Bentley Bentayga Review: Driving Bentley’s Luxury SUV in the Real World
The Bentley Bentayga has a habit of making ordinary roads feel like private driveways. I’ve lived with it for a week at a time, dragged it through city traffic, hustled it along nasty B-roads, and stretched its legs on derestricted autobahns. The verdict? It behaves like a Bentley that just so happens to sit higher and swallow ski bags. It’s a proper luxury SUV, yes, but first and foremost it’s a Bentley—thickly insulated, beautifully finished, and surprisingly rapid when you’re late for dinner.
First Impressions: A Bentley on Stilts?
Back when the Bentayga first arrived, I half-expected a posh parts-bin special. It isn’t. Slide in and you get that familiar Bentley ritual—the door shuts with a soft, smug thunk, the leather smells like an old-money club, and every knurled control feels milled, not molded. I noticed right away how calm the cabin is. At 75 mph, you can whisper to the back row and they’ll answer; which is lovely until your kids start debating who touched whose iPad.
The infotainment? Better than it used to be, still a step behind Porsche for speed and menu logic. Wireless smartphone mirroring worked fine for me, though I had one strange day where the Bluetooth decided it needed “a moment.” Seating position is spot on—commanding without feeling bus-like—but the A-pillars are chunky. And while storage is plentiful, the front phone slot is tight if you’ve got a plus-sized case. Small flaws, but they’re there.
Inside, the vibe is “rolling townhouse.” The wood veneer is deep enough to swim in, the metal brightwork is cool to the touch, and the carpet pile could pass for a boutique hotel rug. One owner told me his kids call it “the rolling hotel,” and I get it. A friend of mine joked it’s quiet enough to hear your own thoughts—dangerous on a Monday morning commute.
2023 Bentley Bentayga: Performance Meets Comfort
For 2023, the lineup offered three distinct flavors: V8, Speed with the W12, and a plug-in hybrid. I’ve driven the lot and, honestly, the V8 is the sweet spot. Its 542 hp and 568 lb-ft feel perfectly judged for a 5,500-pound premium SUV, with a 0–60 mph run in 4.4 seconds that pulls harder than the spec sheet suggests. The Bentayga Speed’s W12 is berserk in the best way—626 hp, 3.8 seconds to 60, and a 190 mph top end. It’s the one you take when you’re in a hurry but still insist on a massage.
The plug-in hybrid? Ideal for quiet city hops and short commutes if you’re diligent about charging. It lends a whispery, early-morning serenity to school runs and Sunday bakery missions that suits the Bentayga’s character nicely.
On the Road
When I tried it on rough roads, the air suspension felt like someone had replaced potholes with pillows—genuine slippers-on-tarmac stuff. Twist the dial to Sport and the Bentayga tightens its belt. Active anti-roll hardware keeps it tidy, and rear-wheel steering makes car parks less sweat-inducing than you’d think. No, it’s not as laser-guided as a Cayenne Turbo GT, but it’s more lively than a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A big GT that just happens to seat five (or seven), then.
Two notes worth mentioning: big 22- or 23-inch wheels look fabulous but add a faint thump over sharp edges. And under full throttle, the V8 has a cultured snarl that sneaks into the cabin—just enough theater without spoiling the calm.
Quick Highlights of the Bentley Bentayga
- Horsepower: 542 hp (V8) / 626 hp (W12 Speed)
- Torque: 568 lb-ft (V8)
- 0–60 mph: 4.4 sec (V8) / 3.8 sec (Speed)
- Top Speed: 180–190 mph depending on model
- Fuel Economy: Around 18 mpg combined (V8), mid-teens for W12
- Seating: 4, 5, or 7 depending on spec
Bentley Bentayga vs. the Competition
How does this Bentley SUV stack up against the usual suspects? Here’s the lay of the land:
| Model | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Bentayga Speed (W12) | 626 hp | 3.8 sec | 190 mph | $250,000+ |
| Rolls-Royce Cullinan | 563 hp | 4.8 sec | 155 mph | $335,000+ |
| Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT | 631 hp | 3.1 sec | 186 mph | $197,000+ |
| Range Rover SV | 523 hp | 4.3 sec | 155 mph | $200,000+ |
The Cullinan is a velvet sledgehammer, the Cayenne is the athlete of the bunch, and the Range Rover is the tasteful minimalist. The Bentley Bentayga blends indulgence with pace and a dash of daily usability. It’s the one I’d actually want to live with Monday through Friday, then drive to the mountains on Saturday.
Bentley Bentayga Personalization & Real-World Ownership
Where the Bentayga goes full Bentley is customization. Mulliner will color-match paint to your favorite watch face, commission unusual veneers, and embroider whatever initials you fancy. I met a couple who spec’d sheepskin mats because they reminded them of an old family Bentley; another owner had his flying B stitched into the headrests alongside a subtle crest. It’s that kind of car—deeply personal.
Reality check: options spiral quickly. You can add six figures without breaking a sweat if you get indulgent. Running costs are predictably Bentley as well—tires for the big wheel setups aren’t cheap, and annual servicing will make you remember why luxury brands offer maintenance plans. On the flip side, dealer experiences are top-drawer, and most owners I spoke to report strong reliability as long as the car’s software updates are kept current.
Conclusion: The Bentley Bentayga in Everyday Life
After many miles in many machines, the Bentley Bentayga still feels special. It’s fast when you want it to be, pillow-soft when you need it to be, and polished in a way that makes even dull errands feel like events. The infotainment could be slicker, and fuel economy is, well, optimistic—but this premium SUV delivers the Bentley experience without the compromises many SUVs demand. If you want a luxury SUV that cossets, hustles, and quietly shows you’ve done rather well in life, this is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bentley Bentayga cost?
Figure on around $200,000 to start, with well-specced versions and the Speed easily pushing $250,000+.
Is the Bentley Bentayga reliable?
Generally solid. Most owners report few issues, but keep in mind it’s a hand-built, tech-heavy luxury SUV—maintenance isn’t cheap, and software updates matter.
Does the Bentley Bentayga have 7 seats?
Yes. You can configure it as a 4-, 5-, or 7-seater. The third row is best for kids or short hops, but it’s handy when the whole crew piles in.
What fuel economy does the Bentayga get?
The V8 returns about 18 mpg combined. The W12 sits in the mid-teens. The plug-in hybrid does its best work around town if you keep it charged.
Bentayga vs Cullinan: which should I buy?
Want ultimate opulence and don’t care about price? Cullinan. Want something quicker, more engaging to drive, and easier to live with every day? The Bentayga.
