Bentley Bentayga 2021 review

What is cheap and what is expensive is all relative, right? For example, the new Bentley Bentayga V8 now starts at $364,800 before travel expenses, but is still the ultra-luxury brand's most affordable vehicle.

So, the Bentayga V8 is cheap for a Bentley, but expensive for a large SUV - quite an oxymoron.

The short description of the Bentayga is also somewhat controversial: it should be comfortable, premium and practical, but also fast, agile and fun to drive.

But will all of these elements come together to form the perfect wagon, or will 2021 Bentley Bentayga owners be left out?

Bentley Bentayga 2021: V8 (5 mest)
Safety Rating
engine's type	4.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	11.4l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$278,800

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

The entry-level Bentayga V364,800 at $8 before travel costs isn't exactly cheap, but it's the most affordable in Bentley's SUV family.

The entry-level Bentayga V364,800, priced at $8K before travel expenses, isn't exactly cheap.

Above the V8 engine is the $501,800 Bentayga Speed, powered by a W6.0 twin-turbocharged 12-litre petrol engine, as well as other Bentley models such as the Flying Spur (starting at $428,800) and the Continental. GT (from $ 408,900 XNUMX).

Standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels, air suspension, matrix LED headlights, head-up display, leather upholstery and steering wheel, heated and cooled front and rear seats, reclining rear seats, a wireless smartphone charger and a fully digital instrument cluster.

21-inch wheels are included as standard.

The multimedia functions are handled by a massive 10.9-inch touchscreen that supports satellite navigation with real-time traffic data, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, digital radio and 4G connected services via a 12-speaker sound system.

If you've read this far and thought that nothing in the specs justifies the price of the Bentayga V8, the attention to detail adds value to the car.

A massive 10.9-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto is responsible for multimedia functions.

For example, the climate control system is divided into four zones, that is, you can set the optimum temperature for the driver, front passenger and rear outboard seats.

Second-row passengers also have access to a detachable 5.0-inch tablet that can control media and vehicle functions, as well as set the interior lighting color. Fun fact: changing the ambient light tint will also change the color of the main media display. See, attention to detail.

The windshield wipers also feature 22 individual jets, each of which can be heated for better cleaning from rain and sleet.

Second-row passengers also have access to a detachable 5.0-inch tablet that can control media and vehicle functions, as well as set the interior lighting color.

However, the list of options is a little... overwhelming.

Some selection examples include a 20-speaker Naim audio system ($17,460), 22-inch wheels (starting at $8386), seven-person seats ($7407), hands-free tailgate ($1852). ), compact spare tire ($1480), and sport pedals ($1229).

To be fair, Bentley has made things a little easier by offering special option packages that will bundle some additional equipment, ranging from the $4419 Sunshine spec to the $83,419 First Edition spec, which is the best value for money. money, but some things, like a spare tire and a hands-free tailgate, should really be included as standard on a car of this high value.

Changing the ambient light tint will also change the color of the main media display.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

The Bentley Bentayga was first introduced to the world in 2016, but it's been tweaked a bit for 2021 to keep it fresh compared to its ultra-luxury SUV rivals.

New for this year is a wider front grille, four LED headlights on the sides and a raised bumper.

New for this year is a wider front grille flanked by four LED headlights.

The rear features a larger rear roof spoiler, new taillights and quad tailpipes, and a relocation of the license plate to the lower bumper.

But, as with any car in this class, the devil is in the details.

All of the exterior lighting features a cut-crystal design that catches the light and kind of sparkles even when the Bentayga is standing still, and personally, it sounds as loud and boozy as it sounds.

The rear features an extended rear roof spoiler, new taillights and quad tailpipes.

Also new on the facelifted Bentayga are front fenders and new 21-inch wheels with a wider rear track that fills the arches better for a more aggressive stance.

As a large SUV, the Bentayga certainly draws attention, whether or not it looks good depends on you.

I think the grille looks too big and the headlights look too small, but for some, the Bentley badge will suffice.

Step inside and, while mid-range and even premium cars would only opt for leather to decorate key surfaces, the Bentayga takes it up a notch with soft-touch leather and plush details throughout.

What stands out most, however, is not the contrasting hand-stitching or Bentley-embroidered seats, but the shape and style of the air vents and B-pillar.

The Bentayga takes it up a notch with supple, soft-touch leather and a plush finish.

A whimsical analog clock sits at the front and center of the cabin, surrounded by intricately crafted air vents.

As with all Bentley models, opening and closing the vents isn't as simple as moving a damper in the vent, it's done by pushing and pulling unique plungers scattered throughout the cabin.

Beneath the multimedia system, the switchgear is positioned in an easy to use way, but finished with high quality materials that provide good feedback with every push and turn.

The shift lever and drive mode selector are large, chunky and covered in a nice chrome sheen.

But the steering wheel is my favorite part of the interior, as there are no seams on its outer rim that ruin the feel of soft leather on your hands.

Without a doubt, the inside of the Bentayga is a pleasure to be in, where you can happily spend hours on the open road.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

With a length of 5125mm, a width of 2222mm and a height of 1742mm and a wheelbase of 2995mm, the Bentley Bentayga definitely makes an impression on the road.

Front passengers have plenty of room to get comfortable thanks to the supportive electronically adjustable seats.

In fact, it is larger than the Honda Odyssey in every way, and its overall dimensions make the interior feel truly luxurious.

Front passengers have plenty of room to get comfortable thanks to supportive, electronically adjustable seats, with storage options including door shelves, a central storage compartment, two cup holders and a wireless smartphone charging tray.

However, step into the second row and the Bentayga offers more than enough room for even the burliest of adults.

Bentley has increased rear legroom by a whopping 100mm, depending on which version you choose: four-seater, five-seater or seven-seater, providing great seating space.

However, step into the second row and the Bentayga offers more than enough room for everyone.

Our test unit was equipped with five seats that can be tilted to a more comfortable position, with storage options including door baskets, jacket hooks, map pockets, and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders.

Opening the trunk reveals a 484-litre cavity, rising to 1774 liters with the rear seats folded down. But it's worth noting that the rear seats don't fold down completely due to heavy back support, though the middle seat can be folded down separately to use as a ski pass.

When the trunk is opened, a cavity with a volume of 484 liters opens up.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged petrol engine delivering 404kW at 6000rpm and 770Nm from 1960-4500rpm.

Mated to the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission (with torque converter) that drives all four wheels, enough to propel the super-luxury SUV to 0 km/h in just 100 seconds.

The 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo petrol engine.

The top speed is 290 km/h, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

The Bentayga V8 also boasts a towing capacity of 3500kg, matching that of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, which should please caravan and boat owners.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

The Bentayga V8's official fuel consumption is 13.3 liters per 100 kilometers, but we weren't able to drive the test car in enough variety of conditions to back up that claim.

The Bentley Bentayga V8 also emits 302 grams of CO2 per kilometer and meets the latest Euro 6 emission standards.

Fuel consumption is reduced thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, as well as an engine start/stop system.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Bentley Bentayga has not been subjected to ANCAP or Euro NCAP crash tests and therefore does not have an independent safety rating.

However, standard safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert and a surround view monitor.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

Like all new Bentley models sold in Australia, the Bentayga V8 comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is normal for the ultra-premium segment but falls short of the main industry standard of five years.

Bentayga V8 scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 16,000 km, whichever comes first.

Bentley has introduced new three- and five-year service plans at $3950 and $7695 respectively, which is actually quite affordable for a nearly $400,000 car.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

While some Bentley owners may prefer to drive, we're happy to report that the 2021 Bentayga V8 also handles well.

There are no seams on the outer rim of the steering wheel to prevent soft leather from touching your hands.

First, getting into the right position is easy thanks to the electronically adjustable seats and control knobs that feel well-textured and premium, unlike the plastic parts you find in cheaper big SUVs.

Secondly, the steering wheel feels great in the hand, as it has no seams on the outer rim, which adds luxury to the Bentayga.

The digital instrument cluster is also clear and concise, and can be customized with driving data, map information, and more, but the steering wheel buttons and indicator stalk are markedly Audi-like (Bentley is under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group).

Digital equipment is clear and concise.

And that's before everything starts to move.

On the road, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are a joy to drive, delivering light and smooth performance through any rev range despite the vehicle's portly weight of 2371 kg.

In Comfort mode, the Bentayga V8 is luxurious enough, soaking up bumps and other surface irregularities with ease, but some of Melbourne's rocky back roads are enough to cause bumps and bumps in the cabin.

Switch it to sport mode and things harden a bit, but not to the point where the Bentayga V8 becomes a sports car killer.

In fact, the difference in ride comfort between the modes is negligible, but the weight of the handlebar changes noticeably.

The Bentayga delivers a smooth and smooth ride.

When things get a little too fast and furious, the Bentayga's big brakes do a great job of keeping speed down, and if that's not enough, Bentley offers carbon ceramic for an extra $30,852.

Ultimately, the Bentayga V8's punchy powertrain is a real pleasure to drive, and the fact that it doesn't feel chubby in corners is a testament to the great active anti-roll bar technology, but don't expect this Bentley SUV to be the last word in driving dynamics. .

Verdict

There is an argument that no matter how you slice it, buying a Bentley Bentayga doesn't add up. The price is high, the options list is long, and the level of comfort and sophistication you get, while excellent, isn't exactly life-changing.

But the Bentayga's value isn't in how it rides, rides, or even looks. It is on his Bentley badge. Because with this badge, the Bentayga goes beyond its ultra-premium big SUV image and becomes a statement of your wealth or status. Maybe it's more of a fashion accessory. And, indeed, only you can answer how much this level of prestige and influence is worth.