One of the world’s poshest SUVs has decided to burn oil – and it could arguably be the best option.
The Bentayga SUV is a crucial product for Bentley, one of the Britain’s top three luxury car marques.
One reason is quite the obvious. As the Bentayga showcases a body style for the market’s fastest-growing segment, it will be responsible for building up the brand’s sales to new levels.
In fact, practically all other makers have already joined the SUV bandwagon just for this particular aspect.
And while the second one may not represent significant ramifications to Bentley’s balance sheet, it does so for the brand itself.
The Bentayga is the first model from Crewe to be available with diesel power.
The interesting thing is that just over the two years the Bentayga has been on the market,
Bentley has already announced four engine variances: this V8-powered Diesel as tested here, the familiar 6.0-litre W12 range-topper and the pending V8 petrol and V6 plug-in hybrid.
True, that semi-electric alternative will eventually become the core-seller in Thailand when sales start later this year because it can enjoy lowest in car excise taxation.
But if 20 million baht is peanuts for you, there’s a very good reason to consider the Bentayga in diesel form because it isn’t just one of those clattering units you can find in the super-ubiquitous pickup.
Having first appeared in the Audi SQ7 TDI, the 435hp 4.0-litre V8 has two twin-scroll turbochargers and an electric compressor supported by a 48V mild hybrid system.
The presence of the third type of forced induction is why Bentley is claiming an elimination in turbo lag, thus the maximum grunt of 900Nm being achieved at 1,000rpm.
And after a spin with the Bentayga Diesel on Thai roads, it appears that claim is true. The motor feels alive and responsive at all times, be it from the lights or when overtaking that lorry in front of you.
Tractability from this oil-burning V8 is almost as instantaneous as in a full-electric drivetrain and remains sumptuous to ridiculously high speeds, although the vehicle’s wind-buffeting SUV shape is what will probably make you lift off the throttle way before you reach the claimed top speed.
Another great thing about it is that you’d hardly think it’s a diesel. The eight-potter is refined from standstill and is capable of revving to 5,000rpm. Yes, it’s one of those state-of-the-art diesels that deserves to live on, despite the negative headlines you’ve been reading about diesel in general.
Accompanying such torque-rich performance is a chassis tuned quite impeccably, which isn’t a surprise because the Bentayga is underpinned by a Volkswagen Group platform also employed in the capable Q7, Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne.
The Bentayga’s 48V system is also responsible for the vehicle’s electronic active roll control, which should sound useful for a shebang tipping the scales at nearly 2.5 tonnes.
Once again, such a merit can be felt in real-world driving. You don’t really feel much roll or weight transfer happening around the body in demanding driving conditions. In simpler terms, the Bentayga’s ride is remarkably flat for an SUV of this size.
Perhaps the only time you might find some excessive vertical motions of the body is when traversing over expansion joints on toll roads.
But switch away from Comfort of the drive selector and the ride improves. Around town, the Bentayga’s ride is generally absorbent and quiet.
Likewise, the Bentayga handles nicely with additional thanks going to a steering that’s well-tailored for weight and directness.
So don’t let the Bentayga’s shape belie its driving manners. This is a remarkably good SUV to drive, not to mention the additional driving modes available for off-roading.
Ah, that shape. Ever since the Bentayga has been previewed in concept form, people were saying its design was blunderous. That might still be the case today, but it still looks like a proper Bentley with those square-ish rear lamps, four circular head lights and unmistakable grille.
Key elements that give away the Diesel’s identity are the side badges and an exhaust made to look like four pipes.
Jump inside the Bentayga and the Bentley tradition continues. Although some instrumentation are shared with Audis (like the column stalks), the cabin is filled with extra-opulent materials and is quite a feast on the eyes. Yes, it feels expensive just like its price tag.
The driving position is also near-perfect. It feels very natural behind the wheel and the multi-way adjustable seats are not only comfortable for the driver but also for the remaining three occupants.
Like the Range Rover Autobiography, the Bentayga is being pitched as an SUV with 2+2 seating to attract chauffeur-driven owners. This is why the rear seats can’t fold down in any manner to increase luggage space.
Even so, the boot in its normal form is already capacious. You’d probably just have to understand its Thai four-seat spec for not having the genuine versatility of an SUV.
We have yet to sample the other engine variances, but it’s quite safe to assume that the Bentayga is at its best with a diesel. Not only do such motors cope well with bulky SUVs, but this particular one is quite a gem in delivering the necessary requirements in performance terms.
But we can’t blame you for holding the cash for the plug-in hybrid version, which is equally powerful as this Diesel, has partial all-electric driving mode and will cost considerably less in Thai showrooms (excise tax falls from 40% down to no more than 10%). The Cayenne was the first to get this hybrid.
But, as mentioned earlier, the Bentayga Diesel could possibly be the one to go for if money is no object. Bluntly put, it’s a very nice fit.
