Last week we reported on the upcoming launch of a new Bentley model and that all indications pointed to an extended wheelbase Bentayga.
Our psychic abilities proved to still be strong when Crewe’s stretched out ultra-luxury SUV launched on the 10th of May. Until then we were teased with images of their Diamond Illumination on the centre console and door panels, as well as its revolutionary Airline Seat, sporting 24 billion different configurations that has 22-way adjustment and 177 pressure changes across six zones using air pockets rather than conventional motors. And then there is the body heat and humidity sensing function that automatically decides if your Savile Row or Stella McCartney-clad bottom needs cooling or heating, thereby blending innovative technology and exceptional craftsmanship. So, it seems to be a worthy replacement for the discontinued Mulsanne sedan…
Although the extended wheelbase Bentayga can accommodate seven British politicians on their way to a Covid-19 party and/or private school Sandtonites, Bentley decided against it. This isn’t a dolled-up Quantum after all. The standard layout is a four plus one, with a temporary middle seat for occasional use, but one can also opt for full five-or four-seaters, with the latter offering five massage programmes.
Bentley will offer two special editions at launch. Azure includes 22-inch, 10 spoke wheels, bright lower bumper grilles, unique embroidery and badging, quilted seats, mood lighting and a heated steering wheel. The First Edition adds Diamond illumination, a premium handmade Naim audio system and metal overlays in the veneer.
The extended wheelbase Bentayga is 5,322 mm long, making it 180 mm longer than its smaller sibling and almost 300 mm longer than fellow Brit, the new Range Rover. It’s boot capacity ranges from between 380 to 484 litres, depending on the seating configurations. This model also gets four-wheel steering which is seven per cent tighter than the regular Bentayga’s of 11,8 metres.
Bentley’s proven 4,0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine lurks under the bonnet and produces 404 kW and 770 N.m that thrusts the behemoth from 0-100 km in 4,6 seconds and runs out of breath at 290 km/h. At this stage Bentley is tight-lipped about whether they will also offer the brilliant W12 in the extended wheelbase Bentayga. We’re also unclear as to why the new model will not also feature the regular model’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is however very likely that the environmentally friendlier powertrain will be offered in due course.
The extended wheelbase Bentley Bentayga will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2022, so best you get your tailor to start making that suit and practice your Full-Windsor knots.
Words: Thys de Beer
Keyword: Bentley unveils the extended wheelbase Bentayga