The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury car produced by British marque Bentley Motors. Introduced in late 2015, it is the brand's first luxury crossover SUV.[6][7] Its body is manufactured at the Volkswagen Zwickau-Mosel Plant in Germany, then painted and assembled at Bentley's factory in Crewe, United Kingdom.[6][7]
Bentley Bentayga | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Bentley |
Production | December 2015 – present[1] |
Assembly | United Kingdom: Crewe (Bentley Crewe) |
Designer | SangYup Lee[2] |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-size luxury crossover 4x4[3][4][5] |
Body style | 5-door 4x4 |
Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group MLB Evo |
Related | Audi Q7 Audi Q8 Lamborghini Urus Porsche Cayenne Volkswagen Touareg |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Electric motor | 94 kW (126 hp; 128 PS) AC induction motor (PHEV) |
Transmission | 8-speed ZF 8HP90 automatic |
Hybrid drivetrain | Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) |
Battery | 17.3 kWh lithium ion (PHEV) |
Electric range | 31 mi (50 km) (PHEV) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,992 mm (117.8 in) 3,175 mm (125.0 in) (EWB) |
Length | 5,141 mm (202.4 in) 5,322 mm (209.5 in) (EWB) |
Width | 1,998 mm (78.7 in) |
Height | 1,742 mm (68.6 in) |
Kerb weight | 2,440 kg (5,379 lb) |
Concept car
editBentley's first SUV was previewed as the Bentley EXP 9 F concept car at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The concept car was based upon the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, powered by a 6.0 L W12 engine producing 600 hp (447 kW).[8] The initial design of the EXP 9 F was redesigned to achieve "more traditional SUV proportions and less retro surfacing."[9] An early name for the model was the Falcon.[10]
The production version was announced in July 2013. The Bentley EXP 9 F's design received a mixed response from the motoring press. After some criticism for the design of the EXP 9 F, Bentley announced that it would change the styling for the production versions.[citation needed]
Overview
editThe production Bentayga debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015 as Bentley's first SUV.[11][12] it features unibody construction and full-time all-wheel drive, as well as Volkswagen Group's bi-turbo W12 engine and MLB platform, the latter shared with the second-generation Audi Q7 and the third-generation Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8, and Lamborghini Urus. Available in seating configurations for four, five, or seven, at launch the Bentayga was claimed by the manufacturer as the second most expensive production SUV. In spite of having the highest claimed top speed (of 187 mph (301 km/h))[citation needed], it has been described by the Guardian and the Sunday Times as "huge" and by the Daily Telegraph as "gargantuan".[6][7][13]
A total of 608 "First Edition" units (featuring the 608PS W12) were manufactured upon introduction.[citation needed] The original prediction for 2016 was that 3,500 Bentaygas would be sold. When the entire production volume for the year sold out in advance, production was increased and resulted in 5,586 units being sold.[14] Despite its high price tag, the car was a sales success for Bentley in 2016 and became Bentley's most popular model.[14] It has contributed to Bentley's increasing sales as of 2022.[15] In 2022 about 6370 Bentley Bentaygas were sold.[16]
Bentley revealed the name Bentayga in January 2015.[17] The name comes from Roque Bentayga, an emblematic highland rock situated in Tejeda, Gran Canaria,[18][19] the subtropical Canary Island. The company also drew inspiration from a portmanteau of Bentley and Taiga, the world's largest transcontinental snow forest, composed of the first four letters of Bentley and an altered spelling of taiga.[20]
Assembly
editOriginally slated by Volkswagen to be produced at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Slovakia where all other models based on the platform are produced, an agreement was reached with the British Government for the model to be produced at the Crewe factory.[21] Bentley invested £800 million in a new assembly facility there and employed 1,000 new employees to support production of the new model.[22]
Production of the Bentayga's body shell remained at the Bratislava facility,[23] but was moved to Volkswagen's Zwickau-Mosel Plant at the end of 2016.
Powertrains
editW12
editThe 2016 Bentayga was launched with (and was first to receive) Bentley's new twin-turbo W12 engine. The engine was fitted with variable displacement technology and could deactivate 6 of the engine's 12 cylinders if needed.[24] Bentley claimed the 6.0 L capable of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.0 seconds, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.1 s, and a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h).[25]
A second, more powerful version of the twin-turbo W12 was introduced for the Bentayga Speed in 2020 helping the car to achieve a claimed 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) of 3.9 s.
Diesel V8
editStarting in 2017, a diesel V8 derived from the VW Group diesel V8 was available. This engine is Bentley's first diesel and only offered in the Bentayga. Included are a badge on the front wing and the trapezoid quad exhaust tips. Bentley claims performance of the 4.0 L, twin-turbo diesel of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.6 seconds, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.8 s, and a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).[26]
Petrol V8
editA V8 petrol engine became available in 2018. Bentley claimed the 4.0 L, twin-turbo will have performance figures from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.5 s, and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).[27] Its combined cycle CO2 emissions are 272 g/km and its fuel consumption is 23.5 mpg‑imp (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg‑US).
V6 PHEV
editA plug-in hybrid model was revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in the UK, Europe, and North America in October 2019. It combines a 3.0 L V6 turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, for a system output of 449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The 17.3 kWh (62 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack offers a range of 31.7 miles (51.0 km) as per NEDC testing.[citation needed]
Engines
editPetrol engines | |||
---|---|---|---|
Model | Year | Engine type | Power, torque at rpm |
W12 | 2016–2020 | 5,950 cc (5.95 L; 363 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 608 PS (447 kW; 600 hp) at 5,000–6,000, 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) at 1,350–4,000 |
V8 | 2018– | 3,956 cc (3.956 L; 241.4 cu in) V8 twin turbo | 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp) at 6,000, 770 N⋅m (568 lb⋅ft) at 1,960–4,500 |
Hybrid | 2019– | 2,984 cc (2.984 L; 182.1 cu in) PHEV V6 turbo | 449 PS (330 kW; 443 hp) at 6,000, 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) at 1,100–4,500 |
Speed | 2019– | 5,950 cc (5.95 L; 363 cu in) W12 twin turbo | 635 PS (467 kW; 626 hp) at 6,000, 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) at 1,350–4,000 |
Diesel engine | |||
Model | Year | Engine type | Power, torque at rpm |
Diesel | 2017–2020 | 3,956 cc (3.956 L; 241.4 cu in) V8 twin turbo | 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) at 3,750–5,000, 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) at 1,000–3,250 |
2020 facelift
editThe facelifted model was released in June 2020. Changes include new 3D elliptical tail-lights with animated LEDs, similar to those on the third-generation Continental GT, and a rear number plate repositioned onto the bumper to allow for ‘Bentley’ to be spelled out across the tailgate. The rear spoiler was enlarged. New side vents, a new 22 in (560 mm) wheel design, and two paint colours were added. New oval-shaped split tailpipes, heated wipers with 22 washer jets in each arm, and an optional Blackline variant with blacked-out chrome complete the external alterations.
Changes were made in the cabin, such as in the rear, where new seat frames in combination with extra reclining allow a 100 mm (3.9 in) increase in knee space. There are ventilated rear seats and the car can be had with four, five, or seven seats. Rear passengers also receive an updated 5.0-in removable touchscreen tablet to control entertainment and comfort functions.
The infotainment has a new system with a higher resolution 10.9-in touchscreen. Included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as USB-C ports, air ionisers, wireless smartphone charging, and an embedded SIM card for data services. The traditional instrument dials have been replaced with a digital display (like in newer Bentleys) and the head-up display shows much more data. The audio system is a 790W, 12-speaker stereo with an optional Naim system that has 1780W and 20 speakers.
The optional W12 engine is no longer available for the 2020 model. The base model features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine generating 542 hp (404 kW; 550 PS). Optional is the V6 plug-in hybrid which will come to the market by late 2020. An updated Bentayga Speed was introduced in August 2020. It shares the same 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine with the older Bentayga Speed which generates 626 hp (467 kW; 635 PS).[29]
Bentayga S
editIn May 2021, Bentley released the Bentayga S, which is at the fourth model of the line-up, joining the plug-in hybrid, the standard V8, and the W12-powered Speed. According to Bentley, the S variant has a more "aggressively styled" design. The Bentayga S is equipped with a different 22-inch wheels, a larger rear spoiler, black lower-body panels, tinted light clusters, and black oval sports exhaust.[30]
The interior features Alcantara leather on seats, gear selector, steering wheel, headlining, and other trim elements. The chassis promises "an even more engaging drive," with 15% firmer dampers, recalibrated torque vectoring system, and Bentley's Dynamic Ride system as standard. The Bentayga S is powered by a 542 hp (404 kW; 550 PS) 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine.[31]
Bentayga EWB
editIn May 2022, the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, intended to replace the Bentley Mulsanne, was released. It features a V8 twin-turbo 4.0-litre engine that produces 542 hp (404 kW; 550 PS), active anti-roll bars, and rear wheel steering.[32][33]
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Bentayga EWB
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Rear view
Mulliner
editMulliner is Bentley's internal customisation company, which creates limited-edition options and accessories. Customers are able to customise the cars, including custom paint and colours as well as interior hide and carpet colours. An option is the Mulliner Tourbillon dashboard clock designed by Swiss watchmaker Breitling called Breitling for Bentley. The clock spins 3 times[clarification needed] every 15 minutes.[34]
Recall
editBentley issued a recall for 378 cars in November 2016, as some seats of the Bentayga had not been secured properly during assembly.[35]
Production
editYear | Production |
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2015[36] | 96 |
2016[36] | 5,586 |
2017[37] | 4,849 |
2018[37] | 4,072 |
2019[38] | 5,232 |
2020[38] | 3,946 |
2021[39] | 5,838 |
2022[39] | 7,346 |
2023[40] | 5,595 |
References
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- ^ "Bentley Exterior Design Director Sangyup Lee Leaves to Join Hyundai". 16 May 2016.
- ^ "2023 Bentley Bentayga". Forbes. 9 March 2023.
- ^ "Bentley Bentayga EWB: Longer More Luxurious SUV Seats Fewer Passengers". GearJunkie. 12 May 2022.
- ^ "Bentley Bentayga S revealed as a sportier V8-powered Bentley crossover". Autoblog. 25 May 2021.
- ^ a b c Love, Martin (30 December 2018). "Bentley Bentayga: 'Bursting with superlatives'". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ a b c Fossdyke, James (28 September 2022). "BENTLEY BENTAYGA EWB 2023 REVIEW: STRETCHED LUXURY SUV PLAYS THE LONG GAME". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ Neil, Dan (12 March 2016). "Off-Road in a Bentley SUV? At Your Own Risk". The Wall Street Journal. p. D12.
- ^ Huntingford, Steve (8 March 2012). "Bentley SUV redesign due". What Car?. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ^ Neate, Rupert (20 March 2013). "Bentley's first 4x4 likely to be made in Bratislava, not Crewe". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ English, Andrew (23 April 2015). "Bentley boss discusses 4x4 and sports car plans". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
- ^ Ramsey, Jonathon (30 November 2015). "First production Bentley Bentayga rolls off the line". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
- ^ Wiseman, Ed (17 April 2018). "Bentley Bentayga V8 review – a sonorous exercise in excess". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ a b "VWAG Annual Report 2016". VWAG. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
- ^ "Bentley achieves record sales in 2022". Auto Express. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
- ^ "Bentley Newsroom".
- ^ Ramsey, Jonathon (13 January 2015). "Bentley officially chooses Bentayga name for new SUV". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Roque Bentayga (Tejeda) – 2018 All You Need to Know Before You Go (with Photos)". TripAdvisor.com. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Marquetry by Mulliner". Bentley Motors. 2 June 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ Kalogianni, Alexander (12 January 2015). "Limitless Luxury: Bentley Bentayga is the name of the luxury brand's SUV". Retrieved 10 September 2015.
- ^ "Bentley's new luxury car to create 1,000 jobs". BBC News. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
- ^ "Bentley to build SUV in Crewe". The Guardian. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
- ^ "Bentley Bentayga Bodies To Be Built Alongside Its Cousins". Pursuing W.O. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
- ^ "2017 Bentley Bentayga First Drive Review". Motor Trend. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
- ^ "Bentayga" (Press release). Bentley Motors. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ "Bentley Newsroom: Bentayga Diesel" (Press release). Bentley Motors. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ "Bentley News 2018: Performance and Precision: the Bentley Bentayga V8" (Press release). Bentley Motors. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
- ^ Bentleymedia.com
- ^ "Facelifted 2021 Bentley Bentayga Adds Refinement, Tech And Continental GT Taillights". Carscoops. 30 June 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
- ^ Brodie, James (26 May 2021). "New Bentley Bentayga S brings sportier flavour to Bentayga V8 line-up". Auto Express. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ Page, Felix (25 May 2021). "2021 Bentley Bentayga S brings handling focus to luxury SUV". Autocar. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ Duff, Mike (10 May 2022). "2023 Bentley Bentayga EWB Becomes More of a Limo". caranddriver.com. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase debuts - new luxury SUV is 180 mm longer than standard model". Paultan.org. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ Gibson, David K. (10 November 2015). "Bentley Bentayga's $160,000 option". BBC.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
- ^ "Bentley already issues recall for brand new Bentayga SUV". CNet.com Roadshow. CBS Interactive. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ a b "Annual Report 2016". Volkswagen.
- ^ a b "Annual Report 2018". Volkswagen.
- ^ a b "Annual Report 2020". Volkswagen.
- ^ a b "Annual Report 2022". Volkswagen.
- ^ "Annual Report 2023". Volkswagen.