The Bentley Bentayga V8 is the British carmaker’s latest luxury SUV, proving that it has what it takes to run with the big boys.
However, luxury SUVs are a dime a dozen. These days, more carmakers are coming up with its own take on luxury SUVs to dominate the spectrum. Lamborghini created major headlines when it first introduced the Urus, the first of its kind for the Italian brand. Rolls-Royce is another well-known name, showcasing just how luxurious an SUV can be with the Cullinan. Other notable big names on the list include the Porsche Cayenne as well as the Audi Q8.
But the Bentley Bentayga is more than just that. We were given the rare opportunity to take the all-new Bentley Bentayga V8 out for a spin a few weeks back and it didn’t disappoint.
A feast for the eyes
Like any other Bentley, it is a sight to behold the moment you lay your eyes on it. Its new exterior design to both the front and rear adopts the marque’s new design DNA, which can be found on both the third-generation Continental GT as well as the Flying Spur.
Its most notable change comes in the form of the new matrix grille, much larger and more upright than ever before. It gives off a more dynamic and commanding presence, allowing its elegant bonnet to sweep downwards to the very edge of the chrome work. The all-new matrix grille is flanked by the LED elliptical headlamps, which carries the now-signature ‘crystal cut’ design. This gives the Bentayga V8 a touch of class and personality, allowing the headlamps to sparkle even when on standby.
But the biggest design change that you will notice is at the rear of the car. Much like the Continental GT, the Bentayga V8 sports matching elliptical tail lamps. It has a deep, three-dimensional glow thanks to its lattice pattern that offers a unique illumination appearance when turned on.
Technologically savvy and superior
Of course, there is more to a Bentley than just its looks. A brand well-known for its fine craftsmanship, the cabin of the Bentayga V8 is all about bringing technological innovations together with an extreme level of comfort.
As you enter the cabin, you’re greeted with newly-designed seats that are further improved from the previous industry-recognised benchmark set by the marque. There are three versatile seating functions to choose from with the Bentayga V8 — a standard five-seater, a four-seater with a centre console, as well as a three-row, seven-seat arrangement. We got the chance to check out the standard five-seater, complete with an all-new seat frame that features a more sculpted shape to provide extra comfort.
However, the devil is in the details, of which there are many. The contrast and hand-crossed stitching on the upholstery add extra design detail to the cabin while rear-seat ventilation is also available in the five-seater variant. Whether you’re driving or being driven in the Bentayga V8, you will not miss out on the level of comfort that comes with the car. To further increase your chances of never leaving the cabin, each seat comes with its own massage chair function.
If that isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps its advanced technologies will. On the new and redesigned centre fascia is the latest-generation 10.9-inch infotainment display with an advanced navigation system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio also plays a big part in the Bentayga V8 with the option to include the Naim 20-speaker system. Rear passengers also have control over the infotainment system via the new touch screen remote control tablet.
A Smooth and Powerful Drive
When it comes to its performance on the road, there’s no doubt that Bentley knows what it’s doing. At the heart of this luxury SUV lies its 4.0-litre, dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine, pumping out 542hp and 770Nm of torque. It can do the century run in just 4.5 seconds while hitting a top speed of 290kph. While we could not put the Bentayga V8 to the test on both avenues, it’s safe to say that it is capable of hitting over 200kph without breaking a sweat.
Of course, it is worth noting that at the time of the drive, we were in a left-hand steering Bentayga V8 as opposed to the right-hand steering. While this definitely took some getting used to, the driving features that come with the car made it all the more worthwhile.
One of the more notable features is the Bentley Dynamic Drive, the world’s first electric active roll control technology provides greater linearity as well as reducing steering effort. What this does is that it counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering, ensuring the tyres make full contact with the road to ensure comfort, stability, and handling. This works great even on uneven roads as the Bentayga V8 does all it can to ensure a smooth drive.
This article first appeared in Lifestyle Asia KL.
