The second-generation Bentley Benteyga has just received an update, but we can't help wondering: where is the iconic W12 engine? The luxury brand is quietly retiring the power plant, as previously announced, and is getting ready to go electric.
Bentley has been putting the W12 under the bonnet of its cars since 2003. The Speed versions of the Continental GT, Bentayga, and Flying Spur, for instance, have all been getting it. But the story ends here. Bentley is set to stop producing the W12 in April 2024 as the British marque is making big steps toward a completely electric lineup.
The farewell was previewed back in July with a W12 heritage parade at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which included 12 models from the last 20 years, all powered by the W12. The trend from the Bentayga lineup is contagious, with Bentley extending it over its entire portfolio.
Since the Bentayga is not getting the W12 anymore, it will have to make do with the V6 PHEV with 443 horsepower (449 PS) and the bi-turbo V8 with 542 horsepower (550 PS).
The standard-wheelbase Bentayga inherits the rear-axle steering from the Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase). The feature is standard for the Bentayga S and Azure and optional on other trims.
A new 'A' trim shows up in the lineup to reduce the gap between the range-topping Azure and the rest of the lineup. It brings along 'A' badges, 21-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, an Azure-styled fluted radiator grille, ventilated massage sets with 15 color options for the leather, and there are three open poor wood veneer finishes to choose from.
The airline seats with postural adjustment also show up on board the Bentayga. Based on an algorithm developed in collaboration with a chiropractor, they are capable of applying 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones, over a three-hour period, in an attempt to reduce fatigue during traveling.
Photo: Bentley
Now, the heating and ventilation systems use map data to identify when the car enters a tunnel, where a higher pollution level is expected, and switches to recirculation mode 10 seconds before and back to fresh air mode 20 seconds after the exit.
The Bentayga’s cabin is now more sustainable, sporting 100% recycled nylon floor mats.
The Smartphone-operated remote parking, included in the Intelligent Park Assist package, is now available for the Bentayga as well, as it has been on BMW and Mercedes-Benz models for years. A 3D Surround View camera system will make maneuvering in tight spaces less complicated.
A new ‘Bang & Olufsen for Bentley’ sound system will be in the cabin of the updated Bentayga.
Photo: Bentley
There are eight new exterior paint colors, added to the already existing 112, including seven satins, are available across the range, with the Topaz, a blue and green mix, being the most eye-catching of them all. The list also includes Royal Ebony, Light Sapphire, Orange Flame, Alpine Green, British Racing Green, Cricket Ball, and Candy Red.
The Styling Specification brings a larger rear spoiler for increased aerodynamic stability at high speed, high gloss carbon fiber door mirrors, side sills with unique exterior badging, while both bumpers get the carbon fiber additions.
21-inch multi-spoke wheels with a new design will also be available on the updated Bentayga.
Pricing will be available closer to the market launch date, which is set to happen soon. The second-generation Bentley Bentayga was introduced in 2020.
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