Bentley Bentayga: Classier or just more costly a Range Rover?


A Bentley is typically something that is purchased by an individual who isn’t out to question their own purchase. They see the vehicle and they want the vehicle, so they buy the vehicle.
For the first time with a Bentley product, that buyer might pause and ask *why* they’re buying a Bentayga. This is Bentley’s foray into the SUV market. It’s a strong foray, as far as forays go, because the Bentayga packs a 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12 engine under its hood.
You tuck that engine, some Bentley body panels, and an exquisite interior into the shell of an Audi Q7 and you get to charge $200k and up… this one here is $250k, and it’s rather easy to turn one into a vehicle costing $300k.
So why should you buy one and spend $100k to $200k MORE than you would on a Range Rover?
[Disclaimer: Bentley tossed us the keys to the Bentayga for a few days, and included a full tank of fuel. Instead of buying beer like usual, I was compelled to buy champagne… that notion passed and I merely bought more expensive beer.]

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12 responses to “Bentley Bentayga: Classier or just more costly a Range Rover?”

  1. mdharrell Avatar

    “…purchased by an individual who isn’t out to question their own purchase. They see the vehicle and they want the vehicle, so they buy the vehicle.”
    That’s my approach, too, but I hesitate in recommending it to others.

    1. Fred Talmadge Avatar
      Fred Talmadge

      Mine too except I have a budget with one less digit.

      1. mdharrell Avatar

        I’m an irredeemable cheapskate with a poor grasp of the nuanced relationship between price and value, so my automotive purchases have never yet exceeded $4500.

  2. Rover 1 Avatar
    Rover 1

    Is it the most expensive luxury AWD you can buy? More expensive than the most expensive Range Rover?
    Yes? SOLD!
    I’m sure is the thinking of a far proportion of buyers.
    Technically a great vehicle, I’m sure, but for almost everyone who buys one, it’s a wealth signifier. An AWD leather lined badge of conspicious consumption.
    As expensive things always have been.

    1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar

      One thousand upvotes for the Harry Enfield mention.

      1. Rover 1 Avatar
        Rover 1

        Thanks.It did seem to fit.
        And tie in with what seems to be coming a common view of our vulgarian ‘elites’.

  3. cap'n fast Avatar
    cap’n fast

    the little known “hooker in the glove box” option is never mentioned. admittedly a large and air conditioned glove box. I mean what did you think wealthy men would buy it for? it’s automotive excellence and tremendous fuel economy?

  4. stigshift Avatar
    stigshift

    I just bought a third car. Because in addition to my daily driver 191k Accord, and my 213k Miata, I thought I needed a ’95 Trans AM six-speed convertible. With 286k. For $800, I think my math makes more sense than another vulgarian’s SUV.

    1. wunno sev Avatar
      wunno sev

      just checked your calcs, you’re good. pics? of all vehicles?

      1. nanoop Avatar

        I don’t know, that’s 690k (1.1 million km, just to add drama!) summoned on one owner. Are the numbers really OK?

      2. stigshift Avatar
        stigshift

        I can do that. Give me until the weekend. Remind me if necessary…

  5. Tiberiuswise Avatar

    How are we calling this an SUV? The Audi it is based on is barely a crossover. Barely.
    This is a wagon with a slightly higher ride height.