The best Bentley SUV models

The popularity of SUVs has grown significantly over the last decade, and each car manufacturer was expected to present their own versions, including luxury ones, so in 2015 the Bentayga, Bentley’s first SUV model, appeared. Bentley’s history begins with its founding in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley who began a commitment to delivering powerful performance alongside refinement and luxury. Bentley’s early years were marked by notable achievements in the world of motor racing, including victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1924 and 1930. The drivers of these races had a significant influence in promoting the marque’s reputation for speed and endurance. From here to the first Bentley SUV model there is still a long way to go and in the 1930s the company faced financial difficulties, which is why it was acquired by Rolly-Royce.

This resulted in the move to the status of supplier of more sophisticated and luxurious vehicles, while maintaining a strong performance advantage. One of the most important moments in Bentley’s history came in 1980, with the launch of the Bentley Mulsanne, a car that truly embodied the marriage of luxury and power for which the brand had become famous.

A new era for Bentley

Bentley’s premium brand was further strengthened when the Volkswagen Group acquired it in 1998. They invested heavily, allowing Bentley to leverage cutting-edge technology while maintaining its rich heritage. Modern Bentleys, such as the Bentley Bentayga and Continental GT coupe, embody the fusion of unrivaled craftsmanship, innovative technology and powerful performance.

Bentley is considered a premium brand due to its meticulous attention to detail, craftsmanship and adherence to the highest standards of luxury. Each Bentley car is handcrafted in Crewe, England, from the finest materials, ensuring exclusivity and individuality. Furthermore, Bentley’s continued commitment to performance, combined with the brand’s historic reputation, has cemented its reputation as a symbol of luxury in the automotive world.

Bentley SUV model Primul – Bentayga

Bentley’s first SUV model, the Bentayga, was launched in 2015. Named after Roque Bentayga, a rugged peak in the Canary Islands, it aimed to combine the brand’s heritage of luxury and performance with unrivaled off-road capabilities. The project began in 2012, having initially been seen in the Bentley EXP 9 F concept car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the final design departed from the concept, adopting a more conventional but distinctive Bentley design. Under the hood it featured a 6-litre W12 engine, making it the fastest SUV at launch. The vehicle impressed with a top speed of 306 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds.

Over the years, the British company has expanded the range of Bentley SUV models, presenting new versions for the Bentayga. In 2016, it launched a 4-litre V8 diesel engine variant, marking Bentley’s first foray into diesel engines. Then, in 2018, it launched a hybrid version, another first for the brand, signaling a shift towards sustainable luxury. 2020 saw the first major facelift of Bentley’s Bentayga SUV, with design updates to bring it closer to the new Continental GT and Flying Spur. Changes included a larger grille, new headlights, and an improved interior with a larger 10.9-inch screen and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.

Until 2023, the Bentayga, through its various versions, has continued to be a bestseller, being Bentley’s most popular model, known for combining luxurious design, high performance and off-road versatility in a way that few, if any, own none of its competitors have managed to match it.

Bentayga: the best-selling Bentley SUV models

For example, in 2022, it was the first time in history that Bentley surpassed the 15,000 car sales mark, and the Bentley Bentayga SUV model accounted for 42% of total sales, with the Hybrid and Extended Wheelbase versions being in high demand. 2022 was a positive year for Bentley, after the Bentayga the most popular models are those of the Continental GT and Continental GTC series, whose sales represent 30% of the total. And the Flying Spur luxury sedan has sold very well, especially thanks to the hybrid version which allows for significant fuel savings.