2024
Bentley Bentayga

The cabin has been transformed with a new center stack design (with somewhat rectangular vents that remind of the wings in the Bentley logo, rather than the previous circular outlets), steering wheel, door trim, and seats. This is an attractive set of changes. We do wonder about the seats, as the front buckets in our rented Bentayga were fabulous.

Under those vents in the center console is an all-new infotainment system with a 10.9-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, along with wired CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Connectivity is further improved with USB-C data ports and a wireless phone charger now standard.

The navigation system uses natural language input, and it can show three-dimensional buildings on the map. Traffic information, street names, and distance to destination are among the data that can be shown in the head-up display.

Second-row passengers now have more legroom, and the seats are available with ventilation. We found the back seat provided good head and legroom, and the seats were comfortably shaped. Passengers now have a larger tablet for controlling rear functions.

As before, there is a long roster of interior upgrades available to further cement that you are traveling like royalty.

The updated 2021 Bentayga launches with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 542 horsepower and endless torque. We found that engine to be quite thrilling, with a satisfying rumble, muscle car-grade acceleration, and endless thrust available at all speeds.

A hybrid version is available. The W12 has been dropped for 2024.

The revised Bentayga has front and rear styling that moves the SUV closer to the design cues exhibited by the Continental GT coupe and Flying Spur sedan. We think the larger grille, glassware-inspired elliptical LED headlamps, and redesigned taillamps make this luxe brute easier on the eyes than the previous version.

An example of how ballers live large: The windshield wipers have 22 washer jets—in each arm.

The rear styling change is much more dramatic, with the taillights moved to the widened liftgate, where they look like eyes. The chrome bumper garnish is now split by the license plate, which was previously positioned in a dramatic trapezoid on the hatch. The update to the front brings some needed sophistication.

The Bentayga comes standard with forward collision warning, city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, parking obstruction warning, automatic headlights, and an exit warning to alert about approaching traffic when a door is being opened.

Other features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, head up display, and night vision, are available.