The Bentley Bentayga has long stood as a beacon of opulence in the luxury SUV market, blending the brand’s storied craftsmanship with the practicality and versatility of a high-riding 4×4. In 2025, the Bentayga continues to redefine what a luxury SUV can be, offering a heady mix of performance, refinement, and bespoke customization. This comprehensive review delves into the 2025 Bentley Bentayga, examining its design, interior, performance, technology, and real-world usability, while also considering its position in a competitive segment that includes rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Aston Martin DBX, and Lamborghini Urus.
Exterior Design: A Commanding Presence
The 2025 Bentley Bentayga commands attention with its imposing yet elegant design. At first glance, the signature matrix grille—available in dark tint for the Speed model, bright chrome for the Azure, or black with a chrome surround for the base model—sets the tone for its luxurious identity. The 2025 model year introduces subtle refinements, including updated wheel designs that range from 21 inches on the standard model to optional 23-inch alloys on the Bentayga Speed, the largest ever offered on a Bentley SUV. These wheels, paired with a sculpted front bumper and sleek, crystal-cut LED headlights, enhance the Bentayga’s muscular stance.
The Extended Wheelbase (EWB) variant, which is 180mm longer, adds even more gravitas, particularly for rear-seat passengers, while four-wheel steering ensures it remains surprisingly agile for its 5.3-meter length. The Blackline Specification, which replaces chrome accents with black, and the Styling Specification, featuring a carbon fiber body kit, offer further personalization options. For those seeking a unique aesthetic, Bentley’s Mulliner division provides nearly 4000 interior color combinations and over 80 exterior paint options, including heritage colors and duo-tone finishes.
While some critics note that the Bentayga’s SUV proportions lack the sleek allure of Bentley’s Continental GT or Flying Spur, its design has matured since its 2015 debut. The 2020 facelift addressed the awkwardness of the first-generation model, and the 2025 updates further refine its look, making it a standout in a sea of luxury SUVs.
Interior: A Masterclass in Craftsmanship
Step inside the 2025 Bentley Bentayga, and you’re enveloped in a world of unparalleled luxury. The cabin is a showcase of Bentley’s craftsmanship, featuring hand-selected leather from Northern European bulls, sustainably sourced wood veneers that have been cured for 72 hours, and hand-polished metal accents. The Azure trim, in particular, feels bespoke, with 15 hide color options, contrast stitching, and the option for hand cross-stitching. The Mulliner variant elevates this further with sustainable materials, such as wool carpets and olive oil-tanned leather, alongside unique touches like LED-illuminated perforated upholstery.
The seating configurations are versatile, offering a seven-seat option for family-oriented buyers, a four-seat “club-class” layout for maximum rear-seat luxury, or a 4+1 setup for occasional fifth-passenger use. The EWB model maximizes rear legroom, making it ideal for chauffeured buyers, with features like Postural Support seats that adjust pressure to reduce fatigue and Seat Auto Climate for personalized comfort.
The dashboard blends traditional Bentley elements, such as knurled dials and push-pull air vents, with modern technology. A 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a customizable digital instrument cluster displays a range of information, including navigation and performance data. However, some shared VW Group switchgear may feel slightly out of place in this ultra-luxury context, though Bentley’s steadfast use of physical buttons adds a tactile charm that sets it apart from touch-heavy rivals.
Boot space, at 484 liters, is smaller than that of a Range Rover, but practical, with a flat floor and hatchback lid for easy loading. Dog owners will appreciate the Bentayga’s pet-friendly design, a first for Bentley, making it as functional for family life as it is for high-society outings.
Performance: Power Meets Refinement
The 2025 Bentayga lineup offers two potent powertrains, with the iconic W12 engine discontinued in favor of more efficient options. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, standard across most trims, delivers 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, propelling the 2.5-ton SUV from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Bentayga Speed, the range-topping model, boosts this to 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in a claimed 3.4 seconds (though some tests suggest it could dip into the 2.8-3.0-second range) and a top speed of 193 mph. For those prioritizing efficiency, the 3.0-liter V6 plug-in hybrid offers 456 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque, and an electric-only range of up to 24 miles, with CO2 emissions as low as 79g/km.
The V8’s performance is effortless, with a subtle yet satisfying “woofle” from its oval exhausts, amplified in the Speed model by an optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust that saves 12.5kg and delivers a thunderous soundtrack reminiscent of a classic AMG V8. The hybrid, while less visceral, offers seamless low-end torque thanks to its electric motor, effectively masking any faint turbo lag noticeable in the V8.
Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system, featuring 48V active anti-roll bars, strikes a balance between comfort and control, maintaining cabin stability in corners while smoothing out bumpy roads. The Speed model’s Sport mode stiffens the suspension by 15% and sharpens throttle response, while four-wheel steering and torque vectoring enhance agility. A new ESC Dynamic mode even allows “exhilarating drift angles,” a surprising feature for a Bentley, though most owners will likely prioritize its plush Comfort mode for daily driving.
Off-road, the Bentayga is no Range Rover, but it’s capable, with a wading depth of 500mm and up to 35-degree lateral and longitudinal angles. The air suspension’s variable ride height and Torsen all-wheel-drive system make it adept on gravel or light trails, as demonstrated in tests at The Preserve in Rhode Island, where it tackled steep embankments and rocky patches with ease.
Technology and Safety: Modern Luxury
The Bentayga’s tech suite is both advanced and user-friendly. The 10.9-inch infotainment screen is crisp and intuitive, complemented by a 20-speaker Naim audio system (a $9,150 option) that delivers concert-hall sound. Rear-seat entertainment screens and multiple USB-C ports keep passengers connected, while the digital instrument cluster provides real-time data, such as roll and pitch angles, for off-road driving.
Safety features include a Touring Specification package with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other driver aids. The infotainment displays wheel articulation data off-road, with red lines indicating max compression or extension, adding a practical touch for adventurous owners. However, the absence of a hybrid powertrain in the Speed model means fuel economy hovers around 20 mpg, dipping lower under spirited driving, which may deter eco-conscious buyers.
Real-World Usability: A Daily Driver?
Despite its $207,050 starting price (rising to $265,850 for the S Black Edition V8), the Bentayga is surprisingly practical. Owners on platforms like Reddit praise its reliability (rated 4.5/5 by Kelley Blue Book) and versatility as a family vehicle, with ample space for child seats and gear for activities like gymnastics or horseback riding. The seven-seat option is ideal for larger families, though the EWB’s focus on rear-seat luxury suits chauffeured use.
Running costs are predictably high, with the V8’s fuel economy and premium maintenance expenses. However, for buyers in this segment, these are secondary concerns. Depreciation is steep—up to 40-50% in three years—but pre-owned models, like those from 2018-2020, offer value for those prioritizing the older taillight design or lower costs.
Competitive Landscape
The Bentayga faces stiff competition. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan offers unmatched exclusivity but at a higher price, while the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus prioritize sportiness. The Range Rover, Audi Q7, and BMW X7 provide similar luxury at a lower cost, but none match the Bentayga’s bespoke feel. The Speed model, with its drift mode and 641 horsepower, rivals the Urus SE and Cayenne Turbo GT, though its pure V8 setup lacks the hybrid boost of its VW Group cousins.
Verdict: The Ultimate Luxury SUV?
The 2025 Bentley Bentayga is a triumph of luxury and performance, blending the brand’s heritage with modern versatility. Its sumptuous interior, powerful V8, and surprising agility make it a standout, whether cruising city streets or tackling a private gravel road. While it’s not the prettiest SUV and lacks the W12’s charisma, the Bentayga’s refinements—especially in the Speed and Azure trims—cement its status as a flagship. For those who can afford its $200,000-plus price tag, it’s a compelling choice that delivers on Bentley’s promise of “luxury without compromise.”
