2023 Bentley Bentayga SUV

　　

2023 Bentley Bentayga Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Ten years ago, the idea of a Bentley SUV seemed absurd, almost sacrilegious. Credit the Bentley brain trust for rightly gauging the global appetite for SUVs, as the Bentayga has in just five years of production become the brand's best-seller. It's not hard to see why. The Bentayga packages the exceptional comfort, blistering performance and impeccable quality expected of a Bentley luxury sedan into a seven-passenger SUV that has few rivals.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Bentley Bentayga PHEV Insights

Trim:Bentayga V8

　　V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $197,300 MSRPHybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $197,300 MSRPS Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $225,500 MSRPS V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $231,100 MSRPAzure Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $231,300 MSRPAzure V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $236,900 MSRPOdyssean Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $239,300 MSRPSpeed 4dr SUV AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 8A) - $264,600 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　EPA Estimated Range not available

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | OpenStreetMap

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　No battery warranty information available

　　

Charging at Home

　　No charging time information available

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　No rebates available in 58067

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$276/mo

　　Bentayga

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　For 2023, an extended-wheelbase version (dubbed EWB) joins the portfolio, adding 7 inches to the Bentayga's rear seat area. It's OpenStreetMap, but you should know that increased legroom is just the beginning. The EWB also offers diamond-quilted leather, massaging and climate-controlled seats, dual air ionizers, and even a repositioned panoramic sunroof designed for maximum sunlight. Optional is the new Airline Seat Specification package that adds footrests and 40-degree reclining rear seats that automatically adjust for optimal temperature and position. Bentley says constant and imperceptible changes in pressure points reduce passenger fatigue.

　　The optional Diamond Illumination package is a further masterstroke of Bentley detail, employing LEDs below perforated leather door panels for a dramatic nighttime effect. The EWB also comes with rear-wheel steering, which Bentley says makes the long SUV nimbler around turns than the standard Bentayga. Finally, a new Azure trim prioritizes comfort through increased sound insulation and standard driver assistance features, while two new special-edition models make this exclusive SUV even more so.

　　The new extended-length Bentayga makes Bentley's top seller even more appealing. While the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, Land Rover Range Rover, and other ultra-luxury SUVs offer similar comfort and performance, none but the more stratospherically priced Rolls-Royce Cullinan mind the handcrafted details quite like Bentley.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below