2025 Bentley Bentayga review

Got the best part of a million bucks to spend on a new luxury SUV? Then the Bentley Bentayga will undoubtedly feature somewhere on your shortlist.

Developed as a spiritual successor to the Mulsanne sedan, the Bentayga EWB takes the ‘base’ version and stretches it by a further 180mm. Why? To give the rear passengers the kind of VIP experience they expect from the Bentley badge.

With a twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet and interior opulence to match the Air Force One, the Bentayga has few peers, although the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and Range Rover LWB promise similar levels of outright luxury at similarly unaffordable price points.

On test here is the EWB Azure – the Bentayga, and indeed the SUV, for those who prioritise relaxation over all else.

But does it live up to that billing? Bentley sent us on a day trip through regional Victoria to find out.

How much does the Bentley Bentayga cost?

The Bentayga range has expanded to nine variants, with the V8 Azure EWB sitting near the top of the range.

On top of an already eye-watering base price, our V8 Azure EWB tester came equipped with a number of costly options, pushing the asking price up to $714,975 drive-away.

Such extras included red brake calipers ($2390), airline seats ($15,095), an upgraded sound system ($10,115), and the 22-inch five-spoke alloy wheels ($6950).

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Bentley Bentayga like on the inside?

There’s opulence, and then there’s the Bentley Bentayga.

It’s much easier to justify the mortifying price tag once you’ve sat in a Bentayga, because it’s an unforgettable experience for the driver and passengers alike.

The materials are simply a level above any other vehicle I’ve driven, and it’s tough to know where to start. Maybe with the floor mats, which are the lush carpeted type you could easily lose your keys in.

Then there’s the headlining, an often neglected section of interior trim. Not here. When Bentley sells you a leather interior, it’s all leather, and that includes the headlining.

The leather itself looks, feels, and smells the part too, unlike many of the substitute products commonly found in modern vehicles.

There’s always the risk of overdoing the bling thing when it comes to a car like this, but our tester was clearly specced with welcome restraint. English footballers and reality TV stars may insist that their Bentayga be blacked out or chiselled from chrome, but that’s a complete waste of Bentley’s abundant resources, if you ask me.

Rather, this example presented in a mix of blue and white leather contrasts crisply with dark wood inlays and chrome accents, creating a classy ambience that lends itself to sophisticated comfort, rather than dodgy dealings.

That’s before you consider the smaller details, like tactile knurled metal controls and well-weighted buttons that make a satisfying click each and every time you interact with them. Even the indicator stalk produces a mechanical ‘clack’ tone.

Visually, the dash-mounted analogue clock is a highlight, as is the diamond contrast stitching found on the door cards and seats. In case it’s not yet clear, no expense is spared when it comes to the Bentayga.

The car is the customer’s canvas, with endless customisation available through Bentley’s Mulliner department. A word of warning – the cost of options adds up quickly… but I’m sure potential buyers can pull a few extra bucks from somewhere.

Back to our test vehicle, the cabin has more than just showroom appeal – it’s also supremely comfortable.

The Linen leather seats are soft and supportive, with a wide base to suit all body types. There’s just enough bolstering to hold you in during spirited driving, but not so much that the seats become tiresome.

Perforated leather panels facilitate the heating and ventilation functions, while five different massage programs are available to keep you relaxed throughout the journey. As a 20-something with debilitating back pain, I was hugely thankful for the ‘stretch’ function.

That’s not to mention the 22 ways of electric adjustment built into both front pews – more than enough to find an ideal seating position.

So far, it’s tough to fault the Bentayga. But there’s no such thing as a perfect car, and the Bentley falls down in the technology department.

Put simply, the tech isn’t particularly advanced for the price point, and Volkswagen Group links are more apparent here than anywhere else.

The 10.9-inch centre screen is small for this class of vehicle, and the infotainment system doesn’t stand out in any meaningful way. There’s no form of connected services to be found here, nor an app store, and certainly no modern gimmicks like disco-themed ambient lighting or an in-built gaming console – just the basics like wireless smartphone mirroring and native navigation.

Thanks to its lack of features, the infotainment screen is at the very least easy to use, and that’s likely just as important to older, less tech-savvy Bentley buyers.

It’s a similar story when you unpack the digital instrument cluster. Surrounded by wood veneer, the driver display has a classy and traditional appearance, but it lacks the wow factor of modern offerings. I understand that Bentley buyers mightn’t want a pair of giant tablets strapped to the dash of their Bentayga, but Mercedes-Maybach and Aston Martin have the edge in this department.

Bentley has also resisted the trend of swapping physical cabin controls for haptic items and extra screens. That’s good for a couple reasons. Firstly, it preserves the Bentayga’s breathtaking curved dash design. And secondly, it forces occupants to physically interact with the premium surfaces of the car.

A comprehensive set of climate control buttons can be found on the centre stack, as well as shortcuts to different sections of the infotainment system. You’ll want to test out the optional Bang and Olufsen sound system, as it’s a beauty.

I wasn’t so enamoured by the lack of storage space up front though, especially considering how damn big this SUV is. It’s fine if you travel with a phone and the clothes on your back, but the door bins and centre console aren’t equipped to swallow more than a few odds and ends.

But who really cares about cargo cubbies in the first row when there’s a pair of first-class aircraft seats in the back?

Valued at over $15,000, the airline seat option replaces a boring old rear bench with two plush recliners that’ll have you calling shotgun on the second row.

Both are fully kitted out with heating, ventilation and massage functions, just like the front seats. Seat temperature adjusts automatically based on body temperature, so you’ll rarely feel the need to fiddle with the controls.

That leaves more time to play with the buttons and switches scattered elsewhere. Dual-zone climate controls, window blinds and lighting options all feature in the second row, although passenger entertainment screens are noticeably missing.

Despite that omission, wood-trimmed tray tables allow for the use of laptops on the go, so it’s still easy to get stuck into some Netflix. A pair of USB-C outlets can be found inside the centre armrest, and there’s a wireless phone charging tray at the base of the centre console.

As expected, legroom is plentiful in the EWB, which is 180mm longer in the wheelbase than a standard Bentayga. That’s especially true of the passenger side when you select the ‘Relaxed’ seating position, a preset that shifts the front seat forward to maximise rear legroom. This setting also works wonders with the seat itself, optimising the recline angle and leg support for long road trips.

While the extended wheelbase benefits legroom, it doesn’t change the fact that headroom could be improved. Sat upright, passenger height is limited to around six-three. That’s in part due to the fitment of a panoramic sunroof, although I wouldn’t want to sacrifice the natural light it brings into the cabin.

As is the case in the front row, material quality is excellent – door bins trimmed in leather? Yes please.

That’s less of a focus in the boot, where practicality is king. However, on paper, the Bentayga doesn’t wear the crown.

Official specifications suggest the Bentayga offers just 380 litres of boot space, less than rivals and indeed far smaller SUVs. But that figure doesn’t tell the full story.

There’s actually a fair amount of cargo capacity back there, and the space is easily accessible courtesy of a motion-sensitive power tailgate. Buttons on the boot wall allow you to lower the vehicle’s suspension, a helpful tool when loading bulky items, and Bentley sells various luggage management tools to maximise the space in your Bentayga.

Above: 2024 Azure V8

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Powering the Bentley Bentayga V8 is – you guessed it – a V8. To be more specific, it’s the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 shared with various models on the same platform, including the Audi RSQ8, Lamborghini Urus, and Porsche Cayenne GTS/Turbo.

For those looking at hybrid power for their Bentayga Azure – there’s also a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 340kW and 700Nm. It’s not exactly slow either, able to scoot from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 254km/h.

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Bentley Bentayga drive?

The Bentayga EWB makes a big deal of sitting in the back, but the driver’s seat is no booby prize.

Our drive route started at Bentley’s showroom in Collingwood, Melbourne, and things got off to a rocky start.

For those who aren’t familiar, the streets of Collingwood are narrow and teeming with hurried road users who don’t give an inch. In other words, hardly an ideal environment to learn the ropes of a 5.3-metre long SUV worth over $700,000.

As such, I was extremely cautious pulling out of the driveway into the hustle and bustle of Melbourne traffic, and I needed to be. The Bentayga EWB feels every inch of its length and width, taking up most of the road and leaving little margin for driver error.

However, this big beast is also exceptionally manoeuvrable for its size, courtesy of an all-wheel steering system that allows the front and rear wheels to turn in opposite directions. This improves low-speed cornering and the turning circle of the Bentayga EWB, which is sharper than most vehicles of this size.

Outward visibility is also better than you might expect. There’s glass everywhere, especially down each side of the vehicle, as the rear windows have been stretched to match the lengthened passenger area. A full set of high-resolution cameras is also there to help when parking or navigating narrow laneways.

So, while I was initially nervous piloting the EWB, it didn’t take long to build some confidence.

And even in a stressful urban setting, there’s plenty to like about this Bentayga. All the driving controls are an absolute pleasure to interact with, from the decadent leather steering wheel to premium pedals and a notchy indicator stalk.

You can really bask in the quality of the product in such low-speed situations, and that quality extends far beyond the surface level.

The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet purrs quietly around town, delivering power with the same linear smoothness that we’ve come to expect from modern electric vehicles. Yes, it’s the same engine used in the bonkers Lamborghini Urus, but it’s tuned to Bentley specifications – that means it’s a little bit lazier, a little more relaxed.

The performance is still there when you want it, but the Bentayga doesn’t feel like it’s ‘on’ all the time. That’s important in a luxury SUV like this.

Cabin insulation is excellent. Occupants are heavily shielded from outside noise – Bentley claims that the Bentayga EWB is up to 26 per cent quieter inside than its competitors – and I was left with no complaints about the degree of sound deadening.

Then there’s the ride comfort, which is up there with the best in the business.

An advanced air suspension system underpins the Bentayga EWB, the firmness of which is dictated by the drive modes. Comfort, Normal (‘B’) and Sport are the three presets available, while there’s also a Custom mode for a more personalised experience.

In Comfort mode, the ride is pillowy soft, and indeed right through the range of modes the Bentayga remains exceptionally comfortable, smoothing out just about all road imperfections.

It’s so well engineered that I often found myself wincing before hitting bumps and potholes that barely registered in the cabin. The air suspension system simply compresses and absorbs the impact, so while you’re aware the car has hit something nasty, it doesn’t take the shine off the driving experience.

Neither does the behaviour of other motorists, at least in my experience. I was half expecting to be treated like a rich asshole cruising around in this chrome-clad behemoth, but those fears were unfounded. Apart from the occasional lengthy stare, there was little to report — no tailgating, no blocking, and no abuse.

You’re never going to fly under the radar driving a Bentayga, but I’m sure some buyers will be reassured to learn that regular negative attention is unlikely.

That’s unless your driving warrants disapproval, and I can appreciate how some would get a little over enthusiastic with 404kW and 770Nm at their disposal.

I found this out for myself once I left the city and hit some twisty country roads, as the Bentayga shines when driven with purpose.

There’s an initial moment of hesitancy when you mash the throttle, but that’s soon followed by a tidal wave of torque that presses you against the back of the seat. The V8 Bentayga absolutely hauls upwards of 3000rpm, with in-gear acceleration to match plenty of sports cars and just about all performance SUVs.

This is a car that will happily cruise at speeds above 200km/h on the German Autobahn. On Australian roads, you’re only really scraping the surface of its capability in terms of straight-line performance.

That unrelenting shove is paired with a pleasurable V8 soundtrack that’s not especially loud, even in Sport mode. Supreme levels of sound deadening mean that the powertrain sounds better from the outside than in the cabin, but it’s still the pick of the Bentayga bunch.

While a V6 hybrid is offered, there’s no replacement for the smooth torque and muscular tone of a V8, especially in this uber-luxurious package. Sure, the V6 will save owners a few bucks at the pump, but does a Bentley buyer really care about that? Hardly.

Power from the V8 is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth and adept at fulfilling the dual-purpose brief of a performance SUV. It’s easy to take control of the gearshifts via a set of beautifully crafted metal paddles behind the steering wheel.

Indeed, the Bentayga responds positively when hustled. Chunky tyres and a trick all-wheel drive system provide plenty of grip and stability through fast corners, while the chassis does a great job of minimising body roll despite the immense weight of the vehicle.

However, braking performance does seemingly suffer from the Bentayga’s heft. Standard 400mm front and 380mm rear brakes with six-piston front calipers don’t stop the car as promptly as you might like, so it’s best to think ahead when slowing. Alternatively, buyers can opt for optional carbon-ceramic brakes with 10-piston front calipers – the largest stoppers fitted to a production car.

Once the fun is over, the Bentayga seamlessly switches back into a comfortable cruise on the highway. All variants are equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane assist, operated through a stalk on the back of the steering wheel.

The system isn’t quite as advanced as you’ll find in many modern cars, so don’t expect proper autonomous driving. That’s a bit disappointing when you consider the purpose of a luxury barge like the Bentayga.

It does, on the other hand, boast a night vision feature that displays infrared images of the road ahead on the instrument cluster. While gimmicky, it’s actually a useful inclusion for Australian owners, as wildlife represents a constant hazard on regional roads.

And night vision doesn’t come at the expense of other safety tech including distance monitoring, blind-spot assist, and safe-exit warning. Customisation of the safety systems can be done through the infotainment screen, although you needn’t be worried about any of that bing-bong nonsense.

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The Bentayga boasts a long list of standard equipment, especially in Azure trim.

2025 Bentley Bentayga Azure equipment highlights:

• Matrix LED headlights
• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Bentley Dynamic Ride
• Air suspension
• Fixed rear spoiler
• Panoramic glass roof
• Roof rails
• Powered tailgate
• Proximity key with keyless start
• Full leather upholstery
• 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation
• 12-speaker Bentley Signature sound system
• Digital radio (DAB+)
• Four-zone climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless Charging
• Heated steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• Bentley analogue clock
• Illuminated door sills
• Colour Specification
  • Choice of all interior colour combinations
  • Extended choice of hide colours
• Front Seat Comfort Specification
  • Front 20-way movement for front seats
  • Ventilation and massage
  • Comfort headrests
• Sunshine Specification
  • Electric rear sun blinds
  • Double sun visor
• Touring Specification
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Bentley Safeguard Plus
    • Emergency Lane Change Assist
    • Intersection Assist
  • Head-up display
  • Night vision
  • Traffic assist
• City Specification
  • Park assist
  • Top-view camera
  • Pedestrian warning
  • Rear cross-traffic warning
  • City Safeguard

Options as tested:

• LED welcome lamps – $1565
• Rear acoustic privacy glass – $1795
• Rear ‘Airline Seats’ – $15,095
• 22-inch polished alloy wheels – $6950
• Bang and Olufsen sound system – $10,115
• Bentley diamond illumination – $3315
• Self-levelling wheel badges – $845
• Red painted brake calipers – $2390

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Bentley Bentayga safe?

The Bentley Bentayga hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but its Audi Q7 platform-mate has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2019 crash-test results.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Bentley Safeguard Plus
  • High-speed AEB
  • Emergency Lane Change Assist
  • Intersection Assist
• Head-up display
• Night vision
• Traffic assist (stop-go function)
• Park assist (semi-autonomous parking aide)
• 360-degree camera
• Pedestrian warning
• Rear cross-traffic warning
• City Safeguard

The Bentayga also comes fitted with a suite of airbags, including dual front, curtain, and side airbags for both rows of seating.

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Bentley Bentayga cost to run?

Like the wider Bentley range, the Bentayga is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance for the same period.

As for servicing, all Bentleys sold from March 2023 come with five years of scheduled servicing at no cost.

To see how the Bentley Bentayga lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Bentley Bentayga

Despite hints to its Volkswagen Group underpinnings, the Bentley Bentayga still feels like a bespoke product that hits the high notes expected from an uber-expensive luxury SUV.

It’s sports car quick, limousine comfortable, and suitably special thanks to a generous assortment of high-end finishes.

So while some might call the Bentayga an Audi Q7 in a fancy frock, that couldn’t feel further from the truth. Instead, it’s a compelling option for the fortunate few with the cash to splash, and this V8 Azure EWB is among the most desirable variants in the Bentayga range.

The V8 powertrain is a no-brainer, and so is the extra rear legroom for those who plan to use the back seats regularly. It’d be nice if there was a little more headroom, though.

The other main letdown of the Bentayga is its ageing technology suite, which looks old hat compared to what you get in a Mercedes-Maybach GLS or Range Rover. Neither of those models quite boast the character of the Bentley, however.

So, if you’re after a supercomputer on wheels, perhaps the Bentayga isn’t for you. But if old-school opulence tickles your fancy, this Bentley remains a top pick in a niche segment.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Bentley Bentayga. Click here to get a great deal

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Explore the Bentley Bentayga showroom