BENTLEY Bentayga Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Bentley introduced the fourth version for its SUV Bentayga in 2021, the S-version, which was tuned for spirited on-road driving without giving up its off-road abilities.

The Bentayga shared its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, but it was built on a higher quality level and with much more expensive materials. Still, Bentley built it in its carbon-neutral factory from Crewe, in the U.K.

Visually, there were quite a few differences between the regular Bentayga and the S-version. At the front, the carmaker installed smoked headlights and gloss-black lower bumpers. The trapezoidal lower grille at the front and the side scoops were also painted in black. On the sides, the carmaker added S-badges on the front doors. A new set of unique 22” light-alloy wheels enhanced the sporty appearance of the big SUV, while at the back, the lower black edge and the black split oval exhausts completed the aggressive image of the car.

Inside, there was an enhanced interior with new, higher bolsters for the bucket seats and new pads on the door cards. The three-spoke steering wheel sported red stitching and aluminum trim on the lower side. A few S-badges were placed around the cabin, in front of the passenger, and inside the instrument panel.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 4.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A new active suspension system reacted faster to provide better cornering abilities, which worked together with the Electronic Stability Control and the Bentley Dynamic Ride system.

Five years after introducing the Bentayga model, Bentley decided that it was a perfect time to change it during the word pandemic situation in 2020.

The first Bentley SUV in history was the Bentayga. When it was unveiled, it featured a mix of luxury, performance, and comfort. After five years and 20.000 units handcrafted at the Crewe factory in the U.K., the model received an update in 2020.

For starters, Bentley offered the Bentayga in two engine choices: the Bentayga and the Bentayga Speed. The regular version featured the new design language introduced by the Continental GT and the Flying Spur. The larger, assertive matrix grille was more upright, while unique, intelligent LED matrix headlamp technology included the signature Bentley design. A more aggressive front bumper emphasized the performance characteristics of the car. The windscreen wipers were fitted with 22 washer jets in each arm, creating a wet-arm. In the back, the Bentayga went through a complete changeover and a new, full-width, tailgate with encapsulated taillights.

The interior offered the same level of luxury as before, but with a new design. The designers made a new dashboard, new door panels, and new seats. The rear seats featured ventilation as an option. A new generation infotainment system was integrated into the dashboard and featured a 10.9" display screen. It was Apple CarPlay compatible and Android Auto on selected markets. The instrument cluster was wholly digital and configurable to suit driver preferences.

Bentley installed the turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 under Bentayga's hood. It was a state-of-the-art engine with direct fuel injection. It was mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, and the power went into all four corners.

Bentley made its first step towards electrification when it introduced the Bentayga Hybrid at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

When Bentley launched the Bentayga in 2015, the world was in shock. Even though the luxurious SUV was shown as a concept car three years before the official launch, not many customers believed that Bentley would produce the car. Yet, it came, and it was the fastest SUV in the world and shared its platform with the Porsche Cayenne.

It was the tallest Bentley ever made. Its front fascia featured two large LED headlights and an additional round lamp for the turn signals and daytime running lights. Between them, the broad and tall mesh-grille resembled the Continental range. On the lower side of the bumper, the carmaker placed another grille extended from side to side. While it looked like the V-8 powered version, the Hybrid sported a rear-fender-mounted electric charge port door.

Inside, the carmaker added all the luxurious items requested by its customers. On the center stack, an 8” touch-screen featured a new menu for the hybrid system. Like its stablemates, the Bentayga provided plenty of room for its occupants. As an option, it installed captain seats in the back, separated by a center console with a refrigerator inside.

The hybrid system consisted of a turbocharged V-6 gasoline engine and an electric motor. It sent the power in all corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 17 kWh battery pack ensured a 50 km (31 miles) EV range.

Bentley finally decided to end the rumors and launch its first-ever SUV in 2015, opening a new chapter in the carmaker's story with the Bentayga.

In 2012, Bentley tested the market and unveiled a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show. It was an SUV and had the EXP 9 F nameplate attached to it, and just a few people considered that the model would reach production. And yet it happened three years later when, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the British automaker unveiled the Bentayga and created a huge controversy among the marque's fans. But it was the right decision, and the luxurious SUV became one of the brand's best-selling products.

As part of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley had access to all the best parts that the German automaker had in its basket. As a result, the Bentayga shared its platform with the Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. It also received a distinct bodywork that incorporated Bentley's main design language. As a result, the front of the SUV featured a broad chicken-wire-style mesh grille on the upper side, complemented by additional cooling areas on the lower side of the bumper. Furthermore, the full LED headlights resembled those installed on the Continental GT. From its profile, the vehicle revealed its sculptured door panels and side sills, while the raked-forward tailgate emphasized the car's dynamic image. Moreover, at the back, under the bumper, the Bentayga boasted a pair of chromed exhausts with a unique, butterfly-like shape.

At the time of its launch, the Bentayga was the most luxurious production SUV in the world. As a result, the cabin boasted handcrafted leather upholstery and wood grain inserts in the dashboard, center console, and door cards. The driver fronted an elegant instrument cluster filled with two large dials and two smaller ones and an LCD that took center stage for various data gathered from the onboard computer regarding car status, navigation, or multimedia system. In addition, the automaker installed its latest technologies available, such as the infotainment unit fitted with an 8" touchscreen placed on the center stack. Moreover, the automaker offered an option for a 10.2" removable tablet that ran on Android, made for the rear passengers. In the back, there was a split-folding bench wide enough to fit three adults but profiled for two. This bench, when folded, expanded the trunk, which was very generous in size. Bentley also offered an option for cutlery, glasses, and dishes for a nice weekend in nature.

Bentley used the same W12 twin-turbo powerplant as its stablemates but tuned especially for the heavy, full-size SUV. Despite being mostly a road-oriented vehicle, it featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a transfer box with off-road designated programs. Thanks to this setup, the SUV could easily handle soft off-roading situations.