Ironic because it may appear, luxurious automakers are fairly often the most effective at pulling off the entire “much less is extra” factor. So usually, it is the less-powerful, less-expensive variations of superlative vehicles that I take pleasure in most. The Bentley Bentayga SUV is an ideal instance.Two years after its introduction, the Bentayga is not an solely 12-cylinder affair. A plug-in hybrid is on the horizon, and patrons outdoors the US are handled to a torque-tastic diesel choice.
However it’s the gasoline V8 choice examined right here that I discover significantly engaging. With sturdy energy, and a sound and character all its personal, this engine transforms the massive Bentayga right into a extra rewarding driver’s automobile. Bentley’s SUV is not excellent, thoughts you, nevertheless it’s actually no fault of its V8.Much less energy, however extra pep in its stepThis V8 is not distinctive to the Bentayga — it is the identical four.Zero-liter, twin-turbocharged engine you will discover in different high-output Volkswagen Group merchandise (the Porsche Cayenne Turbo involves thoughts). It gives more-than-ample output of 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, even when these are decreases of 58 and 96, respectively, in comparison with the Bentayga W12. That mentioned, the V8 model of the SUV is lighter, with some 115 fewer kilos to lug round. Bentley says the V8 mannequin is ready to dash to 60 miles per hour in four.four seconds, which can be Zero.four seconds slower than the W12, however remains to be rattling spectacular contemplating the lightest Bentayga nonetheless ideas the scales at 5,264 kilos.
Numbers do not actually inform the entire story. Bentley calls the V8 mannequin the Bentayga’s “most sporting guise,” and whether or not cruising round city or out on the canyon roads north of Los Angeles, the massive B actually delivers a extra enthusiastic character than you may initially count on. Off-the-line acceleration is hearty, with a loud, throaty growl from the model-specific exhaust. The eight-speed computerized transmission is greater than keen to kick down with a easy provocation of your proper foot, delivering mid-range punch that’ll embarrass many different sports activities automobiles as you fly by them on the freeway.On extra technical roads, the Bentayga’s measurement and weight are actually obvious, however the V8 model feels a bit extra keen to spherical corners with gusto, the 285/40-series Pirelli P Zero tires providing commendable grip as I tear alongside my favourite stretches of winding asphalt. There’s nice heft to the steering, an applicable tune that precisely conveys the sheer mass of Bentley’s SUV.The times have been golden, and the Bentayga’s Orange Flame paint lit up within the solar.
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Physique motions are applicable for such a high-riding SUV, and in case you’re the type of aristocrat who plans to drive your Bentayga in a spirited vogue on the common, you will wish to go for the $5,235 Bentley Dynamic Journey choice. That is the flamboyant title for Bentley’s 48-volt lively anti-roll tech, protecting the massive physique composed and managed, returning spectacular trip consolation whereas permitting the Bentayga to be slightly extra playful in bends. After all, in case you pony up for the Bentayga W12, this function comes customary.In truth, there is not an entire lot of normal driver help tech on this lower-price Bentayga. In order for you issues like parking help, a top-view digicam, visitors signal recognition or metropolis braking, it’s important to go for the $three,855 Metropolis Specification package deal. Need adaptive cruise management, a head-up show, lane-keeping help and visitors jam help? That is all bundled within the $Eight,435 Touring Specification.The brand new entry-levelAt $165,000, the Bentayga V8 serves as a lower-cost entry level into the world of Bentley. For 2019, a couple of new choices can be found, together with a fully large set of carbon-ceramic brakes, with 15.7-inch-diameter entrance stoppers which might be the biggest fitted to any manufacturing automobile, in accordance with Bentley. A brand new Blackline Specification, seen on this take a look at automobile (and priced at $7,000), replaces among the exterior chrome particulars with better-looking black bits. New wheel designs can be found, as effectively, together with the 22-inch rollers fitted right here, a part of the $15,800 Mulliner Driving Specification pack.
After all, none of this actually adjustments the truth that the Bentayga is… not very fairly. It rides on the identical VW Group MLB platform that underpins the Audi Q7, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, and whereas it actually has presence — particularly right here in Orange Flame — there does not appear to be a very good angle from which to view Bentley’s beast.Wealthy leather-based, lovely distinction stitching and unbelievable consideration to element. It is a Bentley, alright.
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Fortunately, the inside is as comfy and beautiful as any Bentley. Plush leather-based seats have diamond distinction stitching on the bolsters, and each inch of disguise and veneer contained in the cabin is of the very best high quality. General ranges of match and end are Bentley-spec glorious. The buttons and knobs all really feel premium to the contact and have satisfying motion (these air vent plungers, particularly so). From the comfortable headliner to the deep-pile carpeted floormats, the Bentayga’s cabin is supple and serene.
There are many obtainable techy inside goodies, together with the completely sweet-sounding (and horrendously costly) $Eight,910 Naim audio system, and secret agent-spec $2,600 biometric storage field. Rear-seat occupants even get in on the high-tech choices, with a detachable, 10.2-inch Wi-Fi-equipped Android system that Bentley calls its Leisure Pill.Three totally different rear seating preparations can be found. There’s the five-passenger format you see right here, with a three-across bench within the again. In order for you extra consolation, you possibly can choice captain’s chairs with a console between the seats, or you possibly can even spec a 3rd row, with what I can solely think about are two very cramped way-back thrones, leading to seating for seven. Wealthy mothers, rejoice.The Bentayga runs Bentley’s older, outdated infotainment system.
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Outdated techInside, each Bentayga will get an Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay (however not Android Auto). In comparison with the spectacular, Porsche Communication Administration-based system discovered within the new Continental GT, the Bentayga’s interface appears to be like and feels outdated. There’s plenty of performance discovered inside, however the graphics may stand to be of upper decision, and responses to inputs may actually be quicker.The instrument cluster contains a digital central display screen, however once more, it is a related story of low-resolution graphics and fonts, and never numerous performance. Contemplating the proliferation of totally digital gauge clusters — within the Continental GT, to not point out far inexpensive VW Group merchandise — this might stand to be up to date, and shortly. A $27,000 Jetta SEL Premium gives a richer suite of in-car tech.It ain’t fairly, nevertheless it positive is fast. Should you’re purchasing Bentayga, the V8 is the one to get.
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Getting what you pay for?The massive difficulty I’ve with the Bentayga is that, even in least expensive $165,000 spec, it does not completely really feel well worth the cash. Automobiles are getting actually, very nice today, and most different luxurious SUVs provide related ranges of house and luxury, with quite a bit higher tech. Have you ever pushed an Audi Q7 currently? It is rattling good.Nonetheless, there isn’t any arguing with the type of panache a Flying B badge buys you. And whereas I usually like to incorporate a “how I might spec it” part to those opinions, the reality is, with the Bentayga, the world is your oyster. As with all Bentleys, you possibly can personalize the Bentayga in myriad methods, with seemingly limitless colour choices, to not point out a equally lengthy listing of accessible choices.The 2019 Bentley Bentayga V8 might begin at $165,000, however the take a look at automobile pictured right here has $63,915 price of optionally available extras. Add in a $2,725 vacation spot cost and the value because it sits is $231,640 — about the identical as a base W12.The V8 mannequin is totally the Bentayga to get. The added dynamic verve of its four.Zero-liter engine is one thing to be admired, and you do not lose something by way of look or luxurious. I am unable to say my private lux bucks could be spent on a Bentayga, however for hifalutin patrons who will not accept much less, at the very least relaxation assured realizing the “entry-level” model is simply as wealthy.
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