Bentley freshened up the Bentayga's styling for 2021 with a more upright grille, new taillamps, and updated wheel designs. The SUV takes styling cues from the brand's new Continental GT coupe and Flying Spur sedan. The Bentayga's cabin sees a new 10.9-inch infotainment display, tweaked dashboard styling, Apple CarPlay compatibility, a revised rear-seat entertainment system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
PROS Refined gas-powered engines, optional hybrid powertrain, cosseting cabin.
CONS Exterior styling isn't for everyone, eye-popping starting price, best features cost extra.
Pros Sledgehammer performance Surprisingly good fun to drive Superbly luxurious interior
Cons Ungainly looks from some angles Audi influences around cabin A Range Rover is roomier
PROS Sportier looks New tech and better interior Powerful and fast
CONS Still heavy Oval taillights look funky
Entry level" is a relative term deep into the luxury universe where the Bentley Bentayga lives. Yet, with a starting price that's $64,100 lower and a 542-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 in place of the ultra-luxe SUV's optional 600-hp W-12 engine, that's exactly what the new-for-2019 Bentayga V8 is. (Don't worry, you can still spend crazy money on a Bentayga V8, as demonstrated by our example's $243,325 as-tested price, which included $75,600 in optional equipment.) No matter its engine, the Bentayga's mission remains the same: fending off the likes of Maserati's Levante, upper-level Range Rovers, and Rolls-Royce's Cullinan as well as upcoming pricey SUV competitors from Ferrari, Mercedes-Maybach, and others. Obviously, we were curious how much slower the Bentayga V8 might be relative to its 12-cylinder sibling. It turns out that it's barely slower at all. Even with 76 fewer horsepower and four fewer cylinders, the Bentayga V8 matched the 3.6-second zero-to-60-mph time of one of the two 12-cylinder models we've tested. A different 12-cylinder Bentayga accelerated to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Accelerating beyond 60 mph, the Bentayga V8 starts to cede ground to the more powerful W-12 model, which can reach 100 mph far more quickly. But given how rarely owners are likely to find themselves racing other Bentaygas at triple-digit speeds, we think the V-8 model's quickness up to and around highway speeds is laudable.
A new V8 variant joins the Bentayga lineup for 2019.The 2019 Bentley Bentayga comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Incredible luxury and craftsmanship Powerful engine and quick acceleration Legitimate off-road capability Optional seating for up to seven
Cons Base trim lacks a few key features, especially for the price Limited rear-seat and cargo room
