Bentley Bentayga 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What are the variants in which 2020 Bentley Bentayga is offered in India?

Bentley Bentayga is one of those cars that has no distinction in the form of trims. The only thing you have to choose is the power plant that you want to be tucked under the bonnet and then start checking boxes and rummaging through the sheets to make the Bentayga fine-tuned to your liking. This car is going to be heavy on your pocket with its pricing. The price of the Bentley Bentayga starts from Rs. 3.57 Crores and goes all the way to Rs. 4.34 Crores (both ex-showroom) in India.

A slew of other optional extras makes it difficult to put the Bentayga in a variant tabulation as all are bespoke to the customer’s requirements. The options range from a host of leather and Alcantara options to the Breitling sourced $160,000 dashboard clock!

Which luxury trim of Bentayga should you go for?

If you are able to afford one of these in your garage, then you certainly don’t need help in deciding which engine option to go for. To be transparent, Bentayga is one of those vehicles that is not catered to a single set of customers. It has the ability to be fine-tuned to an individual's liking. If you want the Bentayga in a super-fast guise that is going to lead all the plebeians to part out and give you the right of passage, go for the V8 Petrol and call it a day. But if you want the crème de la crème and the utmost bragging rights, then the W12 is your only option. It is relative to every person.

If we were being a little conservative about the choice though, we would suggest you go for the V8 and save yourself the extra Rs. 90 odd lakhs because rationally thinking, it is a lot of money for a not-so-lot more horsepower or cylinders. But the Bentayga is no rational vehicle, Sir!

The one thing that we would definitely steer clear-off is, ticking the box that options up the Special Breitling Timepiece commissioned for 4 Bentaygas a year that is almost 80% of the car’s cost as an optional extra.

What's under the hood of 2020 Bentley Bentayga?

The Bentley Bentayga is a scorcher of a vehicle and is going to wreck your bank account and test your will power! No matter which engine option you go with, the 4-Litre Twin-Turbocharged V8 spitting out a mind-numbing 542 bhp of power and 770 Nm of torque or the 6-Litre Twin-Turbocharged W12 that churns out 600 bhp of power and 900 Nm of torque is really going to question if you are slowing down the earth’s rotation every time you mash the accelerator pedal.

You are bound to be left breathless with the amount of performance on tap. The MLB platform which underpins this Bentley is also shared with the likes of Audi Q7. This platform is like a Lego-set that can be fined tuned to cater to a wide range of engine configurations and also complements both the V8 and W12 engines here as well. Just looking at the sheer amount of grunt that is on offer on either of the two engines, makes one gasp at what the automotive engineering prowess has come to.

The only worthy competitor that can tackle this luxury British SUV is another luxury British SUV, the Rolls Royce Cullinan! The ultra-luxury automaker also bought out an SUV which was fathomed at. The SUV from Rolls is dearer by Rs. 2.61 Crore and produces less power and torque figures. But the level of luxury on offer is second to none, not even the Bentley Bentayga!

How quick is the luxury SUV from Bentley from 0-100?

The Bentley Bentayga has a duo of masterpiece under its hood in the form of both the V8 and the W12. The Bentayga runs drag times that is certainly going to put supercars to shame let alone other SUVs. The shocker comes in when you see the tonner of an SUV cross 100 kmph mark in a blistering 3.6 seconds and both the engine types manage to extract similar run figures.

3.6 Seconds… For a Luxury SUV…LUXURY and SUV. The world has gone mental here! We have SUV’s outrunning supercars. Are we complaining though? Absolutely not!

The fact that both the engine configurations are just as fast to 100 kmph proves our initial point of V8 being the smarter choice. It is above 160 kmph, that the W12 generates any sort of substantial lead on its V8 Counterpart and in all frankness, you are never going to regret choosing the V8 instead of the W12, simply because you are a couple of tenths-of-a-second slower from 160 and up. Not a deal-breaker in a long shot!

The Cullinan does have a bigger engine in a V-configuration but that also adds weight to the already heavy vehicle. This makes it a lot slower than the Bentayga to 100 and beyond. But we don't think that someone would even think of complaining of the slower acceleration while being massaged in the ultra-luxurious reclining seat of the Cullinan!

How does this luxury Bentley SUV handle tougher terrains?

The Bentley Bentayga is one cheeky vixen when it comes to fooling people in broad daylight. One look at the vehicle and you would never in a million years expect it to be as athletic as it is. Maybe for the amount of money you have to pay to own one, The Bentayga does have to deliver on every front, even if it’s primal form factor doesn’t allow it.

Even though the Bentayga is a high riding SUV, it is surprisingly agile to drive and pretty direct to steer. The Clever Air Suspension, Active Anti Roll Bars and Torque Vectoring system sees the Bentayga out handle its weight and its class. The amount of grip that is on offer is simply staggering and is certainly going to make a couple of your passengers, so always keep that trash bag handy because you don’t want to spoil the interior.

The Bentayga also comes with quite decent off-roading capabilities, but are certainly on the optimization front instead of brute hardware. For the person who is going to muster up the courage to take their 4+ crore SUV mudding, I salute you Sir, and the Bentayga will be able to cross anything that your heart would allow to prowl through. The V8 variant is certainly the better handler of the two as it offers a lighter front end that aids in improving the already stellar handling characteristics of the Bentayga.

How well-modulated are the brakes on this two-and-a-half tonne luxury SUV?

Brakes are going to be a crucial aspect of an SUV that does 0-100 kmph in under 4 seconds because it is going to take quite a lot of brute strength to stop a 2400 kilograms vehicle that is barreling down a highway doing triple digits that see the first digit turning to a 2. The Bentayga thus in its V8 guise comes in with a very respectable 400 mm disc rotors front setup that runs 6 piston calipers from Brembo making the car stop in just 112 feet. That is certainly going to pop your eyes out of your sockets.

But if you want to make headlines with the Bentley, you go for the optional 440 mm carbon-ceramic discs that are mated to a humongous 10 piston caliper setup. The Bugatti Chiron comes in with a 420 mm Disc Rotor, making the Bentayga have the biggest brakes to be put on a production car till date and rewrite the phrase of ”Stopping on a dime”.

Both the luxury SUVs weigh well over quarter-tonne and that makes both of them, compelling to handle, to say the least. But the disc brakes are some of the biggest ones found on production vehicles and they do the art of stopping impressively well. Cullinan slides down here, as the added kerb weight puts a bit more stress on the brakes.

Is Fuel-efficiency a thing in case of the Bentley Bentayga?

When shopping for an ultra-luxurious petrol-powered SUV that has more litres in displacement than most cars have cylinders, fuel economy shouldn’t be kept on a pedestal. The Bentayga thus, is going to be no fuel-sipping magical marvel, after all, it has to drive all the wheels with a 2.4-ton body on them and that requires quite a bit of energy but still deserves appreciation for what it manages to deliver. With its clever cylinder deactivation, stop-start system and variable displacement system, the Bentayga returns a healthy 10.1 kmpl if you are barely grazing the surface of the accelerator. The moment you step into the floor, you can wave Adios to your fuel tank.

In the real world, you can expect the Bentley Bentayga to return anywhere from 7-9 kmpl if you are being sane about it and that is just about as good as it can get for what the Bentayga is. If you take that into consideration as compared to the Rolls Royce Cullinan, then the Bentayga is surprisingly much more efficient.

How gigantic-looking is the 2020 Bentley Bentayga?

The Bentley Bentayga is one big hunk of sheet metal going down the road with it’s long and wide proportions and a hefty 2.4-ton curb weight. The Bentayga in no way shape or form tries to skimp out on opulence in the name of lightness and it shows. The fact that the Bentayga comes with adaptive air suspension makes this Bentley one that wouldn’t fret being driven on our broken roads.

The Bentayga, although seemingly nice looking to our eyes, has received a lot of flak from the enthusiast community as some seem to find it’s designed unlike what a Bentley should be. This argument, however, is purely subjective and is better left to you to decide. However, for the amount of money you plonk in, a general acceptance of the exterior design would have been appreciated.

Exterior Features

Some of the notable exterior features are:

• Dual Barrel LED Headlamps

• LED Taillamps with integrated B logo

• Aluminium Roof Rails

• 20-22 Inch Alloy Options

• 100+Colour Options

• Headlamp Washers

• Request Sensors on all the doors

How does the 2020 Bentley Bentayga spoil you with luxurious choices on the inside?

The interiors on the Bentley Bentayga are certainly a regal affair, and at this price point, they better be. Everywhere you look inside the cabin, there are acres of the highest quality materials being used currently in the Automotive market. While optioning out the Bentayga, one can go about even choosing what kind of secondary contrasting hide they want alongside the main hide, that is the level of customization that is on offer. 

The front seats are one of the plushest and most comfortable seats to have been put in a production car and can be had with either 16 or 22 way powered adjustment along with heating, ventilation and massage functionality to make you think twice if you even need that kind of adjustment factor, but for the money you are paying, yes you do. The Ventilated seats are eerily quiet and no matter which hides option you choose, it is going to be the most supple leather anywhere on the market. With it’s knurled knobs, aluminium inserts, and heavy leather upholstery, the Bentayga’s interior is a celebration in itself.

Getting in the rear though might bring up a few questions though as the rear bench that come in as standard feels a bit on the basic side in terms of overall comfort and for this price is simply not acceptable. They can most definitely be upgraded to a set of captain seats with similar adjustability in the front but are a paid option and certainly makes you ponder if Bentley is just ripping you off.

The Bentayga also comes with acoustically laminated glass all around that seals of the cabin of the Bentayga from the outside world as you can whisper inside and still be heard even if the driver is going bonkers over the throttle. The Bentayga can essentially be had with whatever feature or material that you want inside the cabin albeit for a price.

What are the infotainment features on offer in the 2020 Bentley Bentayga?

The infotainment system on the Bentley Bentyaga might just be one of the only places where it is quite easy to make out that it is still a VAG Group car after all as the 8-inch touch screen seems right out of the VAG Parts Bin. We are not complaining though as the UI is simple and intuitive to operate and everything is laid out logically. The central touch screen is the hub to controlling all that the Bentyaga has to offer, from its ride height to it’s driving modes, everything can be toggled from up here without a hassle. 

The Infotainment system comes in as standard with:

• Apple Car Play Connectivity

• Digital Radio, FM, AM

• Voice Command

• Navigation with Live traffic update

• Bluetooth and USB connectivity

• TPMS

The Car can also be had with the very desirable 20 speaker Naim Audio system that pumps out a whopping 1920 Watts of audio output and includes a 300-watt subwoofer. This configuration then makes the audio system on the Bentayga one of the most powerful factories fitted audio systems in a car and boy does it blow your socks off. From clear voluptuous highs too deep bassy lows everything and anything is distinguishable in the audio system’s wide sound-stage and makes you appreciate the amount of punch it offers for being a car audio system.

Interior Features

• Four Zone Automatic Climate Control

• Push Button Start

• 16/22 way Power Adjustable Ventilated, Heated and Massaging Seats all around

• Ambient Lighting

• Panorama Glass Roof

• Surround View Camera with Bird’s Eye View

• Rear Seat Entertainment Screens

• Touchscreen for Rear Climate Controls

• Infinite Combinations for Material Choices

• Acoustically Laminated Glass

Let's talk about the luggage compartment, shall we?!

The Cargo Space on offer on the Bentley Bentayga comes to the tune of 430 litres of cargo volume inside the power-operated hands-free liftgate. The cargo capacity thus does come off as a bummer as there are much cheaper SUVs that have much bigger boots but we suspect that the Boot should be enough for all your weekend trips. It is also notable that the rear seats if optioned out as a bench configuration, can be folded down to open up even more space to the tune of 1700 litres but I would be highly doubtful if anybody is going to use there Bentayga for heavy cargo lifting.

The boot of the Bentayga can also be optioned out with an event seat that folds out and over the loading lip of the Bentayga, providing it with a leather upholstered seat for you to enjoy the tailgating parties if you ever visit one. There are also customization options to the tune of picnic tables with champagne flutes if you so desire.

What are the various safety features in the Bentayga and how reliable is it?

If you ever have the chance to own a Bentley in your lifetime, make sure that you have extensive insurance coverage! And also don’t be the one that crashed a Bentley. For a car that costs north of 4 Crore Rupees, the Bentayga certainly is going to be driven extra-carefully as it will hurt badly to turn all that money into a pile of disfigured metal. The Bentayga then, much like all other cars in this price bracket, does not carry an official Euro NCAP score as none have been crash tested, and neither will in the near future.

Though if safety is one of your concerns, Bentley has you covered with advanced active and passive safety features coupled with a solid build quality that is certainly going to keep your mind at ease. Standard safety features in the form of:

• Active Front Headrests

• Front and Side Airbags for Driver and Passenger

• Overhead Airbags for all the 4 Passengers

• ABS with Brake Assist

• Cornering Brake Control

• Electronic Parking Brake

• Side Impact Protection

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

• Night Vision

• Active Lane Control

• Forward Collision Warning

The above list of features ensures that you have your money’s worth when rolling in your baller machine and backs you up with all of the latest tech features to support you in grave situations as well.

Which are the other automakers that are as insane as Bentley in competition?

Bentley Bentayga vs Rolls Royce Cullinan

At this price point, it becomes tough for one to be able to pick and choose the perfect rivals, similar is the case with the Bentayga as the only proper competition it has is in the form of the much more expensive Rolls Royce Cullinan,

The Cullinan is longer wider and has more interior room than the Bentayga thanks to the Rolls ideology of the three-box design that creates a wall between the luggage compartment and the passengers. The Cullinan also is just available in a 5 seater configuration whereas the Bentley can be optioned up with 3rd-row seating.

It is pretty well known that you buy a Bentley if you drive and a Rolls if you get driven and same is the case with the driving dynamics of both these cars as the Rolls simply does one thing which is waft over everything and nothing else whereas the Bentayga can be quite spritely if you want to have some fun.

For the people who are the targeted audience for these vehicles, it is going to be a very subjective matter choosing between one but is the Rolls Royce badge worth the extra 2 crores over the already painful price tag of the Bentayga is something for you to decide.

How does the 2020 Bentley Bentayga fit into the SUV game?

The Bentley Bentayga is essentially what a raised-up Bentley should be. It has great on-road manners, stunning off-road capabilities and bespoke nature of customization that could only be found at such prices. The Bentyaga thus proves to be Bentley’s answer to move with the times and the sales figures don’t lie as Bentley is selling way more of these Bentaygas as they originally envisioned. In 2019, Bentley reportedly sold a total of 11,006 cars around the globe with Continental GT being the best-selling car and Bentayga getting the second spot.

The Bentayga then is a symbol of opulence and even old money for the selected few that are going to have these in their garages. Everyone is going to envy you but secretly, also want to be you.