The Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure is more than just a car; it’s a statement on wheels. Kristian Harrison had the privilege of taking this magnificent machine for a spin around Bahrain and experience Bentley’s unparalleled style and comfort.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of driving many cars great and small from across the world. However, I had yet to tick Bentley off my bucket list of marques, so what better day to do it than my birthday and create a memory that will last a lifetime? That’s exactly what happened with the Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase) Azure with Mulliner spec.
This model stretches the concept of luxury to new lengths – literally. With an extra 180mm added to the wheelbase, they Bentayga EWB is all about giving rear passengers the space they deserve. And what better way to fill that space than with Bentley’s innovative Airliner Seats? Inspired by first-class airline travel, these seats are a masterpiece of comfort, offering 22-way adjustability, a seat cushion that senses pressure points and makes adjustments to keep you comfortable, and even a postural adjustment system that subtly shifts your position to reduce fatigue. If you want a sip of the high life, there’s also a cooler and two crystal glass flutes in the centre.
The rest of the cabin feels like a mountain retreat sanctuary than car. As you settle in, you’ll notice the soft close doors which glide smoothly into place with just the gentlest push. And if you’re in the rear, you can even close them with a press of a button rather than an awkward stretch to grab the handle.
The interior showcases Bentley’s craftsmanship at its finest. The wood veneers are particularly impressive. All the wood furnishings in the cabin come from the same piece of wood, ensuring that the grain flows seamlessly from one panel to the next. It’s a detail that speaks volumes about Bentley’s commitment to perfection.
But let’s not forget that the Bentayga is also a performance machine. Under the bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 542bhp and 770nm of torque. This means that despite its size and luxurious trappings, the Bentayga EWB Azure can still rocket from 0-100kmph in just 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 290kmph. The handling is equally impressive, with Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system keeping the car composed through corners, ensuring that you remain comfortable despite Bahrain’s plethora of speed bumps.
Cocooned in a blend of sumptuous materials and cutting-edge technology, the cabin is incredibly quiet thanks to the double-glazed windows and extensive soundproofing. You can truly enjoy the Naim sound system, which delivers crystal-clear audio that’s as rich as the hand-stitched leather seats.
Speaking of tech, the Bentayga EWB Azure doesn’t skimp. The infotainment system is intuitive, with a 10.9-inch display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can stay connected on the go. Rear passengers get their own touchscreen remote, which controls everything from the audio system to the seat adjustments.
As for its exterior, the Bentayga EWB Azure has an elongated profile which gives it a commanding presence on the road, while the signature diamond-in-diamond Mulliner front grille and wing vents immediately draw the eye. If that isn’t enough, the exclusive 22” directional wheels with self-levelling Bentley badges at their centres will.
With the Bentayga EWB, Bentley has crafted an SUV that not only met but exceeded my already-lofty expectations. It’s a car for those who demand the very best and aren’t afraid to indulge in it.
