Bentley Bentayga EWB

FIRST DRIVE Luxury maker tops range with new flagship version of its best-selling model

- Sean carson

IN the absence of Bentley's ultrahas turned to a long-wheelbase version of its Bentayga SUV for its flagship model.

With incredibly profitable markets such as China and the USA both in love with SUVS and intent on the pursuit of luxury, a more spacious, more opulent version of Bentley's big off-roader seems like a logical move. But does it make the same statement as the Mulsanne? Well, yes and no.

Firstly, the yes. And we'll start in the rear, which is the focus of the EWB. The longer wheelbase means the distance between the B-pillars and the rear axle is stretched over the standard car. As a result, you swing open the expansive rear door and are met by a cavernous cabin.

There's masses of rear legroom, while our car's optional £8,395 Airline Specification rear seats make the most of the space. There's 'Postural Adjustment' tech with massage functionality for the rear seats too, and this maximises what the £211,300 Bentayga EWB offers: comfort and opulence, with the former definitely helped by the chassis. The Bentley's beautifully languid damping means it's incredibly comfortable on the move. 

Smooth