The Bentley Bentayga was launched in 2015 as Bentley’s first SUV, and it was the first of a new breed: the ultra-luxury SUV. It arrived before the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lamborghini Urus and Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and briefly claimed the title of the world’s fastest SUV. Today the Bentayga is one of Bentley’s best-selling models, available with V8 and plug-in hybrid power and in an Extended Wheelbase (EWB) version built around rear-seat comfort.

Bentayga at a glance
Launched 2015 (Frankfurt Motor Show)
Platform Volkswagen Group large-SUV platform, shared with Audi Q7 and others
Engines W12 (early), twin-turbo V8, V6 plug-in hybrid
Versions Bentayga, Bentayga EWB, Speed, Azure
Built Crewe, England

The name

“Bentayga” blends Roque Bentayga, a dramatic rock formation on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, with taiga, the vast northern forests of Russia and Scandinavia. Bentley wanted a name that suggested wild landscapes and grandeur.

Designing a Bentley SUV

Bentley’s challenge was to make an SUV that felt like a Bentley: fast, refined and luxurious. The Bentayga used a stiff aluminium structure, air suspension and an active anti-roll system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) powered by a 48-volt electrical system, which keeps the body flat in corners. At launch its 6.0-litre W12 gave it a top speed above 180 mph.

Engines over time

  • W12 — the launch engine, later retired.
  • 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 — the mainstream choice.
  • Plug-in hybrid — a V6 with an electric motor for short electric-only trips.
  • Diesel V8 — offered in Europe for a time.

Bentayga EWB

The Extended Wheelbase version, introduced in 2022, adds rear legroom and offers optional Airline Seat rear seats that recline and automatically adjust to support the passenger — Bentley’s clearest nod to chauffeur-driven owners. All-wheel steering keeps the longer SUV maneuverable.

Bentayga vs Cullinan vs Maybach GLS

The Bentayga is the sportiest of the three and the most driver-oriented; the Cullinan is the most imposing and exclusive; the Maybach GLS focuses on rear-seat technology. Read Bentayga vs Cullinan and our guide to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

Big SUVs in chauffeured service

For group travel, American full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade offer a third row and more luggage space than any European ultra-luxury SUV, which is why they dominate chauffeured SUV fleets.