The Bentley Bentayga 2023 with extended wheelbase (EWB) is proof that SUVs have taken over the throne once occupied by high-end sedans and limousines. According to Bentley, the global market for luxury SUVs is set to reach new heights in all regions of the world by the end of this decade.
In 2021, the automaker sold a record-breaking 14,659 vehicles, representing a 31 percent increase from 2020, with the Bentayga accounting for more than a third of the total sales.
Bentley further stated that the Bentayga remains the brand's flagship model, and the latest variant with extended wheelbase will eventually make up to 45 percent of all Bentayga sales.
The Bentayga EWB features a seven-centimeter extended wheelbase and a revised suspension, side panels, doors, and a new roof. Additionally, the Bentley design team has done an excellent job of maintaining the clear lines and stylistic proportions of the SUV during the transition. At first glance, it may appear to be a cut-and-paste job, but there is more to it than just an elongated body and chassis.
"The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is our first vehicle that truly focuses on the well-being of its occupants," said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors. "With the Extended Wheelbase, we were able to go even further thanks to the introduction of the world's first wellness technology embedded in our unmatched interior design."
Let's start with the automaker's airline seats, which can be
adjusted in 22 stages, including a relaxation mode that tilts the seat 40
degrees or a business mode that allows for a more upright position, so you can
work on your laptop while on the go. Bentley's airline seats also feature a new
automatic climate system with posture adjustment technology.
The first of the two new features embedded in the 2023 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) is the world's first wellness technology that measures your body temperature and surface moisture, and automatically adjusts the seat's temperature, cool air or a combination of both to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. The second feature is the posture adjustment system that measures the pressure on the entire seating surface and makes micro-adjustments to enhance your sitting position and pressure points. During a three-hour drive, the seats can make 177 individual pressure changes across six independent pressure zones to improve comfort and reduce fatigue.
The meticulously designed cabin of the Bentayga EWB features diamond quilting, created with "digital craft techniques" - a process first seen in the EXP 100 GT concept in 2019. Furthermore, the EWB model is the first Bentayga with metal overlay in veneer accents, made of individual brushed metal plaques only 0.07 mm thick.
The Bentley Diamond Illumination is another new feature for the Bentayga EWB. This updated version of the Starlight Headliner found in a Rolls-Royce illuminates the front and rear door panels by tiny perforations in the leather, measuring one millimeter. The color or intensity of the illumination can be configured through the infotainment system or the touchscreen remote control.
Other notable luxury features of the Bentayga EWB include heated armrests for the rear doors and center console, a separate ionizer for the rear, and two additional USB charging ports in the rear console. The Bentayga EWB comes standard with 4+1 seats (including an occasional middle rear seat), although it is not available with seven seats. However, you can order the four-seat comfort specification or the five-seat option if you require four or five seats. Otherwise, you should opt for the regular wheelbase Bentayga if you need more than five seats.
The Bentayga EWB is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine
with twin turbocharging, delivering 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.
Like the sportier Bentayga S, the EWB model sprints from zero to 100 km/h in
4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, which is impressive
considering it is longer than the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.
One of the notable features of this series includes the electronic all-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, dynamic suspension, and eight-speed automatic transmission.
2023 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is now available
and comes in two versions: Azure and First Edition. The Azure model features
10-spoke design 22-inch wheels, bright exterior color, panoramic sunroof,
quilted seats, ambient lighting, and a heated steering wheel, to name a few. On
the other hand, the Bentayga First Edition version boasts Diamond Illumination,
metal-overlay veneers, premium audio system, unique embroidery, and
model-specific badges.