Bentley Bentayga facelift breaks cover

• Exterior changes bring the Bentayga more in-line with newer Bentleys on sale currently
• Interior updates include even better seating, new trims and updated infotainment
• Bentley has sold more than 20,000 units of the SUV since 2015

Bentley has finally unveiled the mid-cycle update for its popular Bentayga luxury SUV. The model will go on sale in Europe in the coming months, followed by launches in a number of Asian markets.

What exterior changes does it get?

The Bentayga has become a core model for Bentley, with more than 20,000 examples finding homes since it was launched back in 2015. The changes to the exterior aren’t radical as a result, rather serving to bring the SUV into line with the brand’s newer models, the Continental GT and Flying Spur. According to Bentley, every front-end and rear-end panel has been altered. The most notable change is the new ‘matrix’ grille, which is larger and 30mm higher, to give a “more impactful” profile.

This sits alongside new LED matrix headlights that have a cut-crystal design to make them sparkle, even when not lit. What’s more, the Bentayga's styling has been tweaked to visually widen the front track, while the rear axle is 20mm wider and the wheels are repositioned in the arches. The bonnet is also redesigned in a clamshell shape.

Further detail changes include new 3D elliptical tail-lights with animated LEDs, similar to those on the Continental GT, and a rear number plate repositioned on the bumper to allow for ‘Bentley’ to be spelled out across the tailgate. There’s also a larger rear spoiler, new side vents and a new set of 22-inch wheels, plus two new paint colours. New oval-shaped split tailpipes, heated wipers with 22 washer jets in each arm are also standard and there’s now an optional Blackline variant that gets blacked-out chrome on the external alterations.

What interior changes does it get?

There are significant changes to the cabin of the updated Bentayga. At the back, the new seat frames in combination with extra reclining now allow a 100mm increase in knee space. There are ventilated rear seats, too, while the Bentayga can still be had with four, five or seven seats. Rear passengers also receive an updated 5.0-inch removable touchscreen tablet to control entertainment and comfort functions.

Up front, the ageing infotainment has been overhauled. The new system comes with a high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard fit. Other feature additions that bring it up-to-date include USB-C ports, air ionisers, wireless smartphone charging and an embedded SIM card for data services.

The traditional instrument dials have been replaced with a digital display, like in newer Bentleys, and the head-up display shows much more data. The audio system has been upgraded, too. As standard, there is a 790W, 12-speaker stereo, with an optional Naim for Bentley system taking that to 1780W and 20 speakers.

Bentley hasn’t just focused on the gadgets, however. The front seats are also of a new, more ergonomic design, while a revised centre fascia, steering wheel and door trims offer new sustainable veneer options, switchgear knurling and diamond brushed aluminium.

What's new under the hood?

Mechanical alterations are more limited. Notably, buyers in Europe and the UK now no longer have the option of the W12 engine, meaning the core choice is the same 550hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 as in the current car. This unit retains the ability to deactivate four of its cylinders under light throttle loads to improve fuel economy. With the diesel V8 axed back in 2018, the only other powertrain choice is a reworked version of the V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid. That will be launched separately. 

Will the updated Bentayga come to India?

The pre-facelift version of this SUV was on sale in India and we expect Bentley to  bring the updated Bentayga to India sometime next year.

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