Bentley Bentayga review

We can’t tell you about the Cullinan because Rolls Royce didn’t even reply to my request to drive one – read into that what you will – but in one crucial respect the Bentayga is now far better placed to take on its new found rivals. Thanks to exterior styling boss JP Gregory – whose work includes the current Conti GT and Bacalar but not the old Bentayga – it now looks quite decent, which given where it’s come from is some achievement.

No, it’s not as attractive as a DBX nor as arresting as an Urus, but he has made it not only more attractive but given it some of the presence the old car so strangely lacked. Inside there’s more rear room, and a new and attractive screen-based dash. What’s missing in this model is Bentley‘s 6-litre W12. It is no loss: as in the Continental GT and Flying Spur, the 4-litre V8 is just a better engine.

Sure, I’d rather look at and drive a DBX, but to live with and thanks to its ride, refinement and sense of designed-in quality, the Bentley makes a strong case for itself, at least for this kind of car. It was always a pleasant place to be inside, and is even more so today. Outside it’s benefited from not only one of the cannier facelifts of recent times, but among the most needed too. In short, it is a job well done.

Bentley Bentayga

Engine: 3996cc, V8, twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, 4WD
Power: 542bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 568lb ft @ 1950rpm
Weight: 2416kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 224bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 4.4 seconds
Top speed: 180mph
Price: £146,700

Ti rating: 7/10