Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Used Bentley Bentayga?
Bentley’s first foray into the SUV market, the Bentley Bentayga, is becoming more affordable in the used car market. With some 2016 and 2017 models now available for around £50,000, it’s worth considering if now is the right time to take the plunge.
Of course, it’s important to factor in the running costs of owning a Bentley Bentayga. For example, the popular 6.0-litre W12 petrol version comes with an annual road tax of £700 and has a fuel efficiency of 19mpg. Additionally, servicing costs should be taken into account. However, despite these expenses, Autocar describes the 600bhp W12 as “one of the most complete and compelling luxury products in the world.”
The initial launch of the Bentayga in 2016 introduced the 2.4-tonne SUV with four-wheel drive and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.0 seconds. With standard-fit adaptive air suspension, active anti-roll control systems, and various driving modes, the Bentayga offers a comfortable and controlled driving experience. However, it can become slightly unbalanced at its limits.
In 2017, Bentley introduced a 4.0-litre V8 diesel version of the Bentayga. This model received high praise from road testers, who awarded it five stars. The diesel engine, sourced from Audi, produces 429bhp and offers improved in-gear acceleration and towing ability compared to the W12. It also provides better fuel efficiency, returning around 35mpg, and has a lower annual road tax of £190.
While fewer diesel models were sold initially, they now have a similar price to the W12 models, despite being £25,000 cheaper when new. The introduction of the twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 in 2018 further expanded the Bentayga lineup. With 543bhp and 568lb ft of torque, this model can reach 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and offers a fuel efficiency of 24.8mpg. It is also more affordable to tax, with an annual cost of £180. The V8 model was popular among buyers and is now almost as common as the W12 in the used car market.
Other variants of the Bentayga include the 443bhp 3.0 TFSI V6 plug-in hybrid, which received mixed reviews and is now rare to find for sale. The 626bhp W12 Speed, introduced as the “fastest production SUV ever,” followed the hybrid model.
In terms of seating options, the Bentayga could be ordered with four, five, or seven seats. However, opting for additional seating reduces the available boot space. Regardless of the seating configuration, the Bentayga offers exceptional comfort and exquisite craftsmanship.
When it comes to trim levels, there was only one well-equipped option, but the extensive options list allowed for customization. Popular packs included Touring, All-Terrain, and City, each offering additional features and safety equipment.
While a Bentley Bentayga may be expensive to run, the experience of owning and driving such a luxurious and powerful SUV is worth it. If you’re in the market for a used Bentley Bentayga, now may be the perfect time to make your purchase.
