Bentley Bentayga S: A Sportier Take on Luxury

Is the Bentley Bentayga S a Good Car?

The Bentley Bentayga S represents an intriguing proposition: a colossal SUV, tipping the scales at a considerable 2415kg and stretching over 5.14 metres in length, that has undergone a series of dynamic tweaks for its 2023 iteration. The question on many minds is whether these enhancements make sense for such a substantial vehicle. Bentley, however, has a heritage deeply rooted in creating powerful and elegant grand tourers, a legacy that began with founder W.O. Bentley's simple yet ambitious policy: "The policy was a simple one – we were going to make a fast car, a good car, the best in class". This ethos, forged through over a century of automotive excellence and celebrated with six outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, underpins the very essence of the brand. The Bentayga S is the latest embodiment of this tried and true formula, blending bespoke luxury with high-speed performance attributes. While the W12-powered 'Speed' model remains at the pinnacle of the Bentayga line-up, the 'S' variant carves out its own niche, focusing on enhanced sporting agility rather than outright power. The 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, while not gaining additional horsepower over the standard Bentayga V8, is considered more than adequate for the high-speed touring expected of a Bentley. The real focus for the 'S' is its dynamic tuning program, engineered to deliver a more engaging driving experience through the bends.

Performance and Dynamics: More Hustle, Less Fuss

Ensuring maximum tyre contact for the considerable mass of the Bentayga S is paramount, and Bentley has equipped it with the collective weaponry to achieve this. Standard fitment includes Bentley Dynamic Ride, an active anti-roll control system that works in conjunction with a more focused Sports chassis mode. The triple-chamber air suspension receives a 15 per cent increase in damping, stiffening the chassis, while a unique ESC tune complements its superior handling capabilities. The anti-roll system is a marvel of engineering, capable of applying up to 1300Nm of torque in less than 0.3 seconds to counter body roll and enhance steering feedback. This, coupled with a newly installed, free-flowing sports exhaust with a split-oval design in black, contributes to a more aggressive road presence. The 'Blackline Specification' further enhances this with gloss black finishes on key exterior elements like the grille, lower bumper intakes, side sills, rear spoiler, and door mirror caps. Dark-tinted headlights and tail lights complete the sportier aesthetic, further accentuated by the new-look 22-inch wheels. These wheels, designed with 'Scythe-like' spokes, are available in various finishes, with our tester featuring an optional 'black and bright polished' finish, a testament to the highly labour-intensive craftsmanship Bentley is renowned for. The 'Dragon Red 11' paintwork on our tester perfectly complemented the car's dynamic brief, though options like the ultra-dark 'Cumbrian Green' offer a more understated, yet equally striking, aesthetic.

The Interior: Bespoke Luxury Meets Sporty Exclusivity

Nobody crafts opulent interiors quite like Bentley, and the Bentayga S is no exception, albeit with a touch more flair. The cabin exudes an air of exclusivity, enhanced by a new colour split and generous use of Alcantara and unique 3D carbon-fibre weave trim. Bentley's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the hand-picked leather upholstery, sourced from herds grazing at high altitudes to ensure pristine hide, to the exquisite polished chrome brightwork. The signature Bentley clock and the iconic 'bulls-eye' air vents are timeless elements that contribute to the cabin's unique character. While the seats offer a delicate balance of comfort and support, they feel slightly firmer in the 'S' variant, perhaps due to the less forgiving Alcantara. Rear seat bolstering could be more pronounced, though our test car was equipped with the practical three-seat rear bench rather than the individual rear seats. Rear legroom is generous, but for those seeking truly cavernous space, the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) version would be the preferred choice. The centre armrest is functional, featuring two cupholders, but lacks the more advanced media centre integration found in some rivals. Bentley masterfully blends digital and analogue controls, with beautifully knurled dials and a chunky metal shifter with a ceramic-like head, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail. Even the instrument stalks, while perhaps sourced from the Volkswagen parts bin, are at the premium end of the spectrum. Storage is ample, with plenty of nooks, crannies, and decent door pockets. The boot offers a respectable 484 litres of space, expandable to 1774 litres with the rear seats folded.

Under the Bonnet: Familiar Power, Focused Dynamics

The Bentayga S is powered by the same 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 engine found in its stablemates like the Audi RS6 Avant, RSQ8, Lamborghini Urus, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. In the Bentayga S, this engine produces 404kW of power and 770Nm of torque. Bentley has clearly prioritised handling, refinement, and efficiency over outright straight-line performance, as evidenced by the slightly lower power output compared to its Lamborghini and Porsche cousins. The V8 features a cylinder deactivation system to improve fuel economy, though it omits the 48-volt mild-hybrid technology found in some Audi models. Power is delivered to all-four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, a Torsen centre differential, and an electronically locking rear differential. Bentley claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h. The 85-litre fuel tank provides a claimed range of 654km, with CO2 emissions of 294 g/km.

Driving Experience: Effortless Wafty Luxury with a Sporting Edge

From the moment you press the jewelled starter button and the V8 emits its deep, albeit slightly muffled, bark, the vast reserves of power are undeniable. The Bentayga S excels at effortless wafting, particularly in Comfort mode, where the cabin offers an oasis of opulence and serenity. Forward motion is smooth and refined, with the twin-turbos spooling up to deliver their substantial torque from low revs. While there's a slight tendency for low-down lag when exiting junctions, the default Bentley mode strikes an excellent balance between sportiness and everyday usability. For those seeking a more spirited drive, the newly improved Sport setting is a revelation. It's astonishing how this 2.4-tonne behemoth can be cornered with such precision, exhibiting minimal body roll even in off-camber, downhill bends, akin to a much smaller, sportier hatchback. This is a testament to Bentley's advanced engineering. The recalibrated Sport mode sharpens steering feel and turn-in response, tightens the chassis, and controls lean, but it does come at the cost of a firmer ride. This inconsistency in ride compliance, where larger bumps are absorbed with luxurious ease while smaller ones can feel a bit busy, might be attributed to the roads themselves, but it's worth noting. The 'Bentley' mode often proves the most balanced, but for enthusiastic driving, the Sport mode's superior body control is undeniably addictive, despite the harsher ride and quicker gearshifts.

Braking and Towing: Stopping Power and Versatility

Stopping the Bentayga S is never an issue, thanks to its monster-size 401mm front rotors. The braking power is hugely confidence-inspiring, allowing for late-braking even when enjoying spirited driving. For those who require versatility, the Bentayga S boasts a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, making it capable of hauling horse floats or classic Airstream caravans.

What Do You Get with the Bentley Bentayga S?

The Bentayga S comes generously equipped with a host of luxury and technological features as standard, including:

• 4-zone climate control
• Air suspension
• Matrix LED headlights
• Cooled glovebox
• Powered hands-free tailgate
• Power-fold side mirrors with heating and dipping
• Soft-close front doors
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Power steering column with memory
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Panoramic sunroof
• Illuminated ‘S’ treadplates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• 10-speaker Signature sound system
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Heated steering wheel
• Acoustic glass
• Remote lift system from cargo area
• 12.3-inch virtual driver’s instruments
• 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Bentley-branded analogue clock
• Bentley welcome lights
• Easy access system with driver’s seat
• Available in 4-, 5-, and 7-seat configurations

Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection

While the Bentley Bentayga has not undergone official crash testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, its platform siblings, including the Audi Q7/Q8, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg, have all achieved five-star safety ratings. The Bentayga S includes Bentley’s 'City Specification' as standard, featuring essential active safety equipment like City Safeguard (low-speed AEB), Pedestrian and cyclist warning, Blind-spot assist, Rear cross-traffic alert, Park assist, Traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. Our test car was also equipped with the optional 'Touring Specification', which adds Adaptive cruise control, Bentley Safeguard Plus (high-speed AEB), Head-up display, Lane assist, Night vision cameras, and Traffic assist. It is somewhat disappointing that such advanced safety features are optional on a vehicle in this price bracket, especially when many are standard on its platform mates. The Bentayga also comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including dual front, curtain, and side airbags for both rows of seating.

Running Costs: Luxury with a Price Tag

Bentley offers a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the Bentayga, which is standard for vehicles in this price segment, mirroring offerings from brands like Aston Martin. Servicing plans are available in Australia, with three-year and five-year options priced at $3950 and $7695 respectively for the Bentayga S. Bentley claims an average fuel consumption of 13.3L/100km, requiring a minimum of 98 RON premium unleaded. However, our testing indicated a more realistic average fuel consumption closer to 18L/100km during our driving program.

CarExpert's Verdict: A Sharper, More Exclusive Bentley

It's no surprise that the Bentley Bentayga has been the brand's best-selling model since its 2016 debut. The introduction of the Bentayga S, with its sharper handling and more aggressive styling, is virtually guaranteed to further boost its appeal. Compared to the standard V8, the Bentayga S delivers more adept handling, albeit with a slightly firmer ride, and offers owners a greater sense of exclusivity through its distinctive blacked-out aesthetic. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of Bentayga performance, the W12-powered Speed remains the ultimate choice. However, for the discerning buyer who prioritises space and comfort above all else, Bentley's upcoming Extended Wheelbase version will undoubtedly be a compelling option. The Bentayga S successfully blends the brand's signature luxury with a more engaging and sporting driving character, making it a highly desirable, if undeniably expensive, proposition in the ultra-luxury SUV market.

Bentley Bentayga S vs. The Competition

When considering the Bentley Bentayga S, it's essential to look at its key competitors in the ultra-luxury SUV segment:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Bentley Bentayga S significantly different from the standard Bentayga V8?
Yes, the Bentayga S focuses on enhanced sporting agility with a stiffer suspension, revised ESC tuning, and a sports exhaust. It also features distinctive styling elements like the Blackline Specification.

Q2: Does the Bentayga S have more power than the regular Bentayga V8?
No, the Bentayga S uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the standard Bentayga V8, producing 404kW and 770Nm. The focus is on handling and driving dynamics.

Q3: What is the interior like in the Bentayga S?
The interior is a masterpiece of bespoke craftsmanship, featuring generous amounts of Alcantara, unique 3D carbon-fibre trim, exquisite polished chrome, and comfortable, supportive seats. It offers a blend of luxury and sporty exclusivity.

Q4: How does the Bentayga S handle corners?
Thanks to Bentley Dynamic Ride with active anti-roll control and a focused Sports chassis mode, the Bentayga S handles corners with remarkable composure, minimising body roll and offering sharp turn-in, defying its considerable size and weight.

Q5: Is the Touring Specification a worthwhile option?
While it adds valuable driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist, it is a costly option. Many of these features are standard on comparable models from other manufacturers, making it a consideration based on individual needs and budget.

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