The 2021 Bentley Bentayga LWB is a long-wheelbase version of the already familiar Bentayga. Not yet confirmed by the British company, the SUV was spotted testing around and on the Nurburgring track and looks ready to go into production.

Compared to the regular Bentayga, the 2021 Bentayga LWB will feature a slightly longer wheelbase that will add a few extra inches of legroom for second-row seat passengers. When's it going into production and what extras will it come with? Find out in the speculative review below.

2021 Bentley Bentayga LWB

Specifications
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  • Model: 2021 Bentley Bentayga LWB
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Longer wheelbase - Longer rear doors - Longer rear-door windows - Identical to the regular Bentayga otherwise - Comes with new facelift features

Although the prototype is wrapped in some camo, it's pretty obvious that we're looking at a production-ready example. It's obviously based on the facelifted Bentayga and the changes that come with the LWB version are quite obvious. The Bentayga LWB is identical to the standard model front and rear, but the profile shots reveal a longer wheelbase. The rear doors are also longer, as is the glasshouse.

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Everything else will remain similar to the regular SUV, so the LWB model will still look like a Continental GT on stilts. We can see the same massive grille up front and the same quad headlamp layout with larger lights in the center and small lamps to the sides. Expect the same wheel options up to 22 inches in diameter and look for the new elyptical taillights in the rear (with matching tailpipes).

Interior

- Enhanced second-row legroom - Third-row could also get more room - New seating layout? - Extra luxury features? - Similar to regular Bentayga - Very luxurious overall

The interior of the Bentayga LWB will remain unchanged save for the extra legroom for rear-seat passengers and maybe some upgrades to the rear compartment. The longer doors will enable easier entry and exit, while the longer wheelbase will add a few extra inches of legroom. The already comfortable Bentayga will become much more comfortable. The extra room will also turn it into a better option for people looking to either travel in style or those who need a spacious rear compartment to work or conduct business on the go.

The extra space will enable Bentley to add one or two new configurations in the rear. The British firm will likely offer the same configuration with four, five or seven seats. The latter could also benefit of more room for third-row passengers. However, Bentley could introduce a more lounge-style layout with just two rear seats and foldable tables to set up a desk of some kind. The LWB model will benefit from the upgrades that came with the facelift, such as the removable five-inch tablet that controls the infotainment system and ventilated rear seats with extra reclining for increased knee room.

Recent Bentayga upgrades that will find their way into the long-wheelbase model include a new infotainment system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and new digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The SUV now also comes with USB-C ports, air ionisers, wireless smartphone charging, and an embedded SIM card for data services.

Of course, the LWB model will be just as luxurious as the regular Bentayga, with nearly everything draped in high-quality leather, Alcantara, authentic wood trim, and polished metal elements.

Drivetrain and Performance

- Same engines as regular model - 4.0-liter V-8 - Hybrid drivetrain - Diesel could be an option - W-12 Speed model uncertain - A bit slower than regular Bentayga

The long-wheelbase version of the Bentayga should become available with all engine options offered with the regular model. There are four different drivetrains to choose from, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid options.

The gasoline range used to include both the V-8 and the W-12 engines, but the latter has been removed with the facelift and it's now available with the Speed model only. So the availability of this mill depends on whether Bentley will offer a Speed variant of the Bentayga LWB.

If that happens, the only gasoline choice for this SUV will be the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8. This engine cranks out a solid 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to push the big SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Since the longer model will be heavier, the benchmark could drop to 4.5 clicks. Top speed should remain unchanged at 180 mph.

Should the Bentley LWB also be offered in Speed trim, it will come with the range-topping W-12 engine. The twin-turbo, 6.0-liter unit packs a massive 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, making the Bentley one of the most powerful SUVs out there. With this engine, the luxury SUV hits 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and tops out at 190 mph, as much as the Lamborghini Urus. The LWB Speed could be a tad slower to 60 mph, but its top speed should remain unchanged.



If you're a fan of hybrids, the Bentayga LWB will be offered in PHEV trim with a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine and an electric motor. Total output is rated at 443 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, while the 17.3-kWh battery provides a range of around 31 miles per single charge.

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

3.0-liter V-6 gasoline mill and an E Motor

Horsepower

443 HP

Torque

516 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.2 seconds

Top Speed

158 mph

Range (electric only)

31 miles


Finally, you will be able to buy the Bentayga LWB with a diesel, but you should know that this engine is restricted to a few markets. Bentley discontinued the mill from Europe in 2020, so you can only buy it if you live in countries like Australia, Russia, and South Africa. A twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8, the diesel churns 429 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist and should push the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.7 seconds. Top speed should come in at around 168 mph.

All engines mate to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all versions of the Bentayga LWB will use a 48-volt electrical system to control the active anti-roll bar, which reduces body roll.

How much will the Bentley Bentayga LWB cost?

It's a bit early to talk about prices, but it's safe to assume that the long-wheelbase model will be a tad more expensive than the regular Bentayga. The latter starts from around $250,000 in base trim, so the LWB could come in at around $270,000. If Bentley will offer a Speed version, expect it to cost at least $330,000 before options.

When will the Bentley Bentayga LWB arrive?

The prototype seems ready to go into production, so the Bentayga LWB could break cover by the end of 2020 or in the first months of 2021. It will go on sale for the 2021 model year in Europe, but it will probably be a 2022 model in the United States.

Is the Bentley Bentayga LWB better than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

Although Rolls-Royce offers extended wheelbase versions of the Ghost and Phantom, an LWB variant of the Cullinan is not yet available. However, the Cullinan's wheelbase is already some 12 inches longer than the Bentayga's, so the regular Rolls will be on par with the extended Bentley. Legroom is also not an issue inside the Rolls-Royce and the same can be said about technology and luxury features. So it's mostly about which badge and design you prefer. The Cullinan is a boxier, more imposing SUV, borrowing heavily from the Phantom. On the other hand, you don't get as many engine options from Rolls-Royce. The Cullinan comes with a 6.75-liter V-12 engine rated at 563 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. It falls somewhere between Bentley's V-8 and W-12 and there's no option for a hybrid yet. Opt for the Black Badge model and output jumps to 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist, closer to the Bentayga Speed. The Cullinan is a bit more expensive, coming in at $335,350 in base spec and at $382,000 with the Black Badge package.

Read our full review on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Conclusion

The long-wheelbase version is a natural evolution for the Bentayga, which is now Bentley's most popular model. While the Bentayga LWB might not be that important in Europe or the United States, it could become a big hit in China, where long-wheelbase vehicles are far more popular than on other markets. Bentley could also score big in the Middle East, where comfortable, luxury models are in high demand. Of course, a longer Bentayga also enables Bentley to better compete with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which is slightly longer, despite not being available in Extended trim just yet.