By Otsile Kadiege

Back in 2015 Bentley lifted the veil off their first-ever SUV – the Bentayga. Since then the seven year old luxo-barge on stilts has proven to be a successful product for the British marque. Throughout the years the Bentayga achieved record-breaking performance, it has adopted hybrid technology and we’ve seen several bespoke specifications of the luxury SUV. Bentley’s Bentayga is now available in extended wheelbase for customers who would like a first class experience in their Bentayga.

Exterior design

Straight off the bat the exterior dimensions of the Bentayga EWB stretches the SUV from 2995 mm to 3175 mm, with an overall length of 5322 mm, extending the wheelbase and rear cabin space by an extra 180 mm. The increased length is all in the rear door, availing more space for an exceptionally luxurious rear cabin area. Other exterior design changes include a newly designed front grille, new polished 22-inch 10-spoke wheels, and a repositioned sunroof.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the new Bentayga EWB offers the ultimate in rear passenger indulgence thanks to advanced seating with three different seat configurations, new dual air ionisers and increased cabin space. As standard, a 4+1 seating configuration is offered with two outer rear seats equipped with 16 way seating adjustment, heating, ventilation and five individual massage programs. There is an occasional middle seat, easily accommodating a third adult and giving access to a ski hatch in the backboard.

New to the Bentayga EWB is Bentley’s Airline Seat Specification which enables the seat backrests to recline up to 40 degrees. The level of seat recline can be controlled through Bentley’s dedicated handheld touchscreen device. Bentley Airline Seat Specification also includes four significant features, namely Seat Auto Climate, Postural Adjustment, cushion and backrest bolster adjustment with cushion extension, electric headrest height adjustment and a deployable footrest, and heated rear door and centre armrests.

Other configurations include a Four Seat Comfort Specification and a Five Seat option with the ability to fold down the rear backrests. A seven seat configuration is available in the standard Bentayga, however according to Bentley customer feedback showed that space and luxury remain a priority for the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase owners.

Enhancing the rear cabin area further, the longer door trim panels have been redesigned. The veneer panel has been lowered and extended, and it sweeps down to meet the armrest incorporating the rear door handle. Bentayga EWB will see the first use of the Metal Overlay in Veneer feature on Bentayga series production, having previously been used on the pinnacle Continental GT Mulliner derivatives. This optional feature is included on the passenger’s fascia panel and on all four doors. The intricate design consists of individual brushed metal badges crafted to be exceptionally thin – just and 0.07 mm thick.

A further striking and elegant optional feature introduced for Bentayga EWB is Bentley Diamond Illumination. The illumination effect is achieved using LEDs (12 on each of the front doors, 22 on each of the rear doors) that emit light through small perforations 1 mm in diameter in the leather trim on the door panels.

Chassis and powertrain

New to the Bentley Bentayga EWB is standard Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride. Bentley claims that the former system makes small adjustments to the direction of travel of the rear wheels, in tandem with the direct steering inputs from the driver to the front wheels at highway speeds. As a result the sophisticated system is said to increase high-speed stability. At low speeds, the All Wheel Steering is said to have the effect of ‘shortening’ the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, and increasing agility in tight urban environments.

The Bentayga EWB is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the V8 develops 404 kW (550 PS) and 770 Nm. Top speed is capped at 290 km/h and 0-100 km/h is achieved at a claimed 4.6 seconds.

Specifications

Two enhanced specifications of Bentayga Extended Wheelbase will be available at launch – the Azure and First Edition. The Azure offers unique 22-inch 10-spoke directional wheel, bright lower bumper grilles, Azure embroidery and badging. Other additional features include unique quilted seats, mood lighting, heated steering wheel, and increased driver’s assistance aids.

The First Edition specification builds further, including Bentley Diamond Illumination, metal overlays in the veneer, Naim for Bentley Premium Audio and LED welcome lamps. Unique embroidery, inlays and badging identify this as a highly exclusive and distinct model.