For the primary time, Crewe’s most extravagant providing is an SUV. Does it stack up?
The Bentley Bentayga EWB – all 5.3m, 2.6 tonnes and, in top-billing Mulliner specification examined right here, virtually £260,000 of it – represents not solely a great deal of metal, leather-based and knurled aluminium, but in addition a automotive that’s a superb deal extra vital for the model than the considerably prosaic Extended Wheelbase denomination may recommend.Outwardly, that is little greater than an elongated model of Bentley’s best-seller. It options again doorways which might be 18cm longer than these on the traditional Bentayga, in addition to comfort-enhancing additions corresponding to ‘postural adjustment technology’ and push-button door closures, à la Rolls-Royce. There are additionally some significant dynamic evolutions to a luxurious SUV that first appeared virtually a decade in the past however, in the primary, there’s nothing you’ll label transformative.However, in dialling up the opulence and expansiveness of the rear portion of the Bentayga’s cabin, the EWB additionally turns into the religious successor to the 6.75-litre Mulsanne. The limousine, whose cabin famously required 16 hides to upholster, was retired in 2020, nevertheless it was the definitive trendy Bentley flagship. Its absence hasn’t adversely affected the underside line however the vary has maybe lacked the aura of a very talismanic mannequin. The EWB plugs that gap and, in doing so, seeks to cater for the driver and the demanding VIP passenger alike. Factor in off-road capacity and, on paper, we have now right here arguably one of the full vehicles cash should purchase. But in actuality? Let’s discover out.Range at a glanceVersionpowerBentley Bentayga Hybrid456bhp4.0 V8542bhp4.0 V8 EWB542bhpWith Bentley retiring the W12, the Bentayga now comes fitted with both the 4.0-litre V8 examined right here or a 3.0-litre V6 hybrid set-up. In trim phrases, a brand new ‘A’ spinoff sits between the entry-level mannequin and the comfort-focused Azure. There additionally stays an S choice for many who desire a sportier-feeling SUV, not least by the use of elevated damper charges and a sports activities exhaust. Mulliner trim opens up an unlimited array of choices for all the pieces from the wheels to the inlay veneer and, after all, brings the airline-style seats.