The 2022 Bentley Bentayga offers more luxury with its V-8 or W-12 engine than other premium SUVs like BMW and Mercedes Benz. The posh cabin is lined with supple, aromatic leather, gorgeous wood-and-metal accents and every modern infotainment feature buyers expect of a cutting-edge motorcar.
A sporty-looking S model joins the range for 2022 that incorporates many of the top-end Speed model’s design cues but is powered by the 542-hp V-8 that serves as the Bentayga’s base engine. A sport-tuned suspension, 22-inch wheels, and a sport exhaust system give the S model an edge over the base V-8 trim.
Elsewhere in the lineup, a set of carbon fiber rims is a new standalone option through the Mulliner personalization program; the plug-in hybrid powertrain will skip the 2022 model year and return for 2023.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Since the Bentayga’s 443-hp hybrid powertrain is on hiatus for the 2022 model year, the 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 is the entry-level engine. The Bentayga Speed ups the ante with a 626-hp W-12. Back in 2017, when the Speed made 600 ponies, this supersmooth powerhouse delivered a 3.6-second result in our 60-mph test.
The W-12’s power delivery is creamier than the V-8’s, and its performance felt more robust during passing maneuvers. Bentley claims that the Bentayga Speed, with a claimed top speed of 190 mph, is the fastest SUV in the world (although the Lamborghini Urus might have something to say about that).
Regardless of what’s under the hood, all Bentaygas utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The V-8-powered model’s ratings of 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined aren’t bad for a large SUV, but the W-12s are. It earns estimates of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.
That said, on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the 12-cylinder Bentayga surprised us with a 23-mpg result. For more information about the 2022 Bentley Bentayga‘s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
Filled with rich-smelling leathers, real wood trim, and glitzy metal accents, the Bentayga’s cabin stays true to its luxury branding. Bentley allows buyers to customize just about everything.
Buyers can opt for front and rear buckets, seating four, or they can select a three-across second-row bench and a pop-up two-seat third row to seat seven.
While the rear seat doesn’t feel as lavish as that of the Bentayga’s key rival—the Rolls-Royce Cullinan—it still offers plenty of space for adult passengers to stretch out.
Several different colors of leather upholstery are available, as are two different mother-of-pearl-faced Breitling dash clocks, a bottle cooler for rear-seat passengers, adjustable ambient interior lighting, and even a safe with a biometric lock and fingerprint reader.
The 2022 Bentley Bentayga‘s cargo area is generous, at least in two-row versions; we were able to fit nine carry-on suitcases back there.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
All Bentayga models come standard with a 10.9-inch infotainment screen with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional entertainment system consists of two 10.2-inch displays mounted to the front-seat headrests.
With it, rear-seat passengers can browse the web, interact with the 2022 Bentley Bentayga‘s infotainment system, or play movies. A 12-speaker stereo is standard, but you can opt for Naim’s 20-speaker premium audio system.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
2022 Bentley Bentayga offers several driver-assistance features, but unfortunately, almost all of them cost extra. Paradoxically, buyers of “lesser” luxury SUVs such as the BMW X7 or Cadillac Escalade will find many of these features come standard.
For more information about 2022 Bentley Bentayga‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
