Having been impressed with his first drive in a Bentayga a few years ago, Mike Haig returns to the model and tests the new Azure V8 variant. Images: Courtesy of Author and Bentley Motors

Exactly four years have passed since I last wrote an article for Review on the Bentayga. It certainly does not seem that long ago, but the old saying that time passes much faster as we age holds true here. The Bentayga has been in production since 2015/16 and is Bentley Motors’ best-selling model ever.

When I did my original test I certainly did not know what to expect – being a dyed-in-the-wool old-school ‘Bentley man’. At the time I guess I was suspicious, like many, of a large four-wheel drive SUV – something completely at odds with all previous conceptions of what a Bentley should be. As it turned out my fears were soon dispelled once I had driven it and realised what a great car it was. However, life moves on and in the intervening years Bentley Motors has introduced several new versions of the Bentayga, with different engine configurations plus subtle body and trim upgrades. The suspension and general running gear has also received attention.

The engine options have been the W12 and V8 petrol plus diesel and hybrid along with the latest EV. Recently I had the opportunity to sample for a weekend a brand new Bentayga Azure four-litre V8 courtesy of my local main dealer, Bentley Birmingham. (The model forms part of a recently introduced five-strong Azure range also featuring the Bentayga EWB, Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur.) This opportunity coincided with a Midlands Region event which allowed plenty of driving on a wide variety of roads including farm tracks. In total we clocked up over 300 miles which gave a good impression of the car’s capabilities.

The Bentayga Azure's impressive dynamics "lifts the car out of the ordinary", insists Mike

Mike having just returned from some green-laning. Although he doesn't look too overjoyed he was in fact 'as happy as Larry' after the Bentayga Azure had performed beautifully 

When I carried out my original test I said at the time that I had not read any articles on the Bentayga so was not influenced by someone else’s opinion. For me this is very important as I like to form my own opinion about a car. According to Bentley Motors’ official blurb the Bentayga Azure ‘elevates the luxury SUV experience, offering new levels of comfort alongside unique styling’. After reading this I was keen to investigate.

The original Bentayga Mike test-drove four years ago belonged to son Marcus. Mike believes no modern car can compare to the Bentayga Azure's 'wonderful interior'. Compare and contrast the new Bentayga EWB Mulliner's interior with that of the Azure.

When I carried out my original test I said at the time that I had not read any articles on the Bentayga so was not influenced by someone else’s opinion. For me this is very important as I like to form my own opinion about a car. According to Bentley Motors’ official blurb the Bentayga Azure ‘elevates the luxury SUV experience, offering new levels of comfort alongside unique styling’. After reading this I was keen to investigate. Obviously as four years have passed since my original test it was going to be a little difficult to compare the old and new models. However, sitting in the new car it was obvious that its interior was on a different level to the original: there is a bewildering amount of adjustments to the seats, air conditioning, entertainment and driving aids, and I did not have time to try them all. But once I had easily found a comfortable driving position I was as happy as Larry. There is no doubt that the Bentayga’s interior is a wonderful place to be and I’m positive it’s a great selling point. No modern car can compare.

A top speed of 180mph and 542 bhp from the Bentley Azure's V8 engine are 'supercar figures' says Mike

So, how does she go? Well, let’s look at the numbers. The quoted power for the V8 is 542bhp and 770 newton meters of torque. These are phenomenal figures for a four litre engine and the car accelerates from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 180mph. In reality, these are supercar figures. The hybrid V6 version is not too shabby, either, with a combined 456bhp and 516 newton meters of torque. Maximum speed is quoted as only 158mph! It also has a combined fuel economy of 94.2 mpg. Obviously, the electric-only range is limited but enough for many commuting journeys. These cars could become quite popular!

Honestly, I did not get to 180mph – giving it full beans I chickened out at 70 but I have to say that the kick in the back was more than exhilarating as the marvellous engine shifted effortlessly through its eight-speed gearbox. At cruising speed, the car is very quiet and well insulated from the outside world. Serene. One of the most impressive improvements to the Bentayga is the steering. It is very positive, not overly light, with just the right amount of sporty feel to help make the driving experience sublime. Great straight-line performance is all well and good but it is the dynamics – steering, roadholding, handling and braking – that lift a car out of the ordinary. This big car does not disappoint in any department. And if I’d had it or longer perhaps I might have come up with some negatives, but to be honest I loved it. On returning the car to Bentley Birmingham I had a look at the new Bentayga EV model. Perhaps I may get an opportunity to test drive one soon and let you know what it’s like.

The Bentayga is an integral part of Bentley's five-strong Azure range 

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Thank you to the Bentley Drivers Club (BDC) for giving us kind permission to use this article on our website.

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