BENTLEY STARTS SERIES PRODUCTION OF CLASS-LEADING BENTAYGA EXTENDED WHEELBASE

Bentley Motors today announced that production has started on the all-new Bentayga Extended Wheelbase at the company’s sustainable factory campus in Crewe. In parallel, Bentley confirms Type Approval and a set of performance figures that delivers the renowned effortless luxury of a Bentayga, without compromise.       

Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) increases the Bentley range to five models, the result of a nine-figure investment to create the best rear cabin experience since the Mulsanne. It builds on the strengths of the Bentayga, a car that defined the luxury SUV sector at launch in 2015. Following its debut earlier this year, the EWB accounts for approximately 40 per cent of total Bentayga orders and further cements the model as Bentley’s best-selling.

Following official certification, Bentley can announce performance data for the very first time. Powered by Bentley’s proven 4.0-litre 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, the Bentayga EWB V8 offers supercar performance, developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque, resulting in a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds (100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).    

To complement this performance with an unrivalled cabin, the extension of the wheelbase of the Bentayga by 180 mm includes changes to the underfloor, side panels and roof. The increased length is all in the rear door, creating an exceptionally luxurious rear cabin that is larger than any other luxury competitor. This allows an emphasis on wellness, with the introduction of the world’s first auto climate and advanced postural adjustment rear seat.     

Bentley Extended Wheelbase is available with three seating configurations, including a standard, all-new 4 + 1 layout with occasional middle seat, alongside four and five-seat versions. Luxurious, 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation and five massage programmes help minimise fatigue throughout a journey.

Optional Airline Seat Specification offers maximum relaxation in the rear, with backrests that recline to 40 degrees and make it easier to sleep. Other key features include Seat Auto Climate, Postural Adjustment, additional cushion and backrest bolster adjustment, plus heated rear door and centre armrests.

Throughout the cabin, new craftsmanship elements bolster a class-leading interior. The first application of Bentley Dynamic Illumination delivers lighting through handcrafted leather, while finer sewing threads create Bentley’s softest, lofted quilt to date. In total, customers can choose from 24 billion trim combinations.

Chassis and powertrain refinements include Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard, reflecting the dynamic abilities of the Bentayga that have already won critical acclaim.

Peter Bosch, Member of the Board for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, said:

“The new Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is the next chapter in the Bentagya story which, since the original luxury SUV came to market in 2015, has transformed the sector and resulted in record sales. At Bentley, we collaborated with our customers to stretch the class-leading SUV’s breadth of ability even further, leading to a rear-cabin experience comparable to the legendary Mulsanne. 

“In our Crewe, U.K. Dream Factory, we combine the highest levels of innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability. Each car produced contains leading technology and is an artisanal piece of art, handcrafted using only the finest of materials, in true Bentley fashion. As part of the Bentley experience, our first EWB customers significantly personalised their orders and we are proud to now deliver the first highly bespoke cars of our new sector-defining pinnacle model.”