2021 Bentley Bentayga Review

　　

2021 Bentley Bentayga Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　With its posh interior, superlative road manners and eye-watering price tag, the Bentley Bentayga is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive SUVs on the planet. It's been around since the 2017 model year and now, for 2021, gets its first significant update.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$248/mo  for Bentayga V8

　　Bentayga V8

　　V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $180,500 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $180,500 MSRPSpeed 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 8A) - $249,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Inside, the Bentayga receives a much-needed substantial overhaul with a new 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. But there's also a new look for the 2021 model. The grille is larger and more upright than before, and new oval-shaped headlights are pushed farther to the outside. Out back, Bentley has relocated the license plate frame below the now full-width hatch, and there are new oval taillights that recall the ones found on the Continental GT. Overall, these changes help introduce Bentley's newest styling traits as well as make it easy to differentiate the refreshed Bentayga from previous-year models.

　　Another recent development for the Bentayga is last year's introduction of a plug-in hybrid version. The 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid, which can go an estimated 17 miles on a fully charged battery, might seem a bit incongruous alongside the thumping turbocharged V8 and W12 engine offerings. But this Bentayga is the first step of Bentley's quest to fully electrify its lineup as either plug-in hybrids or pure EVs this decade. 

　　As exclusive as the Bentayga may be, manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover have their own take on what an opulent SUV should be. Mercedes-Benz offers both the GLS 580 and the legendary AMG G 63. And from Bentley's own backyard, Range Rover offers its top-of-the-line SVAutobiography trim. And not to be outdone, ever, Rolls-Royce builds the opulent Cullinan. All of these SUVs will take a house-sized dent out of your bank account but offer nearly unrivaled comfort and status.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Bentayga drive? Part SUV and part Saturn V rocket, the Bentayga makes as much of a statement as its styling. In our testing of a V8 model, the Bentayga blasted from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 3.8 seconds. The burly V8 soundtrack is cool too. Acceleration is effortless, befitting a true luxury vehicle. Braking and handling capability are nearly up to the same level but lack the feel they should have at this price. There's also some grabbiness to the pedal, which can make it difficult to stop smoothly around town.

　　Multimode terrain settings and an air suspension enable commendable off-road performance. With no limited-slip differentials, it's the braking system and the air suspension that get the Bentayga where it needs to go. The on-road tires are also a limiting factor.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Bentayga? The Bentayga checks all the boxes in this category. This SUV no doubt sets the standard for the class, from its supremely comfortable front seats to near vault-like silence at high speeds. The seats are supportive, supple and exceedingly comfortable even over long distances.

　　No matter the Bentayga's speed, very little road or wind noise is allowed to enter the cabin. But the 22-inch wheel and tire package did somewhat compromise the ride on less-than-perfect surfaces. The somewhat plain-looking and somewhat flat rear bench seat is also a blemish, although it can be optioned with heating and ventilation for the outboard seats or replaced with more luxurious captain's chairs.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Bentayga benefits from being not too high off the ground — it's easy to get in and out of, and forward visibility is excellent. The view over the broad hood gives you a commanding view of the road and your position on it.

　　Drivers can get comfortable immediately, and the multitude of seat adjustments allows for highly detailed fine-tuning for the perfect position. The new infotainment system and center console layout have done wonders for the Bentayga's interior. It's now fully modern but has a hint of traditional luxury. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom and headroom.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Previously, the Bentayga had a Volkswagen corporate hand-me-down infotainment system that betrayed the luxury and craftsmanship of the rest of the interior. But the new 10.9-inch unit looks crisp and modern and is relatively easy to navigate. The handwriting recognition feature works great, and the voice control system responds well to fairly natural language. High marks also go to the optional Naim audio system. Should you already have the money for a Bentayga, the $8,800 audio upgrade shouldn't be much of a stretch.

　　Apple CarPlay is available via a wireless connection, and Android Auto is also standard. USB ports exist for front and backseat passengers, and the wireless charging pad offers plenty of room for larger phones. Most of the Bentayga's driver aids are very well calibrated with the exception of the hands-free lane keeping assist system. It's a bit clumsy in its operation and can bounce the Bentayga around between lane markers.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? There's adequate cargo space for an SUV of this size. The folding split rear seats allow easy storage for a bicycle should you be inclined. Curiously, Bentley didn't trim the cargo area with any real luxury touches; open the rear liftgate and you're not going to see anything special. Interior storage isn't overly abundant either, but it is practical and keeps items secure.

　　For small-child duty, the Bentley's wide doors and relatively low ride height mean it's easy to get safety seats and children in and out. A tow rating of 7,716 pounds might sound impressive, but this number has not been confirmed with recognized U.S. testing procedures that demand a tongue weight of at least 10%. As such, we cannot fully trust this number.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the Bentayga V8 will get 17 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Yet in our testing we found that typical driving can net you a mere 10 mpg. Don't trust the trip computer's mpg calculations either; it's wildly optimistic. Bentley is offering the Bentayga Hybrid should you want to ease your conscience ... a little bit.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Bentayga a good value? Customization is the name of the game, and Bentley does it as well as anyone. The quality of the seats, stitching, leather and paint is exceptional, and the Bentayga stands head and shoulders above its rivals here. Knurled finishes on many surfaces lend a watch-like quality to many small parts.

　　Service and customer care are beyond what most car buyers will ever know, but you will pay for that privilege. Every part of the Bentayga is covered under a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty; that goes for the traditional bumper-to-bumper warranty and powertrain components as well.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　Exclusivity, status, and the ability to flaunt both of them at any time are what the Bentayga is all about. Even in an era where the SUV is ubiquitous, the Bentayga stands out. There are better-equipped luxury vehicles, and even less expensive ones, but almost nothing competes with the Bentayga.

　　Despite your best efforts at restraint, you'll wind up flexing all that power and having moments of warp speed just because you can. You can even chuck the Bentayga around with some abandon. Physics will eventually catch up with you, but not many other motorists will.

　　

Which Bentayga does zzdcar recommend?

Should you have the ability to afford one, we'd recommend the Bentayga V8 as a good starting point. We say starting point because, although there are no real trim levels in the Bentayga lineup, the near endless array of customization options, as well as a few choice option packages, can help you set your Bentayga apart from the rest. We'd opt for the Touring Specification for its advanced driver aids, the Naim for Bentley audio system upgrade, Bentley Dynamic Ride for active body control, and the Four Seat Comfort option, which replaces the three-passenger rear bench seat with two luxurious seats with heating, ventilation and a multitude of adjustments.

　　

2021 Bentley Bentayga models

Bentley trim levels are usually differentiated by engine choice. In the case of the Bentayga, there's the V8, the W12 and the Hybrid. A mind-boggling array of interior and exterior color choices are available, as well as a fair number of stand-alone options to tailor any of the three  Bentayga models to your needs. There are several more traditional (and eye-wateringly expensive) option packages, which Bentley refers to as Specifications.

　　The Bentayga's 2021 engine lineup includes:

　　Bentayga V8: turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (542 horsepower, 568 lb-ft) Bentayga W12: turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 (626 hp, 664 lb-ft) Bentayga Hybrid: plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (combined output of 443 hp and 516 lb-ft)Every Bentayga also comes well equipped with:

　　21-inch alloy wheels Full leather interior 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay Panoramic sunroof Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) 12-speaker audio system Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)Notable optional packages include:

　　Mulliner Driving Specification

　　22-inch black alloy wheels Diamond-quilted leather on seats and doors Sport pedals Unique oil and fuel filler capsTouring Specification

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time) Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Night visionBlackline Specification

　　Black-painted exterior trim (grille, window trim, headlight surrounds, roof rails, side vents)All Terrain Specification

　　Drive mode controller Four off-road settings Underbody protection Luggage management system

　　

2021 Bentayga Highlights

Type: SUVPlug-in HybridSUV

　　Trim: V8HybridSpeedV8

　　

Base MSRP	$180,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$248/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / unlimited miles