2018 Bentley Bentayga Bentayga Review

In Malaysia's luxury SUV market, the 2018 Bentley Bentayga has always been synonymous with "ultimate luxury + performance" — after all, it is not only one of the first SUV models introduced by an ultra-luxury brand, but it also packs a 6.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine into a 5-meter-class body. For this test drive, we aim to verify whether this model, priced at over RM830,000, truly satisfies both "everyday comfort for commuting" and "occasional performance demands," as well as whether its luxurious details are worthy of the Bentley badge.

Starting with the exterior. The overall design of the 2018 Bentayga leans towards being steady and understated, without too many exaggerated lines, but the details are full of distinctiveness. The front grille features a large matrix-style chrome design, paired with sleek LED headlights on both sides, making it instantly recognizable as a Bentley even in heavy traffic. The side profile is sleek and elongated, with 21-inch wheels (with 285/45 R21 tires at both the front and rear) perfectly supporting the massive body without appearing top-heavy. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights adopting Bentley's iconic oval-shaped outline, and a subtle rear spoiler on the tailgate adds a touch of sportiness. Overall, its design aligns with the elegance of a luxury brand without appearing too ostentatious like some competitors, making it highly suitable for business or family occasions in Malaysia.

Entering the cabin, the sense of luxury is immediately apparent. The interior mainly features genuine leather and wood trims, and everywhere you touch is covered with soft-touch materials, providing a delicate feel. The central console layout is intuitive, with an 8-inch touchscreen that may not be considered a "large screen" by today's standards but responds quickly and offers user-friendly operation. The seats are highly practical: the driver’s seat supports height adjustment, and both the front and rear seats are electrically adjustable, with excellent cushioning and support — even on long drives, the lower back feels comfortable. The air-conditioning system offers automatic dual-zone climate control, with independent rear vents, and in Malaysia's hot weather, it can quickly cool down the entire cabin. Additionally, the standard single-pane sunroof enhances the cabin's brightness, and the 10-speaker audio system delivers clear sound quality, fully meeting the needs of daily music enjoyment.

In terms of space, the Bentayga has dimensions of 5140mm in length, 1998mm in width, and 1742mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2995mm, putting it in the mainstream level among luxury SUVs. The front-row space leaves nothing to be desired, with at least two fists of headroom and legroom for a 180cm passenger. The rear seats are even more impressive: passengers of the same height sitting in the rear have two and a half fists of legroom and more than one fist of headroom. Even if someone is seated in the middle, the floor hump is not too high, so it doesn’t feel too cramped. The trunk space is 484 liters, enough to fit two 28-inch suitcases along with several backpacks, which is adequate for family trips or business uses. There are also plenty of storage options, including door pockets and the center armrest compartment, which can hold a considerable number of small items.

The dynamic performance of the Bentayga is a highlight. It is equipped with a 6.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 608PS, with peak torque at 4500rpm, paired with an automatic transmission for extremely responsive power. Lightly stepping on the gas pedal allows the car to move effortlessly, while stepping on it forcefully gives an instant surge of acceleration — its official 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds is no exaggeration. On highways, overtaking hardly requires much prior judgment; a press of the accelerator is all it takes to easily zip past. Multiple driving modes are available: switching to sport mode makes gear shifts more aggressive, and the engine sound becomes deeper and more powerful, meeting the occasional need for a spirited drive; switching to comfort mode, the power delivery becomes smoother, ideal for daily commuting.

The handling and chassis performance also exceeded expectations. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and even with such a large SUV, it doesn’t feel “cumbersome” to drive. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension system are tuned with great resilience: when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly filters out the bumps without making passengers feel jostled; in corners, the body’s roll is well-controlled, and the suspension provides sufficient support to the body, ensuring strong stability. The official combined fuel consumption is 13.1L/100km, while our actual test drive showed around 15L in urban conditions and about 11L on the highway. Considering its weight (2395kg) and power, this fuel consumption performance seems reasonable.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control of the Bentayga is impressive. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well-suppressed, with only a slight engine sound entering the cabin, which does not affect conversation. The comfort of the seats has already been mentioned, and even for long periods of sitting, they don’t feel tiring. Additionally, the standard start-stop engine technology can save some fuel at red lights, and the rain-sensing wipers can automatically adjust their speed in rainy weather. These details enhance the convenience of daily use.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2018 Bentley Bentayga are clear: First, the dual strengths of “luxury + performance” not only satisfy the prestige needs of business occasions but also deliver impressive driving pleasure. Second, the space is practical—whether in the front row or the back row, passengers can sit comfortably. Third, the configuration is well-rounded, with basic comfort and safety features (such as front and rear radar, omnidirectional airbags, front collision warning) included as standard without needing additional cost for upgrades. Compared to its peers, such as the Range Rover Autobiography or Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG, the Bentayga's brand premium might be higher, but its integration of performance and luxury details is more spot on.

The target audience for this car is very clear: First, business professionals who value brand and luxury—it can hold its ground in any situation. Second, families seeking a balance between performance and comfort—the spaciousness and comfortable driving experience make it suitable for family trips. Third, driving enthusiasts who occasionally like to experience speed—a 4.1-second acceleration capability ranks among the top tier for SUVs.

All in all, the 2018 Bentley Bentayga does not disappoint. It combines the quality of an ultra-luxury brand with the power of a performance car, while also meeting daily needs with its space and comfort. If your budget allows and you’re looking for an “all-round” luxury SUV, the Bentayga is definitely worth considering—it’s not one of those "flashy but impractical" cars, but rather a product that truly balances prestige and practicality.