Overview

The Bentley Bentayga offers more comfort and convenience than premium SUVs from BMW, Lincoln, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz, but they don't deliver luxury to the same degree. The Bentayga has the power for extended high-speed cross-country touring thanks to its hybrid V-6, V-8, or W-12 engine options. Additionally, the cargo hold in the back of the vehicle has ample space for a quick shopping trip. The opulent interior is adorned with stunning wood and metal accents, silky, aromatic leather, and every contemporary infotainment function that customers want in a cutting-edge automobile. With its six-figure price tag and class-above aims, the Bentayga competes with the equally regal Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Engine, Transmission, Performance

For the Bentayga, Bentley provides a selection of powertrains. On the bottom is a hybrid system with an electric motor and a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharger that produces 443 horsepower. The 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine follows. Although we haven't driven the latter, we can tell you that it makes a hearty burble as it accelerates to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds—a 626-hp W-12 in the Bentayga Speed ups the ante. When the Speed had 600 horsepower in 2017, this incredibly smooth powerhouse completed our 60-mph test in 3.6 seconds. Compared to the V-8, the W-12's power delivery is creamier, and passing maneuvers felt more robust with the W-12's performance. With a top speed of 190 mph, Bentley boasts that the Bentayga Speed is the world's fastest SUV (although the Lamborghini Urus might have something to say about that). Whatever the engine, all Bentaygas have an eight-speed automatic transmission and have all-wheel drive as standard.

Interior, Comfort, Cargo

The Bentayga's interior is adorned with rich leather, real wood trim, and flashy metal elements to maintain its upscale image. The buyer can customize almost everything about a Bentley. Customers have the choice of front and rear bucket seats that seat four people, a second-row bench with three seats across, and a pop-up third row that seats seven people. Although the Bentayga's main competition, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, has a more opulent rear seat, it still allows adults to stretch out. The car's interior features adjustable ambient lighting, two mother-of-pearl-faced Breitling dash clocks, two separate bottle coolers for passengers in the backseat, and even a safe with a biometric lock and fingerprint scanner. We could place nine carry-on baggage in the back of the Bentayga thanks to its spacious cargo box, at least in two-row models.