2026 Bentley Bentayga Review

2026 Bentley Bentayga – Overview

If the Bentley Continental GT feels a touch too intimate for your daily motoring needs, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga answers with a grander, more commanding presence—essentially a palatial estate on wheels. This ultra-luxury SUV embodies the essence of Bentley’s timeless craftsmanship and unmistakable design while offering the practicality and presence that only a high-riding vehicle can deliver.

From its signature matrix grille and crystal-cut headlamps to its hand-stitched, leather-wrapped interior, the Bentayga makes no compromises in the pursuit of luxury. Every detail, from the diamond-quilted seats to the real wood veneers, oozes opulence and meticulous British craftsmanship.

Under its sculpted hood lie a trio of powerful powertrain options tailored to different driving tastes: a 443-hp plug-in hybrid for eco-conscious performance, a 542-hp twin-turbo V8 for balanced dynamism, and a range-topping 641-hp twin-turbo W12 in the fire-breathing Bentayga Speed. Each engine delivers a unique blend of smoothness and urgency, ensuring the Bentayga drives as well as it looks.

Despite its performance potential, the Bentayga never loses sight of its luxury-first mission. It glides over pavement with regal composure, pampers passengers with bespoke materials, and delivers cutting-edge technology wrapped in old-world elegance. Competing with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes-Maybach GLS600, the Bentayga continues to define what it means to travel in elite, five-seat luxury.

When Is The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Coming Out?

Bentley typically announces and begins deliveries of its new model year vehicles several months before the calendar year changes. For the 2026 Bentley Bentayga, the expected arrival is in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2025, with dealerships beginning to receive stock around September to October 2025. Orders generally open several months in advance, giving prospective buyers a chance to customize and reserve their preferred specs.

What’s New for 2026 Bentley Bentayga?

After a two-year hiatus, the Bentayga Speed roars back for 2026 with a potent 641-hp twin-turbo V-8 and a suite of dynamic upgrades. A retuned Sport drive mode sharpens steering and stiffens suspension damping by 15 percent, enhancing cornering precision. Bentley has also relaxed the stability control system, unlocking the potential for controlled, stylish drifts. New standard all-wheel steering boosts low-speed agility and high-speed stability.

Performance options include carbon-ceramic brakes and a titanium Akrapovič exhaust for a lighter, sharper edge. Visually, the Speed stands apart with dark-tinted headlights and taillights, chrome Speed badging, painted brake calipers, and a choice between 22- or 23-inch wheels. Inside, bespoke Speed embroidery and diamond-quilted upholstery further elevate the cabin’s exclusivity.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga is expected to start at around $210,000, with fully optioned versions—especially the Speed or extended-wheelbase trims—reaching up to $342,000.

While the Speed model is undeniably thrilling with its 641-hp V-8 and aggressive styling, the S V-8 strikes the ideal balance between exhilarating performance and refined luxury. For the best experience, we recommend equipping it with the optional adaptive suspension for a smoother ride, the rear-seat entertainment system to delight passengers, and the 20-speaker Naim premium audio system for unmatched sound quality.

For those who prioritize long-distance comfort and chauffeured opulence, the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) version is worth the premium. It delivers generous rear-seat legroom and enhanced amenities, making it the perfect mobile sanctuary. Additionally, opting for the Touring Specification package adds a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features, elevating both safety and convenience.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga offers a range of powerful and refined powertrains to suit different tastes and driving styles:

• Hybrid Models: At the entry point is a plug-in hybrid setup pairing a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor, delivering a combined 443 horsepower. The Azure and S Hybrid variants get a slightly uprated version with 456 horsepower, offering a quiet, efficient, and dignified driving experience for urban and short-range driving.

• V-8 Models: Stepping up to the S V-8 unleashes a 542-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, which strikes an outstanding balance of speed and sound, with confident acceleration and a commanding road presence.

• Speed Model: At the top of the lineup, the Bentayga Speed brings serious firepower with a 641-hp twin-turbo V-8. It’s a true performance SUV, capable of rocket-like thrust and a more athletic demeanor thanks to suspension tweaks, a revised Sport drive mode, and standard all-wheel steering.

Every Bentayga comes equipped with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring confidence in all conditions. Regardless of the engine, the Bentayga delivers brisk acceleration and a cosseting ride, though Sport mode in the Speed can introduce some ride firmness. Compared to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Bentayga feels more composed and nimble on twisty roads—offering genuine dynamic satisfaction without sacrificing comfort.

0–60 MPH Times

The 2026 Bentayga lineup offers impressive acceleration across the board, but performance varies by powertrain:

• The Azure Hybrid sprinted to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds during our testing—a respectable time for a luxury SUV with eco-conscious credentials, though not quite in super-SUV territory.

• The S V-8, with its 542-hp twin-turbocharged engine, shaved a full second off that mark, hitting 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. In our extended testing, a 2023 Bentayga S V-8 completed our 0–150–0 mph test in just 32.8 seconds, a strong showing that highlights its dual nature: brutal speed wrapped in ultimate refinement.

• As for the new Bentayga Speed, Bentley claims it’s the fastest Bentayga ever built, with a factory-quoted 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. We haven’t independently tested this latest Speed yet, but based on previous performance and upgrades—including all-wheel steering and optimized Sport mode—it’s poised to live up to that bold promise.

Stay tuned for real-world testing data once we get our hands on the Speed model.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The plug-in hybrid variants of the 2026 Bentley Bentayga—such as the Azure Hybrid and S Hybrid—are powered by an 18-kWh battery pack. According to EPA estimates, they can deliver up to 25 miles of electric-only range on a full charge.

In real-world conditions, the Bentayga Hybrid has shown even better performance. During our 2023 testing, the plug-in model consistently exceeded expectations, averaging 28 miles of all-electric range across seven charge cycles. That’s a solid figure for a luxury SUV of its size and weight, making it a practical choice for short urban commutes and silent, emissions-free cruising.

Charging can be done via a standard home Level 2 charger, and although DC fast-charging is not available on Bentayga plug-in hybrids, a full recharge on Level 2 typically takes just a few hours—ideal for overnight top-ups.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

As of now, the EPA has not officially released fuel economy figures for the 2026 Bentley Bentayga. However, given that most powertrains carry over from the previous model year, we expect similar numbers for 2026.

For reference:

• The V-8-powered Bentayga was rated at 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

• The plug-in hybrid variants earned slightly better estimates at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, not including the electric-only range of up to 25 miles.

In our real-world testing, the V-8 Bentayga managed to beat its highway estimate, returning an impressive 24 mpg on our 75-mph fuel economy loop—a strong result for such a powerful and luxurious SUV.

We anticipate the 2026 models to deliver similar efficiency, with the possible exception of the new Speed variant, which may post slightly lower figures due to its increased performance tuning.

For the most current fuel economy ratings, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The cabin of the 2026 Bentley Bentayga is every bit the rolling sanctuary you’d expect from a brand steeped in opulence. Supple, aromatic leathers, genuine hand-finished wood veneers, and gleaming metal accents create an environment that is as tactile as it is visually stunning. Every surface feels meticulously crafted, and nearly every element can be customized to suit the buyer’s taste.

Seating configurations include individual front and rear bucket seats or a more traditional three-across second-row bench. While the rear accommodations aren’t quite as decadent as those in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, they still offer ample space and supreme comfort—especially in the long-wheelbase (EWB) variant. Opting for the EWB adds substantial rear legroom and the option for 22-way-adjustable rear bucket seats that recline up to 40 degrees, massage, and ventilate, making them ideal for chauffeured comfort.

Luxury flourishes abound, including:

• Two available mother-of-pearl-faced Breitling dash clocks

• A rear-seat bottle cooler

• Adjustable ambient lighting

• A secure safe with a biometric fingerprint reader

Despite its plush focus, the Bentayga is also practically spacious, with enough room in the cargo area to fit nine carry-on suitcases. That makes it as useful for weekend getaways as it is indulgent.

For those seeking something truly unique, Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke program opens the door to virtually limitless personalization—from unique embroidery and stitching patterns to exotic materials and exclusive color palettes. Of course, this level of customization carries a significant premium, but for many Bentayga buyers, exclusivity is everything.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2026 Bentayga comes equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making navigation and smartphone connectivity effortless. The system features crisp graphics and intuitive controls, ensuring drivers and passengers stay connected and entertained on the go.

For rear-seat occupants, Bentley offers an optional entertainment package featuring two 10.2-inch screens mounted on the back of the front headrests. This setup lets passengers browse the internet, interact with the main infotainment system, or enjoy movies and media in stunning clarity—perfect for long journeys.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the standard 12-speaker sound system, but upgrading to the Naim premium 20-speaker audio system transforms the Bentayga’s cabin into a concert hall, delivering rich, immersive sound with crystal-clear detail.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Bentley equips the Bentayga with a respectable suite of driver-assistance technologies, though many advanced safety features are optional rather than standard—unlike some competitors in the luxury SUV segment, such as the BMW X7 or Cadillac Escalade, which include more in their base packages.

Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, helping to prevent collisions in city and suburban environments.

• Available lane-departure warning paired with lane-keeping assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered on the road during highway cruising.

• Available adaptive cruise control for relaxed driving in stop-and-go traffic.

• An optional night-vision system enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

For detailed crash test ratings and safety scores, consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like all Bentley models, the Bentayga comes with a standard three-year limited warranty that has no mileage limit. Additionally, the first scheduled maintenance visit is complimentary. By comparison, the Bentley Cullinan offers enhanced coverage with a four-year limited warranty and four years of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty: 3 years, unlimited miles

• Powertrain warranty: 3 years, unlimited miles

• Complimentary maintenance: 1 year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first

2026 Bentley Bentayga Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga continues to dominate the ultra-luxury SUV segment by offering an unmatched blend of performance, craftsmanship, and technology. Its powerful engine options, particularly the mighty W12, make it one of the fastest SUVs available, while the interior remains a showcase of hand-crafted opulence and cutting-edge tech.

Bentley’s meticulous attention to detail shines in every aspect — from the rich leather and woodwork to the quiet, comfortable ride. The advanced driver aids and infotainment tech keep the Bentayga competitive with the latest in luxury innovation. Despite a price tag that puts it firmly in the ultra-luxury bracket, the Bentayga represents a worthy investment for buyers seeking exclusivity, power, and peerless refinement.

2026 Bentley Bentayga Videos