Even though it has a history spanning almost a century, and some of its earlier models were nicknamed by Ettore Bugatti as “the world’s fastest lorries,” Bentley 
has never manufactured an SUV. Its Continental GT lineup is almost exclusively all-wheel-drive, but far from meeting the criteria for being called an SUV. Those three letters have actually given nightmares to traditional Bentley enthusiasts since 2015, when Bentley officially announced that it will launch a full-size SUV called the Bentayga by the end of the year
With the luxury carmaker being all about sales nowadays, and the Bentayga already amassing 4,000 pre-orders, the SUV is bound to be a sales success despite what the old-school Bentley fans want or believe. Based on the same platform as the new 2016 Audi Q7, the model is likely to also become the first Bentley powered by a diesel engine, but more on that as you read the following review.
Updated 08/12/2015: The upcoming 2016 Bentley Bentayga SUV just leaked in China as a 1:18 model car (see pic below). The real car will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but assuming the model is an “official” replica, it looks like our artist got it pretty well spot-on.
What do you think?
Click Continue Reading to learn more about the Bentley Bentayga
Exterior
Note: Previous TopSpeed exclusive rendering shown.
Despite being previewed by the 2012 Bentley EXP 9 F Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, it seems that the production Bentayga will not feature a similar design, especially since the concept car’s front end was almost universally panned. Bentley is playing it safe by transplanting the same design language found on the top-selling Continental GT, only modified to fit an SUV body. So the front end is expected to feature a traditional matrix engine grille and four round headlamps, with differences from the Conti GT to be found in the details.
The side view is similar to the EXP 9 F Concept, which from some angles gave me a Range Rover vibe. Fitted with wheels measuring at least 22 inches and the iconic rear haunches found on other Bentley models, the Bentayga looks pretty imposing from the side, especially since the model’s dimensions are likely to be a bit bigger than the already-big Audi Q7. Around back, the concept’s split tailgate will be dropped for a more conventional lid. A pair of oval-shaped taillights larger than the Continental’s and a sturdy bumper with massive exhaust outlets are on the table as well.
Interior
Note: Bentley Mulsanne Speed interior shown.
If recent Bentley interiors are any indication, the Bentayga will feature one of the most sumptuous cabins in the SUV world, blending traditional Bentley materials with modern features found on cars like the Audi Q7. Not confirmed or hinted at, but the instrument cluster may consist of an LED screen like the Audi Q7, TT or the new Volkswagen Passat, that can be configured to show various types of data from the infotainment system.
A wide array of types of leather, wood and even steel and/or aluminum, is expected to adorn the center console, with each buyer being given the choice of configuring almost every detail. Quilted seats and door panels are also a must, while the luggage compartment should be big enough to fit a pair of large hunting dogs and shotgun cases. Overall, a similar interior space as the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur is expected, but with slightly less legroom and more headroom.
Drivetrain
Since Bentley wants to sell the Bentayga on the global market, a wide array of powerplants is likely to be offered, but the biggest news is that the SUV may also feature a diesel engine — a first for the luxury carmaker. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but the top of the range should use a twin-turbocharged W-12 engine, while next in line should be various versions of the 4.0 TFSI engine used in the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8, 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S and 2014 Bentley Continental GT3-R.
Sourced from Audi, the twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 is good for anything between 450 horsepower in the 2016 Audi S6 up to 573 horsepower in the limited-edition Conti GT3-R. On the diesel front, The Bentayga could offer a version of the twin-turbocharged, 4.1-liter, V-8 from the 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel, since I find it unlikely that Bentley would lower itself to a diesel V-6.
Prices
Obviously, there is currently no word on pricing, but the Bentayga is likely to start at around $200,000 for a V-8 model, and quite a bit more than that for the W-12.
Competition
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Long Wheelbase
Its likely similar ride comfort and even larger interior space are pretty much the only things going for the Range Rover LWB compared to the Bentayga, albeit Land Rover did launch an even more luxurious and limited edition of the model at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Fitted with individual rear seats engulfed in semi-aniline leather and fancy stitching, the long-wheelbased Range is the most expensive model in the SUV-maker’s lineup, having been specially created for markets like the Middle East, Russia and China, where ultra-luxurious SUVs sell like hotcakes.
The model is exclusively powered by a supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 of Jaguar origin, which propels that gargantuan SUV from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Despite the stylish wheels that measure from 21 inches upward, the Range Rover Long Wheelbase is equipped as standard with the Terrain Response system, which in theory allows it to tackle the roughest of roads.
Read our full driven review here.
2018 Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Not officially confirmed but hinted at by Daimler boss, Dieter Zetsche, a Maybach version of the upcoming 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS could be launched in the next few years, with a 2017 release being likely. Unlike the Bentayga, which is based on a new, aluminum-intensive architecture, the first Maybach SUV would be based on the underpinnings of the current GL-Class, which is set to be renamed as the GLS-Class after the model’s mid-cycle facelift at the end of 2015.
Though built from the GLS, the Mercedes-Maybach SUV would have its own share of bespoke interior features, and most likely lose the GLS’ third row of seats in order to offer more space for the individual seats in the second row. Unfortunately, (if made) the exterior design will be quasi-identical with the one found on a regular Mercedes-Benz GLS, so the Bentayga will beat it in terms of exclusivity.
You can check our speculative review of the model here.
2017 Rolls-Royce SUV
Bentley’s longtime British rival, Rolls-Royce, is also working on an SUV of its own, which is rumored to arrive in 2017. Reports claim the SUV is called the Cullinan internally, but there’s no official word as to what name it will carry once in dealerships. In fact, very little is known about Rolls-Royce’s first-ever SUV or, as described by the company, “high-bodied car.”
Despite the lack of details, it is likely that the upcoming crossover will borrow its underpinnings from the 2016 BMW 7 Series. Much like Bentley, Rolls-Royce will probably also use its current styling language for the SUV. So expect it to feature the same massive chrome grille and slim headlamps seen on both the 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost and 2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom sedans. The Rolls will likely be the most luxurious SUV out there and offer unlimited customization options via the brand’s Bespoke division. Expect it to be the most expensive as well.
Read more about Rolls-Royce’s upcoming SUV here.
Conclusion
Note: TopSpeed exclusive rendering shown.
Love it or hate it, the Bentayga is bound to become a success story for Bentley, especially since it will be launched exactly when the SUV boom is at an all-time high. Until Rolls-Royce brings its own 2018 Rolls-Royce SUV rival to the table, it will be the only ultra-luxury SUV out there, unless the Mercedes-Maybach model gets unveiled sooner. While I’m not entirely at ease with Bentley going this route simply for the sake of increased sales, the truth is that for a small carmaker there is always a dire need for a best-seller, and with the market demanding it, I don’t see too many problems with the Bentayga existing.
Leaked Images
Update History
Updated 08/05/2015: Our artist came up with a new rendering after talking to well-informed internal sources. Check out our exclusive preview of the Bentayga below.
Updated 07/31/2015: Bentley unveiled a new video showing the off-roading capabilities of the upcoming Bentayga. Enjoy!
Updated 02/03/2013: Volkswagen Group has finally given the green light to the EXP 9 F super-luxury SUV unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production version is internally known as the “Falcon ” and is expected to be unveiled in the upcoming three years. The good news is that reports are pointing toward that the production version likely dropping the controversial design of the EXP 9F concept and will adopt a more conventional Bentley look. When put on sale in will be priced at about 200,000 euro – about $271,000 at the current exchange rates. Additionally, Bentley plans to sell about 5,000 units of its new SUV per year. (Automotive News)
Updated 07/23/2013: It’s official… No more speculation, no more reports and no more rumors; Bentley has officially given the green light to the yet-to-be-named SUV. Bentley claims that this will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV on the market. As expected, Bentley will not stray from the automaker’s current design language. Bentley has announced that its new SUV will hit showrooms in 2016, will be built in Crewe and will create over 1,000 new jobs.
Updated 1/8/2014: During an interview with Auto Express, Bentley Chairman Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber confirmed that the upcoming Bentley SUV will be available as a hybrid model with a plug-in system similar to what we saw in the Panamera S E-Hybrid . Schrieber also confirmed that the standard SUV, which already has over 2,000 pre-orders, will arrive in 2015 as a 2016 model, and that the the hybrid will arrive a year after the standard Bentley SUV. (Auto Express)
Updated 3/19/2014: Bentley just released the first teaser image of its new SUV, which is rumored to be called the Falcon. You can see the image after the jump.
Teaser Images
Spy Shots
March 10, 2015 – Bentley Bentayga starts dropping camouflage
February 23, 2015 – Bentley Bentayga caught testing in the snow
October 07, 2014 – Bentley SUV testing close to Nurburgring
August 6, 2014 – Bentley SUV caught testing in Southern Europe
June 12, 2014 – Bentley SUV caught in production form
May 21, 2014 – First mule spotted on the road
Press Release
Green light for Bentley SUV
- Fourth model line to be built in Crewe
- Sales will begin in 2016
- Over 1,000 UK jobs created
- New model will be true to Bentley’s brand hallmarks
- Extremely positive customer response to an SUV by Bentley
(Crewe, 23 July 2013). Bentley Motors today confirms that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV, the company’s fourth model line. The SUV will be made in Crewe and will go on sale in 2016. It will create over 1000 jobs in the UK. Over the next three years Bentley will invest more than £800 million in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who was present together with Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Group for the announcement at Bentley headquarters in Crewe, said: “This £800 million investment and a thousand new jobs from Bentley is fantastic news for both Crewe and for the UK as a whole. It is another important milestone in strengthening our economy.
“One sector that we know is sprinting ahead in the global race is our booming automotive industry. One vehicle rolls off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds and we have just launched the Government’s Automotive Industrial Strategy to help continue this success for years to come.
“I am delighted that Bentley will be building their new vehicle here, not only creating a thousand jobs, but safeguarding many more, as well as increasing training opportunities for highly skilled apprentices.”
Dr Winterkorn said: “The Volkswagen Group believes in the UK as a competitive location for industrial production. Bentley fans all around the world are looking forward to the brand’s first SUV. Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley – powerful, exclusive and successful.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “This is a welcome commitment to the UK from a major international car maker. Our automotive industrial strategy proves this government’s commitment to working with world-class companies like Bentley to create jobs and promote exports.
“Bentley was the first firm I visited as a government minister and serves as a real example of high value manufacturing. They export more than four out of every five cars they make in the UK to the rest of the world.”
Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, added: “This is excellent news for Bentley and for the UK. Bentley is increasingly successful and this new fourth model line will leverage the success of the global SUV market. The support of everyone involved with the Company has been fundamental to this decision, which will ensure sustainable growth for the company.”
The SUV will be a thoroughbred Bentley true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship. The styling will set it apart from any other SUV on the road and will be true to the Bentley design DNA. It will be the most luxurious and most powerful SUV in the market. The response from customers to a Bentley SUV has been extremely positive in the last 16 months.
Press Release – January 12, 2015
Bentley’s all-new and ground-breaking luxury SUV is set to be revealed to the world later this year and a name has been chosen: Bentley Bentayga.
This sector-defining SUV will be able to introduce Bentley’s renowned modern British luxury to limitless destinations with an impressive combination of on and off road performance.
The natural world, along with the company’s founder, inspired its name. Crowning the Northern Hemisphere, to the north of Bentley’s birthplace in England, is the dramatic beauty of the Taiga, the world’s largest transcontinental snowforest. To the south, the rugged peak of the Roque Bentayga in the subtropical Canary Islands draws attention from all directions and a challenging climb rewards with spectacular panoramic views of a rich and diverse landscape.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, comments:
“Bentayga is a name that reflects what we know our SUV will do better than any other car in the world – combine the best automotive luxury with outstanding performance to take the Bentley experience to new environments.”
The new Bentley Bentayga will be revealed later in 2015, and on sale in 2016. For regular updates and further news on the Bentayga, please visit www.NewBentley.com.