For those of means who eschew gaudy shows of pampering, the extended-wheelbase Bentayga obscures its limousine leanings with a thoughtful design stretch.
- Bentley gave its Bentayga a seven-inch stretch to transform the ute into a big, tall limo.
- The extended-wheelbase model brings the option of luxury jet-inspired rear seats.
- The Bentayga EWB comes with V8 power only, and sales begin later this year.
Think of stretched limos and you’re likely imagining the hugely, and often hideously extended sedans popular with those keen to demonstrate alleged affluence. And also to haul bachelor and bachelorette parties around. These aren’t accusations you can level at the new Bentley Bentayga EWB and its modest extension.
The EWB is seven inches longer than the regular Bentayga, with that expansion entirely within the wheelbase. Delivering it has required some major surgery, including new rear doors and side stampings, plus revised roof and floor panels. But the greatest tribute we can play to Bentley’s design team is that the stretch is well enough integrated to be barely noticeable. It certainly doesn’t look like it should be wearing a boomerang aerial and some faded whitewalls.
The logic of lengthening the Bentayga was equally simple: an acknowledgement that an increasing number of the rich buyers who get chauffeured are, in line with the rest of the car market, doing so in SUVs. According to Chris Cole, the Bentayga product manager, the EWB is intended for the same part of the market the XL Mulsanne sedan formerly occupied before its emissions-enforced retirement in 2020.
That’s also why—although the EWB will sit at the top of the Bentayga range–it won’t be sold with the most powerful W12 engine available with the regular wheelbase. Bentley’s argument is that the 542-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is plenty fast enough in this part of the market, and it’s hard to imagine too many owners will be wanting anything more than its claimed combination of a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time and a 180 mph top speed, whether riding in front or back. Although unconfirmed, Bentley insiders also hint that an EWB using the plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 3.0-liter V6, is also likely.
Beyond the need to find longer parking spaces, Bentley doesn’t want Bentayga EWB buyers to suffer inconvenience from the increase in length. It will get an actively steered rear axle as standard, this delivering a 38.3-ft turning circle which is actually smaller than that of the regular wheelbase car. It will also come with Bentley’s 48-Volt active antiroll system as standard.
The expanded dimensions has allowed Bentley to make bigger changes inside. The Bentayga EWB will be available with the same separate rear seats as the regular car, or a three-wide bench, but Bentley will also be offering it with the option of what it calls its new Airline Seat. (This inspired by the sort you’ll find in a private jet, not economy class.) This has 22 different planes of movement and also incorporates heat and humidity monitoring, with active thermal management to ensure occupants are kept at a comfortable temperature. It also has a Relax mode, which will recline the backrest by up to 40 degrees while simultaneously moving the front passenger seat forward and deploying a motorized footrest.
Bentley was the first luxury manufacturer to launch an SUV, with the segment now filling up with multiple rivals. The EWB should be seen as an acknowledgement that the Bentayga’s appeal is evolving as this part of the market gets busier, with the company reckoning that up to 45 percent of worldwide buyers are likely to opt for the longer and more spacious option. Prices will be announced closer to sales beginning later this year.
Keyword: Bentley Bentayga EWB for a Modest Yet Opulent Chauffeured Experience