Bentley Bentayga

Model Overview

The Bentley Bentayga is the inaugural SUV from the British ultra-luxury marque, making its official debut in October 2015. As the world’s first ultra-luxury SUV, the Bentayga marked Bentley's official foray into the SUV segment. Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, it is positioned as an executive luxury SUV. In the Chinese market, pricing varies by variant and model year: the early W12 model started from RM3,980,000; the V8 "entry-level" variant introduced in 2018 carried a starting price tag of RM2,690,000; while the 2026 model ranges between RM2,355,000 and RM3,712,000. As of June 2026, the Bentayga is available in standard wheelbase (SWB) and extended wheelbase (EWB) body styles, with a choice of V8, Speed, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.

Design Language

The Bentayga's exterior design seamlessly marries Bentley's quintessential styling cues with muscular SUV proportions. Up front, it features a prominent mesh radiator grille, flanked by signature retro-style round headlights with intricate crystal-cut internal detailing. The 2026 model sports an imposing blacked-out grille paired with sleek, rounded split headlamp clusters. Along the sides, the profile is defined by clean, muscular body lines, retaining conventional door handles. At the rear, it sports signature elliptical tail lamps with smoked transparent lenses. In terms of dimensions, the standard wheelbase version measures 5,125 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,728 mm in height, with a 2,995 mm wheelbase; the extended wheelbase (EWB) version comes in at 5,305 mm long, 2,222 mm wide, and 1,739 mm tall, riding on a 3,175 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the Bentayga upholds Bentley's peerless cabin craftsmanship, featuring an intuitive "T"-shaped dashboard layout. The centre stack integrates signature wing-shaped air-con vents with an analogue Breitling timepiece, artfully mirroring the Bentley emblem. The cabin is lavishly trimmed in premium leather, genuine wood veneers, and Alcantara, with every seat meticulously handcrafted. Seating configurations include a 2+2 four-seater, 2+3 five-seater, and a 2+3+2 seven-seater layout.

Powertrain and Performance

The Bentayga's powertrain line-up has seen steady evolution over the years. Early variants were driven by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine churning out 608 PS and 900 Nm of torque. The V8 model launched in 2018 packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 550 PS and 770 Nm, completing the 0-100 km/h century sprint in 4.5 seconds on to a top speed of 290 km/h. The 2026 V8 model retains this 4.0-litre twin-turbo setup, delivering 404 kW (circa 549 PS) and 770 Nm. The flagship Speed variant, refreshed in 2025, transitioned to a new high-output 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 following the retirement of the W12 engine, pushing out an impressive 650 PS and 850 Nm of torque. This cuts the 0-100 km/h sprint down to 3.4 seconds, while top speed climbs to 310 km/h. A 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also available. Across the entire range, power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the Bentayga features front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension. Adaptive air suspension comes standard across the range, using electro-hydraulic actuators for independent wheel-level damping control. Power is delivered through a front-mounted permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system featuring a Torsen centre differential. It is further enhanced by electronic active roll control technology. The Speed edition adds rear-wheel steering (all-wheel steering), with suspension damping stiffness increased by 15% in Sport mode. Selectable drive modes include COMFORT, BENTLEY, and SPORT.

Cabin and Features

The cockpit is fitted with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside an integrated 10.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display. The touchscreen is finished with anti-reflective and anti-glare coatings. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Rear passengers are treated to a dedicated Touch Screen Remote to manage seat massage settings, climate control, and ambient lighting. For in-car entertainment, a 590-watt, 12-speaker Bentley Signature Audio system is standard, while audiophiles can opt for a flagship 1,780-watt Naim for Bentley sound system. Standard creature comforts include powered front seats with ventilation, heating, and massage functions, second-row seat heating, four-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. In terms of boot capacity, the standard wheelbase version offers 484 litres of luggage space.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, all Bentayga variants come fully equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and knee airbags. Active safety kit includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW, optional), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Advanced driver assistance features encompass Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and Automated Parking Assist, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Performance and Reception

The Bentayga remains Bentley's runaway best-seller, accounting for 44% of the brand's total global deliveries. In China, the Bentayga led the ultra-luxury segment (vehicles priced above RM2,000,000) from January to May 2025, recording 408 registrations. The Bentayga EWB surpassed initial sales targets in its debut year, making up over a third of total model volume. The Bentayga Speed also posted robust numbers, making a significant contribution to Bentley’s EUR 2.615 billion global revenue in 2025. In terms of resale value, the Bentayga demonstrates stronger market retention compared to direct rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Lamborghini Urus. In May 2025 alone, Bentayga insurance registrations in China reached 105 units. Key market rivals include the Aston Martin DBX707, Lamborghini Urus Performante, and Range Rover SV. All in all, as the trailblazer of the ultra-luxury SUV segment, the Bentley Bentayga continues to set the benchmark through its bespoke craftsmanship, explosive performance, and peerless ride comfort.