation, and more.

Restyled Bentley Bentayga (2020-present)

In order to stay at the top of the luxury crossover top, the company decided not to stall with an update to its only all-wheel-drive model. The car was revealed in 2020. The novelty got details from Continental GT and Flying Spur. Changes have affected the interior, but the technical part remained unchanged.

Exterior

The exterior appearance of the British crossover body has undergone several global improvements, which make the new model seriously stand out from the rest of the model range. The updated body was able to save the traditional massive size, but the appearance of individual elements and accents has changed seriously. If you look at the exterior of the Bentley Bentyaga, it is difficult not to notice the abundance of stepped and wavy relief inserts, the changed type of headlights and huge air intakes. On top of that, the exterior has received chrome details, original wheel rims, and other design integrations.

The transparency of the windscreen of the new Bentley Bentayga 2021 depends on the new wiper blades, getting heated and 22 integrated nozzles.

Looking at the photos of Bentley Betaiga 2020, you can see a slightly changed radiator grille, which has become a little larger and got a little different decoration. The configuration of the bumper has also been changed – there are tweaked air intake cutouts. Now the car looks more aggressive. The company’s headlights with matrix headliner almost unchanged, but it is set a little higher by 3 centimeters. The novelty has 22-inch wheels with a new design. The sills themselves are noticeably protruding, being a kind of independent element of the decor.

The rear has received more global changes, if they are compared with the front. Now the stern of the crossover can boast a fundamentally new, flared wide luggage compartment door, on which the entire rear optics of the oval type are placed. In addition, the bumper has changed. It has a platform for the license plate, and the exhaust pipes got a new shape, as if copying clearance lamps. In addition to this, the rear track was increased by 20 millimeters, so the wheels have a better “feel” in the wheel arches.

Interior

The interior of the updated Bentley Bentayga 2021 has been radically revised. Engineers have changed the door panels, “steering wheel”, as well as the front seats. The center console now has trapezoidal air vents, instead of round, as it was before. Moreover, a Breitling watch dial is built into their structure. As for the multimedia system, designed for 10.9-inch display, it can now be managed by the buttons panel, which is located below the display (previously the buttons were on the sides).

In addition, experts have also worked on the hardware and software multimedia system, so the picture became better and the performance has only improved. It is nice that they added wireless integration of gadgets, improved navigation with 3-dimensional graphics and integrated SIM card. The comfort level of the rear passengers has been revised for the better. If we take the five-seat configuration, the second row of the updated Bentley Bentayga 2021 boasts new seats, which received a more increased angle of inclination of the back.

A ventilation system is also offered as a separate option. The car, which has 4 seats, the split rear seats have been moved slightly towards the luggage compartment. This allowed to increase the free space in the knees area by 30-100 millimeters. It is also nice that the company decided not to get rid of the seven-seat interior layout.

It is now possible to control the comfort functions on the second row with an upgraded 5-inch tablet (touchscreen control). It has a new 4-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. With it you can adjust the heating, massage, multimedia, lighting and more. Finishing materials include leather, wood, alcantara, and aluminum.

Specifications

In general, the technical part has not changed, under the hood are described above powerful “engines”. However, the new crossover Bentley Bentayga 2021 model year received a gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder power plant, which received a twin-turbocharger and an electric motor. Together, the system generates 450 “horses.” Of these, 330 horsepower is produced by the internal combustion engine and 120 by the electric motor. However, due to the installation of a large battery the car is not the fastest – the hybrid Bentley Bentayga accelerates from a place to the first hundred in 5.5 seconds, and the “maximum speed” does not exceed 254 km / h.

As for the top versions with V8 or W12, they are faster. Using only electric mode, the car can drive up to 50 kilometers, with a “maximum” to 135 kilometers per hour (not at the same time). The battery, the capacity of which was 17 kWh, can be charged with a normal network. A full charge takes about 7 hours. If you use a more powerful charger, you can recharge it in 2 and a half hours.

Cost

The price of the Bentley Bentayga 2021 starts at £145,000.  The cars were planned to be assembled in the English town of Crewe. To sell restyled crossover planned for the fall of 2020. The top variant of the “British” is estimated at about 53420.00 more expensive.

Comparison with the competition

Despite the luxury class, the Briton has enough solid rivals. Each of them has its own advantages and exclusive features. The “fellow countryman” Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Range Rover SVA, Aurus Komendant, Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG, Infiniti QX80, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX can act as the competitor of Bentley Bentayga.

Pros and cons

Summing up

Thus, the British specialists of the company Bentley were able to improve the already excellent crossover, which has become more modern and technological. And the changes affected not only the exterior, but also the interior, where the level of comfort has improved, and the interior itself fully complies with the latest trends. Separately worth mentioning the high level of safety, the powerful “engine”, as well as implemented not so long ago, a hybrid version, which significantly reduces the harmful emissions of the updated Bentley Bentayga 2021 into the atmosphere.

Today, not many luxury crossovers can boast of such. Therefore, Bentley is ahead of many of its “classmates” in this respect. However, to understand what this car is, as well as to get maximum pleasure from driving the car, you need at least once to drive it in person. Although not many people will be able to do it, due to the high price of the British crossover, which is largely justified by the level of luxury, build quality, comfortable interior and good handling.

We advise you to read the article: Bentley Motors History

Bentley Bentayga photos