The Bentley Bentayga arrived ten years in the past, when you can imagine it. Whereas the Bentayga arguably pioneered the ultra-luxe ‘Ute section, many have adopted, pushing the shape ever quicker and dearer. Now Rolls, Lambo, and *gasp* Ferrari have six-figure SUVs of their very own, whereas the “worth” choices from the likes of Porsche and Land Rover proceed to push the efficiency and luxurious envelopes. 

What’s the pioneering Bentley to do in an arms race of diamond-paneled leather-based and twin-turbo V-8s?

Go quicker, apparently. For 2026, Bentley utilized its “Pace” system to the Bentayga SUV. Which means a spicier engine, a set of trim-specific, dope-ass 23s, and even an (optionally available) Acrapovič titanium exhaust. Does constructing an even-faster Bentleytruck make for a greater Bentleytruck? We examined Bentley’s theorem on the agricultural highways north of Yellowstone and on a fast-gravel and light-duty off-road course encircling a Montana ranch.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Engine, Drivetrain, Horsepower: Extra Is Higher

The Pace trim brings the warmth. An uprated model of the corporate’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 delivers 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet. That’s good for 3.4 seconds to 60 miles per hour (in keeping with Bentley) and the sort of assured locomotive acceleration that isn’t precisely neck-snapping however will rocket you previous the subsequent county line on the again of a swelling wave of torque. 

Right here’s my favourite high-performance non-sequitur: The Bentayga pace goes 193 mph flat out. 

There’s a terrific engine beneath this plastic… thingy. We promise.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Professionals: Wall Of Torque, Beautiful Inside High quality, Snarling Exhaust

From the motive force’s seat, these outstanding efficiency figures really feel nearly proper. With launch mode engaged (one other Bentayga first), there’s far much less suspension squat than you’d anticipate, even within the fractional seconds when the automobile leaves the road and its 285/35/ZR23 Pirelli PZeros claw for grip.

You don’t hear a peep from the tires, the Bentayga simply GOES. 

The Bentley’s V-8 pairs to a ZF 8-speed auto with a Torsen heart differential and an e-locking rear diff to mete out energy throughout the Bentayga’s everlasting all-wheel drive. The truck rides on self-leveling air suspension with electrical roll bars and double wishbones at every nook.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Cons: 23-Inch Wheels Danger Flats, Unhealthy Worth, Staid Appears

Expertise, Inside, Infotainment: It’s Attractive

What else may I state moreover the apparent? It’s a Bentley on this cabin, by way of and thru. Which means best-in-class supplies paired to a stately and well-thought-out inside. Nevertheless you spec the Bentayga Pace, you’ll be impressed. And I think about half the enjoyment for house owners is determining whether or not to go together with Aubergine leather-based on leather-based on leather-based, or with a pleasant avocado-green to distinction the automobile’s conservative exterior. 

(The reply is all the time inexperienced). 

The Bentayga’s infotainment suite works flawlessly, as you’d anticipate from a automobile on this value vary. I discovered the UI throughout the ten.9-inch central touchscreen to perform simply effective. Nothing caught out. Nothing pissed off me. Wi-fi and wired Apple CarPlay carried out flawlessly. 

This little display screen for rear passengers is neat. That’s all. 

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

That is only a chic, easygoing place to spend time. If the outside seems a bit extra conservative, the Bentayga’s inside actually lets you recognize the place that MSRP went. 

Of observe, the NAIM speaker improve was bangin’. As a result of there’s so little cell service in Montana canyons, the Bentley staff preloaded a wired cellphone with epic soundtracks from fashionable westerns like “Yellowstone” and cinema classics within the making like “Interstellar.”

With 1,780 watts, 17 channels, and 20 audio system whole, the NAIM system and Hans Zimmer’s strings made for a completely epic street journey.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Design: Grand However Not Grandiose

The Bentayga isn’t precisely marmite. Fairly the other. I discover the SUV stately sufficient however staid, capturing much less of Bentley’s typical grandeur than its stretched-out, broad-shouldered Continental and Flying Spur siblings. One thing didn’t fairly translate after they raised Bentley’s company design up on stilts with the early Bentaygas, and that pattern continues right here, even on the quickest and fastest-looking Bentley ute but. This can be a good-looking and athletic-ish wanting SUV, in the end inoffensive, however not breathtaking. 

Whether or not you’re after that low-key perspective when Lamborghini affords a competitor which seems like a Gundam humping a Huracan—Nicely that’s a matter of non-public style.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

That mentioned, the Bentayga Pace’s optionally available 23-inch wheels look absolutely the enterprise. We heard rumors about a number of flat tires delaying an earlier wave of drivers on public roads, however I witnessed only one (double) flat on the drive, and it occurred at pace on a closed-off-road course following an impression with a big rock. Draw your personal conclusions, however I feel an impression like that might rip the tire off any of Bentayga’s competitors, too. 

Past these wheels, that are unique to the Pace trim, there are a couple of bespoke exterior styling accents, however few price mentioning. This largely seems like a Bentayga rolling on dubs (plus one other three inches). 

Please get your Bentayga Pace dirtier than this. 

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Driving Impressions: EEEHAWWWW

Because the Bentayga Pace sailed alongside a rolling grime street in Montana nation, I mirrored on the early mornings waaaaay means again once I’d rally a ‘93 4Runner to work on the farm in Johnson, Washington. 

The most important distinction between reminiscence and actuality wasn’t the worth hole between an previous Toyota and a brand new Bentley. It was the sound: You’ll by no means drive a quieter automobile at freeway speeds down a gravel street. The Bentayga was peerless. Not a single rock audibly dinged off a wheel nicely or glanced off the aspect of the SUV’s physique with a ping. I’ve pushed 1000’s of miles down grime and gravel roads (together with in press loaners) and by no means in one thing this quiet, composed, or in the end civilized. 

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

In that respect, that is some final model of the SUV. 

Along with the quiet, there’s additionally growl. An optionally available titanium Acrapovič exhaust affords a chic V-8 soundtrack for once you’re gettin’ it on a rural backroad. Whereas different über-SUVmakers are content material to maneuver to V-6 powerplants, really nothing feels like an uncorked V-8, and Bentley lets this one sing. Amen. 

The colour “inexperienced”: good outdoors, and inside a Bentley.

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Gasoline Economic system: About As Anticipated

Bentley didn’t present effectivity figures because the Pace is “Pending Sort Approval” on the WLTP cycle in Europe, however the journey laptop displayed 15.4 mpg throughout my day of driving typically like a civilized Soccer Dad by way of the little cities that punctuate the roads main into Yellowstone, then driving like a lead-foot degenerate within the large areas between. We name that “blended” driving. 

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

Pricing & Verdict: For Our Cash, Much less Is Extra

The Pace rings in at €225,882 for the bottom MSRP. US pricing is TBD, as Bentley is in a holding sample with imports in the mean time. Count on extra data in July 2025, when the tariff scenario turns into clearer. On our “Snow Quartz Pearlescent” take a look at automobile, the paint rang in at €13,555, whereas the black painted wheels value €10,370. The Acrapovič titanium exhaust will set you again €7,740 whereas the Naim audio system rings in at €7,355. 

These aren’t low-cost choices, however the choices are innumerable, so if there’s one thing you need on this Bentley, be assured. It’s accessible. For a value. 

Simply pay up for these damned audio system. NAIM rocks. 

Photograph by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1

General, you may’t fault the Bentley Pace with any actual veracity. By upping its dynamic recreation and even making a trim-specific traction-control setting so the Pace can step sideways on gravel roads, Bentley has constructed an SUV with a staggering breadth of capability and no scarcity of facilities.

For my cash, I’d skip the Pace trim and spec the inexperienced leather-based and the great sound system. The slower Bentaygas are quick sufficient, equally luxurious, and usually a bit cheaper. In the event you want or need the additional efficiency solely the Pace trim affords, then right here’s your reply. Simply promise you’ll drive it onerous on grime.