The Bentley Bentayga is the British marque’s first-ever sport utility vehicle. Unveiled in 2015, the Bentayga exudes the luxury and performance expected of the Bentley brand, now with added utility. Since its debut, the Bentayga has been a sales juggernaut. The ultra-luxury crossover made up 42 percent of Bentley’s total US sales in 2022.

What’s New for the 2023 Bentley Bentayga

Refreshed in 2021, the 2023 Bentayga is mechanically a carryover model. The lineup as a whole receives a few notable updates. An extended-wheelbase (EWB) model is available for the first time. Also joining the base V8, S, and Speed models in the Bentayga lineup are the uber-posh Azure and the limited-run Speed Edition 12.

The Bentayga Azure introduces the idea of “well-being behind the wheel.” This concept focuses on driving comfort as well as control. The Azure, for example, offers 22-way adjustable seats. This means passengers ranging in height and weight from the 5th percentile for females to the 95th percentile for males should easily find their seating position sweet spot. The suspension is also tuned for a smoother, more stable ride. Additionally, advanced safety systems that are optional on other trims are standard on the Azure.

The Bentayga Speed Edition 12 is essentially a tribute model to the outgoing W12 engine. As the automaker transitions to an all-electric future, Bentley will bid farewell to the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era in 2024. Only 120 of these special-edition Bentaygas will be built, each one individually numbered and featuring distinctive exterior and interior details. Lastly, owners will receive a commemorative 15-percent scale model of the W12 engine block.

Design

The ultra-luxury crossover SUV market grows every year and will probably do so into the next millennium. But how does a motoring company known for restraint and refinement stay competitive when, according to the market, no style is too brash and no horsepower is too much? Price is also an afterthought when your competition includes Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce. (See? Everyone’s got an SUV now.) For Bentley, bespoke is more its repertoire than the bold-is-better game.

The Bentayga exhibits this casual snobbery with a design language that scream in distress to attract attention. Sure, the Bentley ute may look like an oversized Flying Spur, but so what? The large sedan and its coupe cousin, the Continental GT, are attractive. Character lines are simple but still evoke strength without aggression and opulence without extravagance.

The large grille and elliptical LED headlights make for an imposing greeting. The rear design is expansive in a different way, featuring similarly designed LED taillights and a full-width lift gate opening. And, in borrowing from the Continental/Flying Spur duo, the Bentayga’s design highlights minimalist masculinity. Strategic wing vents, side sills, and limited badging keep its profile sleek. 21-inch wheels are standard on the entry-level Bentayga, with the ability to upgrade to size 22s. All other trims receive 22-inch alloys. But even the base model is afforded a number of options and designs, and they're not limited to wheels. Exterior colors include expansive satin, solid, and metallic finishes.

Powertrain

The 2023 Bentley Bentayga is equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. According to Bentley, a Bentayga in this configuration reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (4.5 in the EWB) and has a top speed of 180 mph. Keep in mind that the Bentayga has a hefty gross vehicle weight of 7,165 pounds (5,326 pounds for curb weight on the standard five-seater). The Bentayga Speed and Speed Edition 12 receive the more potent 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine. Its output is 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The top speed increases to 190 mph, and the Speed models’ zero-to-60-mph time is 3.8 seconds.

Interior

The Bentayga interior features high levels of plush leather, ornate metals, and real wood. But this is sensory overload at its finest. Occupants will be ensconced in utmost comfort. Unless you’re in the third row. The Bentayga can be optioned with seating for four, five, or seven—but only in the standard wheelbase (SWB) model.

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is more like a sport-ute limo version. Its three seating configurations are for four or five passengers, with a 4+1 layout called the “airline seat” specification being standard. The second row has room for three but is not a bench seat like in the 2+3 configuration. Here, the outer rear seats offer 16 levels of adjustment and even massage settings, whereas the middle seat, the plus-one, is for occasional use (if ever). Just like the third row in the Bentayga SWB, the seat exists if you need it, but you’re likely not going to.

As with anything in this price range, everything is customizable thanks to an abundance of choice in color schemes (e.g., monotone, dual, or tri-tone), materials, metals, upholstery, stitching, and even pedals. Basically, if you want it, you can have it. Even if it’s off-menu.

Technology

A 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and features navigation, Bluetooth, voice activation, gesture control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional digital TV. The standard audio is a 590-watt, 12-speaker system with an available premium system by Naim. This audio upgrade is a 1780-watt system with 17 channels and 20 speakers. The Bentayga also features up to six USB-C ports and comes with a touchscreen remote for rear passengers.

Safety

The Bentley Bentayga features a host of standard and optional safety equipment, including several advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Some available ADAS include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic assist, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a head-up display.

Pricing

The 2023 Bentayga price starts at $200,025, which includes the $2,725 destination fee. Moving up the chain, the Bentayga S starts at $233,825, the Azure at $239,625, and the Speed at $267,325. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase price starts at $229,625 but is available only for base V8, Azure, and First Edition models. Bentayga Speed Edition 12 pricing has not been announced yet, but given its extremely limited quantity and exclusivity, expect its starting MSRP to be steep.