Even classic luxury manufacturers like Bentley now need an SUV in their lineup, and the 2024 Bentayga maintains the ultimate opulent experience that the brand's Continental GT and Flying Spur models are renowned for. When you step inside the cabin, the Bentayga's fragrant leather wraps around you like a warm embrace. Scan the dashboard to see the beautiful metal trim and lush wood inlays, as well as the contemporary infotainment technology. When you press the console-mounted start button on the Bentayga, one of two optional engines—a velvety V-8 or a silky plug-in hybrid V-6—comes to life beneath the suitably haughty grille. You're in a Bentley, even if it has the less appealing form of an SUV. Performance is impressive with either of the powertrains, but the V-8 was the fastest in our tests, reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. However, if you want to be chauffeured, performance may not be an issue; in that case, the extended wheelbase Bentayga is the one to choose—and be sure to buy the reclining back seats for optimal comfort.
What's New for 2024?
The Bentayga gets a new range-topping Mulliner trim for 2024 that comes with unique exterior design elements and can be specified in almost 4000 different interior color combinations. Bentley says it's also used more sustainable materials inside the Mulliner than other Bentleys, including carpets made from wool or recycled nylon, and leather tanned using a byproduct of olive oil. The Mulliner can be had only with the Bentayga's extended-wheelbase body and the V-8 engine. The rest of the Bentayga lineup receives some subtle styling changes, namely the grille and wheels. The S and Azure models receive a rear-wheel steering system. A pair of cushy bucket seats for the second row are now available too. The W-12 engine is no longer an option for the Bentayga as the brand phases it out in favor of more fuel-efficient offerings such as hybrids and EVs.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Bentley Bentayga starts at $205,925 and goes up to $339,150 depending on the trim and options. We like the V-8 model best. We'd suggest picking the eight-cylinder model over the hybrid V-6 and adding some niceties to it, such as the adaptive suspension, the rear-seat entertainment system, and the 20-speaker Naim stereo. And choosing the Touring Specification package will give you a suite of driver-assistance features. If you're looking to maximize luxury for your rear-seat passengers, go with the extended-wheelbase model, which provides additional legroom and more rear-seat amenities.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Bentley offers a variety of powertrains for the Bentayga. On the low end, you have a 443-hp hybrid arrangement with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and an electric motor; Azure and S hybrids offer a slightly more powerful 455-hp version of the electrified powertrain. During testing, the Azure Hybrid reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, so not as quickly as the big-power twin-turbo V-8. Then there's the 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine. The V-8 emits a hearty burble on its way to 60 mph, which it does in just 3.5 seconds. Sadly, Bentley's W-12 engine is no longer offered in the Bentayga. Regardless of what's under the hood, all Bentaygas utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive. We also tested a 2023 Bentley Bentayga S as part of a 0-to-150-to-0 speed test where it returned to a stop in just 32.8 seconds.