Name: Bentley Bentayga (2016 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Bentley Bentayga
Rating: 56.0

Summary

The Bentley Bentayga is a large luxury SUV, launched in 2015 before going on sale in the UK in 2016. It is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.

The Bentley Bentayga has received particular praise for its comfort, performance and luxury, but has been criticised for its divisive styling and for not feeling sufficiently better than the Audi Q7 on which it is based. An updated model arrived in the second half of 2020, which went some way to addressing these issues and has seen improved review scores from initial reports.

The Bentaygas has received further upgrades and improvements over the years, with additional higher-performance models and a longer Extended Wheelbase version.

As of February 2026, the Bentley Bentayga holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 55%. It gets good grades for its media review scores and Bentley’s new car warranty offering, but its CO₂ emissions are unsurprisingly high and running costs even more so. We also don’t have a Euro NCAP safety rating for the Bentayga, which doesn’t help its overall score.

More Bentley Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: large SUV
Engine: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £185,500 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Summer 2025
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“For ushering four people across a continent in opulent luxury, the Bentley Bentayga is exceptionally competent. But the lack of standard safety tech is simply unacceptable.”

Model reviewed: Pre-facelift range

Score: 6.4 / 10

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The Car Expert

Stuart Masson

“The Bentley Bentayga is one of the most accomplished and glamorous SUVs around, but you pay for the privilege.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 7 / 10

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Auto Express

More reviews

Auto Express

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic Speed (facelifted model)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga Speed may have sacrificed a core component of the brand’s performance models over the past two decades by shifting to V8 power, but we’re not mourning the loss too much. The Speed’s brief actually feels better suited to this new powertrain, though we’d like some extra theatre to match the improved dynamics.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: EWB
Score: 9 / 10
“The Bentayga EWB is a brilliant Bentley, but maybe not one that will go down in the brand’s back catalogue of best models, regardless of how successful its sales figures might look. We can’t fault the comfort and quality on offer here, though, even if the price tag is sky-high. The market wants SUVs, and the Bentayga EWB is simply one of the best in the business.” (Sean Carson)
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S
Score: 9 / 10
“Long considered one of the best-handling SUVs on sale, the Bentley Bentayga V8 S throws the rules of physics out the window. Taking the standard car’s feeling of poise and precision, it elevates them even further thanks to a sorted chassis and howling sports exhaust.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic (facelift model)
Score: 8 / 10
“This feels like a very worthy mid-life upgrade for the Bentley Bentayga – even though the unchanged V8 engine remains at the core of the vehicle’s appeal. Where this car really stands out next to its VW Group stablemates, though, is in the personal touches and British craftsmanship in the cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“In terms of low speed smoothness and refinement, a hybrid system feels completely appropriate for the Bentayga.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Extended Wheelbase (2020)
Score: 10 / 10
“Bentley takes rear-seat luxury to new levels with the EWB (Extended Wheelbase) version of its Bentayga SUV.” (Erin Baker)
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Model reviewed: Plug-in Hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“The hybrid system has been very cleverly tuned to deliver that silent, instantly available sense of power Bentley drivers love.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The new Bentley Bentayga sticks with the winning combo of luxury and performance while sharpening its style and increasing the tech.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“Depending on your intended use, the Bentayga Hybrid will either be the answer to your prayers or something of a disappointment. When pushed, it just doesn’t have the effortless nature you’d expect from the flying B and is far too reminiscent of lesser Volkswagen group products.”
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Model reviewed: Speed
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a reason why Bentley is known for luxury, as the Bentayga’s cockpit is a sight to behold and be a part of.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The electrified Bentayga offers three hybrid modes: EV-only, Hybrid and Hold, plus a further three driving modes on top, including Sport, Bentley and Comfort.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you can afford the price, the Bentley Bentayga is a seriously swift and luxurious SUV, with a driving experience that belies its size.”
Author: Richard Ingram, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga is an uber-luxurious and exclusive SUV that redefines luxury in this area of the market, but you might spot some Audi switches around the interior.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol V8 First Edition
“Bentley’s refreshed luxury SUV faces intense competition on price, spec, performance and illusive star quality from some deadly rivals. Driving in ‘Sport’ mode is particularly invigorating, with Space-X style lift off.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
“If you want a large, luxurious off-roader that doesn’t drink petrol as quickly as the 4.0 litre V8, or the awesome 187mph 6.0 litre W12 Bentayga then the hybrid could be for you.”
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Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“Bentley’s first trip into the luxury plug-in hybrid sector. Traditional Bentley craftsmanship without typical Bentley mpg… as long as you remember to plug it in.”
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic
“A Bentley Bentayga owner might take the practicalities for granted as they drool over the myriad ways their particular car can be made to feel even more special.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Speed
Score: 8 / 10
“A little extra pace and handling edge will suit buyers who always want the ultimate.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S (post-facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Reworked chassis results in the best-driving version of Bentley’s SUV yet.”
Author: Stuart Gallagher
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Even when considered against other super-luxurious SUVs, the Bentley Bentayga is a very tempting option. Granted, there are far cheaper SUVs that do a fairly similar job, but none of those have the quality, craftsmanship or heritage of a Bentley. Strong in every area, so a great all-rounder.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 10 / 10
“Only a happenstance of ‘monkey types up a Shakespeare’ proportions would see your Bentley Bentayga duplicated elsewhere. In that context, the price and the running costs won’t matter at all. Nor will the fact that it really is that ugly.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga is a class act. Its styling remains divisive, but it offers luxury, all-weather ability and a real sense of occasion.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9.4 / 10
“Bentley’s first SUV impresses with speed and comfort – at a price”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: W12
“A limo with no limits. You can travel first-class everywhere.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Diesel
Score: 8 / 10
“Eats motorways and laughs in the face of Alps.”
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Model reviewed: W12
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s an open question whether the Bentley Bentayga will spend most of its time gatecrashing sheep conventions in the Cairngorms or gliding darkly through the VIP pick-up areas at airports. But the point is, it can do both.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic EWB Azure
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga EWB is big, thirsty and really very expensive for something which shares its basic platform with a Volkswagen Touareg. It also doesn’t ride quite as unctuously over urban bumps as you might expect a Bentley to. And it feels vast and very heavy on open roads. Despite all this, though, it’s hard not to come away from this car with a sense of having driven (or ridden in) something rather special.” (Alex Robbins)
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“If you can live with the fuel consumption, the V8 is a much better Bentayga that does without many of the flaws and foibles that afflict the Hybrid. And if you really need a plug-in, there are some much cheaper alternatives that, while admittedly less opulent, are more satisfying to drive.”
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Model reviewed: V8
Score: 6 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga V8 makes a beautiful noise and costs significantly less than the 12-pot with only minor performance sacrifices. It’s naff, but technically competent and volcanic on the autobahn.”
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Model reviewed: Diesel
Score: 8 / 10
“Bentley has actually managed to make diesel a luxury fuel; amazing. If you’re after a six-figure, ultra-luxury SUV to make a statement, and for the occasional soggy polo field, this is the one to go for.”
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Model reviewed: W12 petrol
Score: 8 / 10
“Hugely impressive in so many ways, the Bentley Bentayga is sure to be a sales success.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Bentley Bentayga has always been an irresistibly posh take on the SUV. Its update only exaggerates the feeling.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“A luxury SUV that can trundle its wealthy occupants around a zero-emissions city centre isn’t to be sniffed at.”
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Model reviewed: Speed
Score: 6 / 10
“It really is a mighty motor, and you get to experience it properly because Bentley locks the torque converter up at low revs, allowing the engine to drive directly.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of September 2025, the Bentley Bentayga has not been tested by Euro NCAP. Based on its price, we’re not expecting it to ever happen – but if it does, we’ll update this section accordingly.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of February 2026, the Bentley Bentayga has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	21 mpg	E
Plug-in hybrid models	22 mpg	E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	298 g/km	E
Plug-in hybrid models	68 g/km	A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	28 miles	E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F

The Bentley Bentayga is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The SUV’s fuel economy of 21 mpg is one of the poorest fuel consumption stats in our Expert Rating Index, and insurance premiums are in the most expensive bracket too.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of February 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Bentley Bentayga to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Bentayga, we’ll publish the score here.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Bentley Bentayga

2023

2022

2021

2020

2017

2016

Date: September 2023
Recall number: R/2023/252
Model types: Bentayga 6.0-litre W12 models
Build dates: 11/2015 to 04/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1,036
Defect: On affected vehicles the electrical connectors on the W12 Fuel Supply Module located in the fuel tank can overheat and melt the flange material. Melting of the Fuel Supply Module flange material could result in a small fuel leak towards the top of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Replacement of the fuel supply module flange.

Date: May 2022
Recall number: R/2022/094
Model types: All Bentayga models
Build dates: 06/2020 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 977
Defect: The 2nd row seats may not be correctly aligned and locked on all seat rails.
Remedy: Check and re-set the relative 2nd row seat rail positions to ensure proper engagement of the seat rail runners.

Date: August 2021
Recall number: R/2021/297
Model types: Bentayga 4.0-litre V8 models
Build dates: 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: Incorrect software parameters may have been released for the Chassis Control Module of certain vehicles fitted with standard (passive) roll bars.
Remedy: The Chassis Control Module will be updated with the correct software parameters.

Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/171
Model types: Bentayga 4.0-litre V8 models
Build dates: 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: Cracks could be present in the cylinder bore of specific V8 engines.
Remedy: Replace the engine of affected vehicles.

Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/153
Model types: Bentayga 4.0-litre V8 models
Build dates: 12/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 12
Defect: The nut of the eccentric screw could break on the rear axle lower lever arm which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle.
Remedy: Replace with new known correct nuts from outside identified manufacturing batches. If the screw connection is already damaged this will additionally be replaced.

Date: August 2020
Recall number: R/2020/074
Model types: Bentayga 4.0-litre V8 models
Build dates: 01/2018 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 602
Defect: The fuel low pressure hose quick connect in the engine compartment could be subjected to temperatures above the design operating specification.
Remedy: Replace the existing fuel quick connect with one made of an improved material. Update engine cooling fan software where required.

Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/074
Model types: Bentayga seven-seat models
Build dates: 01/2017 to 01/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 307
Defect: The third row seat belt pillar D-loop upper anchorages may not fulfil the legal load requirements.
Remedy: Replace the existing 14×26 mm bolt used to attach the seat belt D-loop with a 14x40mm bolt.

Date: April 2017
Recall number: R/2017/113
Model types: All Bentayga models
Build dates: 09/2016 to 03/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 109
Defect: Due to a poor earth connection steering power assistance may by lost.
Remedy: On affected vehicles check the earth connection. Where necessary remove clean and reconnect the earth cable.

Date: December 2016
Recall number: R/2016/261
Model types: All Bentayga models
Build dates: 11/2015 to 11/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 239
Defect: It has been identified that certain internal body joints or fixing may not have been torqued to the correct specification. If not torqued to the correct specification then the joints/fixings may loosen over time. This could affect the vehicle’s integrity if involved in a collision.
Remedy: Recall all the affected vehicle to check and if required torque certain internal body joints and fixings.

As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been ten DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Bentley Bentayga to address multiple issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Bentley dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Bentayga, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.