Bentley unveils updated Bentayga SUV

BENTLEY has revealed the first update for its landmark Bentayga luxury SUV, which brings fresh styling, updated technology and new powertrains to the range.

The update is the first since the box-fresh Bentayga arrived on Australian shores in March 2017, with fans able to distinguish the new model by its revised exterior styling which brings it closer into line with the rest of the Bentley range.

From the front, the Bentayga now features a more upright fascia with a more vertically oriented matrix grille, while the twin circular LED matrix headlight clusters have been restyled and raised 30mm to better match the Continental GT and Flying Spur.

The lights also feature a cut crystal design which gives the impression of sparkling even when not illuminated, while the front bumper has been given a sportier, more aggressive design.

From the side, new 22-inch wheels are featured, along with restyled side skirts and a longer vent above the front wheelarch helping to give the Bentayga a more stretched and sleek look.

The biggest changes are at the rear, with heavily revised tail-lights that now come with a slim oval shape to match the Continental GT, and feature a lattice pattern that give the lights a 3D-like glow when illuminated.

A new full-width tailgate has been fitted, moving the rear numberplate into the bumper, while larger, oval-shaped tail-lights and a longer roof spoiler emphasise the Bentayga’s sporty characteristics.

Inside the cabin, the centre fascia has been treated to an extensive redesign with the new-generation 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen now spanning the entire width of the fascia.

The system comes with advanced satellite-navigation with real-time traffic information and 3D maps, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and remote connected services, while the head-up display can now show traffic information, street names and distance to destination.

An all-digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Continental GT has been fitted, while buyers can opt for a 20-speaker, 1780W Naim audio system if the standard-issue 12-speaker 590W unit is deemed insufficient.

As befitting of one of the world’s most opulent marques, the interior of the Bentayga is luxury personified with a Breitling clock embedded in the dash, redesigned door trims and steering wheel, onboard air ionisers, greater seat sculpting, new quilted leather designs and the choice of eight sustainably sourced veneers including Koa and Crown Cut Walnut.

Buyers will have the option of a four, five or seven-seat arrangement with second-row occupants scoring an extra 30mm of knee room as well as a new 5.0-inch touchscreen remote tablet.

The updated Bentayga will derive power from the carry-over 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that continues to develop a hearty 404kW/770kW, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Planting the right foot allows from a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 290km/h.

Employing cylinder deactivation technology, the V8 now sips 13.3 litres per 100km of fuel while emitting 302grams of CO2 per km.

The performance-oriented Bentayga Speed variant will be offered with Bentley’s signature 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine, which in current guise pumps out 447kW/900Nm.

No mention has been made yet of the 320kW/900Nm twin-turbo-diesel 4.0-litre V8 Bentayga Diesel, suggesting the oil-burning grade may be consigned to the history books.

The updated Bentayga will also usher in a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, borrowing the set-up from the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, namely a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 paired electric motor, which in the Cayenne produces a combined 340kW/700Nm.

Bentley’s PHEV Bentayga will be introduced after the petrol versions arrive in showrooms, with the big SUV’s first UK deliveries expected in the third quarter of this year.

GoAuto has contacted Bentley’s local arm for timing of the new Bentayga.