It came as something of a surprise a few years back when luxury brands decided to get on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) bandwagon and now of course everyone is doing it, including the prestige British car maker Bentley, who subsequently introduced the huge and hugely desirable Bentayga model. It’s been quite a success story. Now in it’s second generation, the Bentayga comes in standard form, as a hybrid and also as an extended wheelbase (EWB) version, featured here.
The Bentayga EWB builds on the success of the model, extending the wheelbase and rear cabin space by an extra 180mm. With changes to the underfloor, side panels, door and roof, Bentley’s design team have ensured the lines and proportions continue to exude the established style and premium presence of the model. The increased length is all in the rear door, creating an exceptionally luxurious rear cabin area. With a larger cabin space than any other luxury competitor in this sector of the car market, the vehicle highlights an emphasis on ‘wellness’, a newly invented word, of which more below, plus the introduction of the world’s first auto climate and advanced postural adjustment rear seat. Extraordinary journeys are thus guaranteed.
The Exterior
Four detailed exterior changes mark this model: A longer profile, obviously, a new front grille, a new polished 22 inch 10-spoke wheel set, and a repositioned sunroof, all whilst deliberately maintaining the highly successful second-generation Bentayga aesthetic.
Taking inspiration from the new grille on the company’s Flying Spur car, the Bentayga EWB has a ‘Vertical Vane Grille’ design that remains elegant whilst still being visually striking. The unique grille consists of bright chrome vertical vanes sitting in front of a black mesh grille. The twenty-two inch ten-spoke alloy wheels are offered in a new mirror-polished design for the Bentayga EWB.
The repositioned panoramic sunroof illustrates again the focus on the rear cabin ambience and ensures the experience is uncompromised. The sunroof has therefore been moved rearwards in the car, providing the optimum position to bathe the rear cabin seating area in natural light. The sunroof can be controlled via the rear cabin Touch Screen Remote, as well as by the front cabin console. The extended wheelbase increase results in a wonderfully airy and spacious rear cabin and gives the opportunity to provide a significant increase in rear legroom.
The Interior
The class-leading new cabin is longer than any other luxury SUV competitor, they say. The Bentayga EWB also provides an extra 10 mm of headroom compared to, say, a Bentley Mulsanne, whilst having a roofline 100 mm lower than those tall SUV competitors, providing a sporting and well-proportioned silhouette.
The result is a spacious, luxurious, light-filled cabin, exhibiting both Bentley’s traditional skills and the most up-to-date technology. Offering an adaptable space, excelling both as a work environment (If you feel so inclined) with all the latest technology within easy reach and as a cosseting, relaxing haven of comfort. Sleep will come easily in the rear thanks to a new feature with the larger cabin: The Bentley Airline Seat Specification. To enable maximum relaxation in the back, the seat backrests recline to 40 degrees, providing an ideal and comfortable position to sleep in.
The noise of traffic and the on-road world outside the car has a serious effect on wellbeing apparently, hence the ‘wellness’ note mentioned above. Here’s why: Researchers tracked thousands of people over a four year period and found that those exposed to traffic noise over 70 decibels were sixty-five percent more at risk of depression; an interesting statistic. That’s why the Bentayga EWB is quieter inside than its competitors, by between 4% and 26% depending on frequency and position inside the car.
The rear cabin of the Bentayga EWB sets a new benchmark for combining world-class luxury and technological innovation, demonstrating new heights of craftsmanship and comfort. Bentley’s instantly recognisable diamond quilting has been reimagined in a dramatic and contemporary new design. Like all great design, the final execution looks simple, but the obsession to detail behind it encapsulates all that is unique about Bentley Motors interiors.
Developed and executed through a combination of digital craftsmanship and precision technology, the symmetrical pattern at the top of the seat backs stretches the diamonds as they move away from the centre line of the seats. The doors, in turn, boast an asymmetric pattern, that accentuates the length of the door and the rear cabin as a whole. The finished result is a beautiful, elegant and unique design. Enhancing the rear cabin area further, the longer door trim panels have been redesigned. The veneer panel has been lowered and extended, and it sweeps down to meet the armrest incorporating the rear door handle.
With the increased cabin length, the front centre console has been redesigned to provide better ergonomics and functionality for the rear passengers. The rear face of the console has been extended for improved interaction with the touch screen remote, the addition of a wireless charging cradle for a mobile phone and a new air vent design.
For the first time on a Bentley, power closing doors can be specified. Two switches are located on the rear face of the extended centre console, comfortably within the reach of rear passengers. Pressing and holding the switch will close the door on the corresponding side of the vehicle using dedicated motors, creating a truly luxurious valet-like experience. The motors also engage with a light manual push on the door, for a fully integrated motion with the power latching mechanism and also offer gentle assistance when opening the door.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the rear cabin has been enhanced to further improve onboard ‘wellness’. The rear ventilation activates only when rear occupants are detected, reducing rear cabin fan noise. The rear cabin has a separate air ionisation system that improves air quality with lower airborne particulates. The ionisers create a static charge around pollutants such as dust or allergens in the air, which in turn cause them to stick to the nearest surface. The result is the removal of such contaminants from the air that the occupants breathe.
The Power
The Bentayga EWB is powered by Bentley’s proven 4.0 litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which combines immense power with impressive fuel economy. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the V8 offers supercar performance, developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 770 Nm of torque, resulting in a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (100 km/h in 4.6 seconds). It’s a long-established brand but under the bonnet (hood) is a thoroughly modern engine, with a block cast from high strength aluminium and with twin-scroll turbochargers and primary catalytic convertors positioned in the V of the engine.
Bentley With MHH International
There cannot be an automotive enthusiast in the world who has not heard of Bentley Motors. The bespoke company offer a generous range of luxury cars, including the Bentayga. The good news is that models are available for export from the UK by MHH International to various destinations around the world. Find out about VAT-free options and our comprehensive after-sales service too.
