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Does it appear incongruous that one of many largest and heaviest SUVs on the planet – the Bentley Bentayga S – has benefited from a raft of dynamic tweaks for the 2023 mannequin yr?
Regardless of it appears, as a result of that’s what we’ve bought for the most recent iteration of this higher luxurious providing – and the tweaks are noticeable. The one catch is you’ll want greater than 500 giant to drive away in a single.
It’s large bucks, however then the Bentley Bentayga is a colossal automobile stretching greater than 5.14 metres in size (there’s an extended extended wheelbase (EWB) version about to drop), whereas tipping the scales at a hefty 2415kg.
There’s nothing untoward about doing extra to maintain the large Bentley SUV flat via corners, both. Bentley has been doing precisely that for greater than 100 years – that’s to say, making race winners out of its large, stunning grand tourers.
It’s the very essence of the model itself.
From its earliest days, the marque’s ethos was set in stone by founder W.O. Bentley, who mentioned: “The coverage was a easy one – we have been going to make a quick automobile, a great automobile, one of the best at school”.
Let’s not neglect the marque’s daring six outright wins on the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1929 and 2003, victorious over a number of the world’s most iconic sports activities automobile producers. That counts for lots, even when its final triumph was quite a lot of years in the past – it’s the heritage that issues most right here.
Bentley has all the time been the quintessential British luxurious model that greatest fused bespoke luxurious with high-speed efficiency attributes, and the Bentayga S is simply the most recent embodiment of that attempted and true components from Crewe.
Thoughts, the brand new Bentayga S is to not be confused with the W12-powered ‘Velocity’, which stays perched atop the Bentayga line-up, with Bentayga S sitting straight under within the pecking order.
Whereas some could be vexed to study the ‘S’ will get no extra muscle to propel this high-quality chariot at an elevated velocity, we reckon the 4.0-litre (3956cc), twin-turbo V8 beneath Bentayga’s huge bonnet is greater than sufficient for the sort of high-speed touring befitting the high-riding Bentley.
However then that’s probably not the remit of the S, is it. Bentley says it’s about, ‘bringing further sporting agility to the Bentayga household’ with a dynamic tuning program engineered to ship extra hustle capacity via the bends.
Guaranteeing most tyre contact for the two.5-tonne Bentley is by far crucial measure of this extra specialised Bentayga. And it’s bought the collective weaponry beneath to get the job achieved, it doesn’t matter what the masses could be in essentially the most demanding of twisties.
Bentley Dynamic Trip with energetic anti-roll management is customary fitment on Bentayga S, together with a extra targeted Sports activities chassis mode. Not solely is there a 15 per cent improve in damping of the triple-chamber air suspension that stiffens the chassis, there’s additionally a novel ESC tune to match its superior dealing with.
Tuck right into a nook with an honest diploma of lock wound on, and the anti-roll system is able to making use of as much as 1300Nm of torque in lower than 0.3 seconds. It’s purported to counter any undesirable physique roll and enhance steering suggestions and response.
There’s a bit extra noise too, courtesy of a newly-installed, free-flowing sports activities exhaust with a split-oval design in black that matches the Bentley’s ‘black pack’ – dubbed ‘Blackline Specification’.
All the important thing exterior parts, together with grille with decrease bumper intakes, facet sills, bigger rear spoiler and door mirror caps are gloss black for a extra aggressive highway presence all spherical. Befitting the sportier Bentayga are additionally dark-tinted headlights and tail lights that kind of full the makeover, aside from wheels.
Designed to have the Scythe-like spokes pointing in the identical ahead course on either side, the new-look 22-inch wheels can be found in three completely different finishes.
Our Bentayga S tester was fitted with the non-compulsory ‘black and shiny polished’ wheel for significantly extra impact. It’s a extremely labour-intensive end, the place the rim is ceramic polished, earlier than numerous spokes are masked off to permit the gloss black paint to be utilized and a remaining hand polish.
Then, there’s the Bentley paint job. On this case it’s Dragon Crimson 11 that marries up effectively to Bentayga S’s dynamic temporary. However there are different much less overt finishes, just like the actually spectacular ultra-dark Cumbrian Inexperienced, which at some angles appears nearer to metallic black.
No person does posh cabins fairly so effectively as Bentley, solely in Bentayga S it’s all a bit extra brash and unique on the similar time, because of a brand new color cut up and what looks like acres of Alcantara and distinctive 3D carbon-fibre weave trim bits.
It appears Bentley craftspeople actually do go to extraordinary lengths to make sure a stage of exclusivity above most different luxurious marques, even with its SUV.
Take the leather-based upholstery. It’s hand-picked from herds which graze the fields at excessive altitudes in Northern Europe. Naturally, they’re freed from the insect bites that may go away spots within the conceal.
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How a lot does the Bentley Bentayga S value?
The minimal entry level into the Bentley Bentayga S will value you $450,200 plus on-road prices and any non-compulsory extras you select.
Luxurious press automobiles are sometimes ordered with a bunch of choices that greatest current the automobile for content material functions, in addition to to entice potential consumers who extra usually that not select to personalise their automobile.
Our tester is testomony to that state of affairs with at least 15 choices added to options stock.
Choices (as examined):
- Prolonged vary paint: $12,333.75
- Distinction stitching and seat piping: $7164.30
- LED welcome lamps: $2195.05
- Touring specification: $16,981.25
- Entrance seat consolation specification: $7693.40
- Heated, acoustic, IR entrance display: $1072.50
- Rear privateness glass: $2566.85
- Heated, duo-tone, three-spoke Alcantara steering wheel: $1179.75
- Baggage administration: $922.35
- Temper lighting: $1008.15
- Black and polished S directional wheel: $15,379.65
- Carbon-fibre fascia, centre console and door waistrails: $8086.65
- S color specification $5376.80
- Paint safety: $8243.95
- Commonplace brakes with pink painted calipers: $3535.35
The above inclusions lifted the value of our Bentayga S tester to an eye-watering $543,757.75 – earlier than on-roads.
Rivals fashions embody the bigger Rolls-Royce Cullinan (from $692,150), whereas the sportier Cullinan Black Badge wears a stratospheric $791,900 sticker.
Aston Martin has the DBX707 which begins from $428,400, however it’s extra performance-biased although with no much less experience consolation over the tough stuff.
Land Rover has the brand new Range Rover SV with the comparable 4.4-litre V8 from $358,337 for the SWB model, whereas the SV LWB is priced from $403,554 plus on-road prices.
2023 Bentley Bentayga pricing:
- Bentley Bentayga V8: $378,600
- Bentley Bentayga S: $450,200
- Bentley Bentayga Velocity (W12): $514,400
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Bentley Bentayga S like on the within?
Unsure concerning the Hotspur and Beluga colour-split upholstery – it’s a bit too G-Wagon in contrast with the extra divine mixture of Newmarket Tan and Beluga – however make no mistake, this can be a nonetheless a spot of bespoke craftsmanship.
When you’ve ever had the privilege of visiting the wooden store at Bentley’s manufacturing unit in Crewe, United Kingdom, and seen the countless veneers from dozens of unique tree varieties, you’ll be an instantaneous convert to a pure end in your Bentley.
However with the Bentayga S and its further sporty pretences, it’s the high-gloss carbon-fibre with an optic resin course of that offers the weave a 3D look which seems to be the half right here. And it’s all over the place; from the carbon-fibre fascia, centre console, instrument show and door trim.
The polished chrome brightwork is solely beautiful, however I’m a fan of the signature Bentley clock and trademark bulls-eye air vents which were a part of the combo for so long as I can keep in mind.
Bentley seats are a number of the greatest within the enterprise for his or her delicate mixture of unadulterated consolation and assist, although, they really feel a contact firmer within the S – or maybe it’s the much less forgiving Alcantara.
We’d have anticipated the rear seats to have extra bolster in-built, although our check automobile was specified with the extra sensible three-seat rear bench, as a substitute of the four-seat inside with particular person rear seats.
Rear legroom is sweet, although, not cavernous – you’ll want to decide on the prolonged wheelbase (EWB) model of Bentayga should you further house again there.
The centre armrest isn’t a lot chop both – a easy factor with two cupholders and never a lot else.
Second row passengers might want to lean ahead and use the touchscreen to regulate seat heating and air temperature reasonably than the media centre that some rival makes supply.
In an age the place a number of screens have already changed total banks of buttons and dials, Bentley continues with an equal measure of each. Not simply any dials, thoughts, however fantastically knurled variations with a jewel-like high quality to them.
The metalwork extends to the chunky metallic shifter with a ceramic-like head, however even then, the internal circle is properly knurled for impact.
Whereas a pair of Tod’s luxurious loafers would absolutely be an ideal match for these behind the wheel of the Bentayga S, the plush pile and even thicker ground mats are greatest met with naked ft for my part.
Plastic bits are few and much between in Bentayga S, aside from the instrument stalks which look to be from the Volkswagen components bin, albeit on the premium finish of the vary.
No complaints in terms of storage, although, with loads of nooks and crannies, in addition to respectable door pockets all spherical.
Boot house behind the second row of seats seems to be greater than its 484 litres, however as soon as folded you’ve bought as much as 1774 litres of load capability.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
It’s the identical 4.0-litre (3996cc), twin-scroll turbocharged V8, shared with the likes of the Audi RS6 Avant, Audi RSQ8, Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Turbo fashions.
For the Bentayga S, there’s no extra energy over the common Bentayga V8, which makes 404kW of energy at 6000rpm and 770Nm of torque from 1960rpm-4500rpm.
Bentley has clearly prioritised dealing with, refinement and effectivity over outright straight-line efficiency, given the Lamborghini makes a stratospheric 478kW and 850Nm from the identical primary motor.
Even the Audi RSQ8 produces 441kW and 800Nm from the identical engine, whereas the Porsche Cayenne Turbo develops an identical outputs to Bentayga S.
The Bentley additionally misses out on Audi’s 48-volt mild-hybrid know-how, however will get a cylinder deactivation system that may shut down half the engine’s cylinders for improved gas financial system.
Drive is shipped to all-four wheels via a ZF eight-speed computerized transmission, mated to a Torsen centre differential and an open rear diff with digital lock.
Bentley declare Bentayga S will launch from standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a prime velocity of 290km/h no matter 4, 5 or seven-seat configurations.
The Bentayga is provided with an 85-litre gas tank amid a claimed vary of 654km per tank, with CO2 emissions of 294 g/km.
How does the Bentley Bentayga S drive?
It might not have fairly the identical ballistic straight-line efficiency as its Lamborghini or Porsche cousins, however the second you hit the bejewelled starter button and the V8 lets out a deep, however barely muffled bark, you’re beneath no phantasm of the huge reserves of energy that lurks beneath the bonnet.
However, there’s an actual tendency to easily waft round in Consolation mode and benefit from the absolute opulence (and serenity) the Bentayga S affords these privileged sufficient to be lounging in its cabin.
Both means, ahead movement is really easy, if not speedy, because the twin-turbos spool up and the motor dishes out its full complement of 770Nm from simply 1960 revolutions. Even so, there’s nonetheless a little bit of low-down lag when exiting a roundabout or pulling out of a junction, for instance.
It’s much less so within the default Bentley mode, which is definitely fairly sporty, and just about the candy spot for basic day-to-day duties within the Bentayga. On the similar time, the air suspension corporations up and also you’re able to deal with just a few chosen bends.
Naturally, you’ll need to dial up the brand new and improved Sport setting for many who need have a correct crack of their Bentayga S, and also you gained’t be disillusioned.
It’s laborious to fathom how greater than 2.4 tonnes of fast-moving metallic could be tossed into an off-camber, downhill bend, in exactly the identical means as you’ll scald a hardcore sizzling hatch and but with little or no discernible lean.
The truth is, when you get into it correct, you’ll end up really having fun with what may look like a ridiculous state of affairs to most, however it’s testomony to the engineering onboard – each mechanical and technological.
That aforementioned newly-calibrated Sport mode undoubtedly sharpens steering really feel and turn-in response, whereas tightening up the chassis and controlling lean, however it additionally stiffens up experience compliance with the air suspension.
It’s a bit of bit complicated. Bigger velocity bumps are largely allotted in essentially the most luxurious trend and barely registered contained in the cabin, whereas smaller bumps are sometimes felt – to the purpose of being a bit busy beneath wheel.
The difficulty is, it’s not all the time constant, even in Consolation, however that is also the awful roads in Sydney, too.
You’ll preserve coming again to Bentley mode for the optimum experience/dealing with steadiness, however when you hit the twisties, you’ll crave the in-check physique management that Sport affords, whatever the harsher experience and high-revving gearshifts.
By no means thoughts stopping the Bentayga, both, that’s simply not a problem.
Braking energy from the monster-size entrance rotors (401mm), is vastly confidence inspiring, a lot so that you are likely to late-brake this behemoth with out a lot as a flinch whenever you’re having some enjoyable.
For these Bentley house owners bent on hauling a horse float or a quintessential 22ft Airstream caravan, the Bentayga S has a braked towing capability of 3500kg.
What do you get with the Bentley Bentayga S
Bentayga S highlights:
- 4-zone local weather management
- Air suspension
- Matrix LED headlights
- Cooled glovebox
- Powered hands-free tailgate
- Energy-fold facet mirrors with heating, dipping
- Delicate-close entrance doorways
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Energy steering column with reminiscence
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Panoramic sunroof
- Illuminated ‘S’ treadplates
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- 10-speaker Signature sound system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Heated steering wheel
- Acoustic glass
- Distant elevate system from cargo space
- 12.3-inch digital driver’s devices
- 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Bentley-branded analogue clock
- Bentley welcome lights
- Quick access system with driver’s seat
- 4-seat configuration (5- and 7-seat interiors additionally obtainable)
Is the Bentley Bentayga S secure?
The Bentley Bentayga hasn’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, however its platform mates – the Audi Q7/Q8, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg – have all been awarded five-star security rankings by one or each organisations (the Porsche solely carries a Euro NCAP score).
However, the Bentayga contains Bentley’s ‘Metropolis Specification’ as customary, which incorporates the next energetic security tools:
- Metropolis Safeguard (low-speed AEB)
- Pedestrian and bicycle owner warning
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Park help (semi-autonomous parking assist)
- Visitors signal recognition
- 360-degree digital camera system
Our Bentayga S press automobile was additionally fitted with the higher-end Touring Specification, which is quoted as a $16,981 choice.
This package deal provides:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Bentley Safeguard Plus (high-speed AEB)
- Head-up show
- Lane help
- Evening imaginative and prescient cameras
- Visitors help (cease/go perform)
Given many of the Bentayga’s siblings function a lot of the Touring Specification customary, it’s disappointing it’s a dear choice for what’s a high-end household hauler.
The Bentayga additionally comes fitted with a set of airbags, together with twin entrance, curtain, and facet airbags for each rows of seating.
How a lot does the Bentley Bentayga S value to run?
Like the broader Bentley vary, the Bentayga is roofed by the marque’s three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with roadside help for a similar interval.
Some may assume it’s a little bit of a cop out to guarantee high-priced automobiles like Bentayga for what’s a comparatively quick interval, given most automobile makers as of late present not less than 5 years, however it’s really fairly regular for automobiles at this value level – for instance, Aston Martin present the identical size guarantee interval for the DBX.
As for servicing, Bentley provides three-and-five-year service plans in Australia, priced at $3950 and $7695 respectively for the Bentayga S.
Bentley claims the Bentayga will use 13.3L/100km, with 98 RON premium unleaded required at the least, however we noticed common gas consumption nearer to 18L/100km throughout our drive program.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Bentley Bentayga S
It’s no shock that the Bentayga has been Bentley’s best-selling mannequin yearly since its 2016 debut, and the introduction of a sharper dealing with model is nearly assured to spice up the numbers but once more.
In contrast with the usual V8, the Bentayga S not solely delivers more proficient dealing with – albeit with a barely firmer experience – however it additionally provides house owners extra of that all-important exclusivity with its blacked-out look.
For those who need the final word Bentayga, although, they’ll select the W12-powered Bentayga Velocity, however for these well-to-do people that worth house above all else, Bentley now have the Bentayga Prolonged Wheelbase – coming quickly.
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