SUVs don’t usually win me over as I’ve always been more of a sports car type. But then came the Bentayga S Black Edition, and things got interesting.
I recently got behind the wheel, and the drive was nothing short of impressive. Effortless acceleration, supreme comfort, and a quiet confidence that makes you want to keep going long after the journey ends.
For the first time in 105 years, Bentley’s wings are finished in black tint, instantly setting this model apart. The S Black Edition is defined by rich black detailing contrasted by seven vivid accents to choose from: including Mandarin, Signal Yellow, Klein Blue, and Hyper Green. These bold highlights carry through inside and out, making it the most visually striking Bentayga to date. On the road, heads turn. Kids point. It’s impossible to ignore.
Inside, the drama continues. A handcrafted cabin wrapped in contrast stitching, carbon-fibre details, and bold flashes of colour makes a statement without losing an ounce of Bentley luxury. Dark Chrome replaces traditional brightwork, while a carbon weave spans the fascia and console for the first time.
Rear passengers? They’re treated like royalty with heated, cooled, and massaging seats. My nephew didn’t even want to get out when we stopped.
Performance is where the Bentayga really shines. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 542 bhp and 770 Nm of torque, hitting 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It doesn’t roar; it growls, subtle, assured, like it knows it’s the boss. The sports suspension calibration, now 15% stiffer, keeps it composed, while all-wheel steering makes city manoeuvres as smooth as highway stretches on SZR. Push it hard, and it stays planted; ease off, and it cocoons you in comfort.
With the All-Terrain Specification as standard, the Bentayga Black Edition is ready for more than tarmac. Four dedicated drive modes: Snow & Grass, Dirt & Gravel, Mud & Trail, and Sand Dunes; mean it can swap from urban beast to desert conqueror without hesitation. I didn’t venture off-road that weekend, but knowing it can, is reassuring.
Tech and luxury seal the package: lane assist, 360-degree cameras, and three premium audio systems, from Bentley Signature to the mighty Naim for Bentley. Whether behind the wheel or stretched out in the back, the experience is pure Bentley.
Am I ready to give up my sports car for an SUV? Not quite. But the Bentayga S Black Edition makes a convincing argument. It isn’t just an SUV; it’s a Bentley with a darker, sharper edge, and easily the most striking Bentayga yet.