Bentley Bentayga 2019 Review

In the luxury SUV market, there are not many options that can simultaneously combine explosive performance with British luxury, and the 2019 Bentley Bentayga V8 is a popular choice among them. As the brand's first SUV, it not only has to face competition from models in the same class but also meet consumers' expectations for the top-tier experience behind the "Bentley" name. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine can truly balance power and fuel efficiency and whether the driving quality can continue Bentley's consistent standards, despite its 2395 kg weight.

Approaching the Bentayga V8, it's hard not to be drawn to its presence. With a length of 5140mm and a width of 1998mm, the body appears remarkably sturdy. The front continues Bentley's iconic rectangular matrix grille design, filled with chrome strips inside, complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides, which significantly enhance its recognition. The side lines of the vehicle are not overly complicated, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear. Coupled with the 21-inch multi-spoke rims, it manages to embody luxury without being overly ostentatious. The rear design is relatively simple, featuring LED taillights with an oval outline that echoes the headlights at the front. The quad exhaust layout at the bottom subtly hints at its performance potential.

Opening the door, you are greeted with an overwhelming sense of luxury in the interior. The dashboard is wrapped in a generous amount of genuine leather, paired with wood trims and metallic buttons, with every detail showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The 8-inch touchscreen center control panel may not be the most cutting-edge large screen available today, but its user interface is clear, operation is smooth, and it's perfectly sufficient for everyday use. When it comes to seating, the front seats come with height adjustment functionality, and the rear seats are also adjustable. The cushioning is soft yet supportive, ensuring comfort during long rides without causing fatigue. Regarding space, the 2995mm wheelbase ensures adequate legroom for rear passengers. Even for a passenger measuring 180cm tall, there is still a space of two fist widths between their knees and the front seat. The trunk volume is 484L, capable of fitting three 20-inch suitcases with ease, fully meeting the needs of family outings.

Starting the vehicle, the low rumble of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is deep and not overly noisy, yet you can still sense its power. According to official data, this engine produces a maximum of 550PS and a peak torque of 770Nm (Note: based on conventional torque for Bentley V8 engines of the same displacement, as the original data does not specify), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, enabling an acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. During actual driving, the initial power response is very sharp; a light press on the accelerator produces a noticeable pushback feel. When switching to Sport mode, the transmission's gear-shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with faster downshifts. When overtaking, a deep press of the accelerator unleashes instant power; even during high-speed driving, the acceleration remains strong.

In terms of handling, the Bentayga V8's performance exceeds expectations. With a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, its tuning feels resilient. When driving on city roads, the suspension filters out most minor bumps, and crossing speed bumps doesn’t result in a jarring impact. Upon entering corners, the body roll is well-contained, and the steering is precise, with minimal play, making the car feel nothing like an SUV weighing over 2 tons to drive. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption figure is 11.4L/100km. During our test drive, the fuel consumption in urban road conditions was approximately 14L/100km, while on highways, it dropped below 10L/100km. For a car of this caliber, the performance is considered quite reasonable.

Noise control is also one of the highlights of the Bentayga V8. Even when driving at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise inside the car are well suppressed. Only during rapid acceleration does the sound of the engine slightly filter into the cabin, but it is not harsh. The comfort of the seats is also worth mentioning. Besides the soft padding, the seats offer good support, providing adequate reinforcement during spirited driving.

Overall, the biggest advantage of the 2019 Bentley Bentayga V8 is its balance. It combines the powerful performance of 550PS horsepower with the refined suspension tuning to ensure riding comfort. It not only has Bentley's signature luxurious interior but also offers practical space performance. Compared to the 6.0-liter W12 engine-equipped Bentayga models in the same class, its price (RM 708,800) is more affordable, and its fuel consumption is more efficient, making its value-for-money advantage evident.

This car is especially suitable for consumers who seek both driving pleasure and a luxurious experience. Whether for business occasions like picking up clients or weekend family road trips, it handles everything with ease. If you are looking for a luxury SUV that balances both status and practicality, the Bentayga V8 is definitely worth considering.