2022 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB)

Thomas Wachsmuth 10 May 2022 -> Cars from AZ, Bentley, News vehicles, Videos

Reading time 15 Min.

Bentley puts the focus on driver and passenger well-being with a new launch: a new grand touring SUV that builds on the strengths of the Bentayga and is set to become the brand's new luxury flagship, expands the current lineup to five models. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is much more than just an extended model variant. Bentley has invested nine figures to create a new model that offers rear-seat passengers the finest driving experience since the Mulsanne was invented, without sacrificing Bentley qualities such as effortless performance, world-class craftsmanship and endless customization options.

Bentayga Extended Wheelbase

The success of the Bentayga has defined and fueled growth in the luxury SUV segment since its initial unveiling in 2015. Over the past seven years, the Bentayga has proven its expertise through high off-road capability, hybrid technologies, record-breaking performance and bespoke specifications. The Bentayga remains Bentley's best-selling model. It's the benchmark against which all other luxury SUVs are measured. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase once again defines a pinnacle in its class.

With 14.659 vehicles sold, Bentley achieved record sales in 2021 and grew 31% over 2020, also a record year. The Bentayga accounted for just over a third of those sales. The global market for luxury SUVs continues to grow - this trend is forecast to continue in all regions until the end of the decade. This is different in the electric vehicle segment, which is declining. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase has the potential to set new standards as one of the Mulsanne's spiritual successors in the D-segment.

According to Bentley customer feedback, design, technology and performance are the top three factors in their purchasing decision. Driveability is a top priority for current vehicle owners. In addition, in a recent survey, 82% of owners confirmed that they use their luxury SUV on a daily basis, 74% of them in cities and urban areas. With the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, the range of services in the high-class SUV segment has been further developed - regardless of whether you drive yourself or prefer to be chauffeured. The Extended Wheelbase will account for up to 45% of total Bentayga sales when the car goes on sale later this year. The Bentayga will therefore continue to be Bentley's best-selling model - and the most successful and popular luxury SUV in the world.

Introducing the Bentayga EWB

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) is based on the current second generation of the Bentayga and extends the wheelbase and rear space by an additional 180 mm. With body-in-white changes to the underbody, side panels, doors and roof, the Bentley design team meticulously crafted the lines and proportions that still embody Bentley's signature style and presence. The wheelbase, which has been increased from 2.995 mm to 3.175 mm, results in an overall length of 5.322 mm. The extra length is evident in the rear doors, which give the impression of a decidedly luxurious rear. The SUV offers more space in the rear seating area than any of its competitors in the luxury sector. The focus is clearly on the wellness aspect. The introduction of the world's first automatic climate control rear seat with advanced seating posture optimization system ensures an exceptional driving experience.

The new Bentley Airline aircraft-style seats are the most advanced seats ever installed in a passenger car. It offers 22 setting options and the world's first automatic climate sensor system with optimal seating posture technology. In relax mode, the seat can be folded back 40 degrees. The passenger seat is powered forward and a beautiful leather covered footrest folds out from the back of the passenger seat. In business mode, the seat is placed in the upright position in order to be able to work as comfortably as possible.

The seat's automatic climate technology recognizes the body temperature of the occupant and the surface moisture. Based on this, it is determined whether the heating, the ventilation or both systems are activated at the same time in order to ensure an optimal temperature perception. The Posture Optimization System automatically makes subtle adjustments to seating position and pressure points by monitoring the pressure applied across the entire seat surface. The system can implement 177 individual pressure changes across six completely independent pressure zones, each over a period of three hours. This improves comfort and minimizes signs of fatigue while driving.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors commented:

"The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is our first vehicle designed entirely with passenger well-being in mind. No matter which Bentley you drive, you will always get out more relaxed than when you got in before the journey. But with the Extended Wheelbase, we've managed to take it a step further, thanks to revolutionary wellness technologies incorporated into our unrivaled interior design. This advanced specification, combined with the craftsmanship of the experts at our carbon neutral Crewe factory, makes the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase the ultimate luxury SUV for driver and passengers."

The Bentayga EWB features a particularly sophisticated quilting pattern designed using digital technologies. A symmetrical diamond pattern runs from the center of the seat shoulders at the seatback and down the full length of the doors, emphasizing the extended vehicle length. The new interior design of the rear doors also includes unique styling options such as the optional metallic overlay of the wood veneer. Using a razor-thin strip of metal just 0,07mm thick, an intricate design is hand bonded to the surface of the veneer before the section is varnished and polished.

New features such as Bentley Diamond lighting (where light shines through fine perforations in the soft-to-the-touch door panels) demonstrate how technology meets modern craftsmanship to create modern design and luxurious materials. With 24 billion trim combinations (and a total number of possible specs reaching into the trillions), the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase's rear seat offers more customization options than any Bentayga before it. The introduction of electronic all-wheel steering − a first for the Bentayga − ensures that none of the dynamic handling is lost despite the long wheelbase. The turning circle has even been reduced by 7% to 11,8 m compared to the standard Bentayga. This also ensures that superior handling at high speeds and maximum comfort at low speeds are no longer mutually exclusive. Bentley Dynamic Ride - the 48-volt active roll stabilization system first introduced on the Bentayga - is standard equipment and offers the optimum combination of ultimate ride comfort, handling and vehicle control.

Comfort and wellness in detail

The Bentayga EWB offers the ultimate comfort experience for rear passengers − with the most advanced seats ever installed in a passenger car, three different seat configurations, two air ionizers and an even more generous space. The 4+1 seating configuration comes as standard: two outer rear seats that offer outstanding comfort with 16 adjustment options, heating, ventilation and five individual massage programs. An additional center seat accommodates a third adult and provides access to the ski-through hatch on the rear wall.

A new option, thanks to the extra space, is the Bentley Airline Seat Specification, which features airline-style seats. For maximum relaxation in the back seat, the backrest of these seats folds back 40 degrees – an ideal and comfortable position for napping. The inclination of the backrests is controlled via the touchscreen remote control. This is a special Bentley device that allows vehicle functions to be controlled from the rear. Additional switches are located in the area of the door compartments. With them, the seats can be tilted back as far as possible (relax mode) or brought into the fully upright position (business mode).

In Relax mode, the front passenger seat moves forward as far as possible to maximize legroom for the rear passenger. Additionally, a gorgeous carpeted and leather-trimmed footrest with a chrome strip folds out of the back of the passenger seat. The Bentley Airline Seat Specification also includes four notable features, including a technological world first:

Thanks to the automatic seat climate control, passengers can select their desired temperature from seven different setting options. The contact temperature and surface moisture are then measured by the system – independently of one another on the upholstery and backrest. Heating and ventilation are then adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired temperature. This is continuously monitored to ensure optimal body temperature is maintained at all times. This is an important factor for individual well-being. In studies in which body heat was manipulated by external stimuli, researchers generally reported that the decrease in body heat caused cognitive function to drop below average [Wright, Hull, and Ceizler 2002]. A comfortable ambient temperature can alleviate fatigue, reduce irritation and increase driving safety [Szczurek & Maciejewska 2016].

The function for maintaining a good sitting position uses new massage chambers on the thighs, shoulders and in the lumbar region. Subtly but continuously adjusting the shape of the seat to relieve pressure points around the body helps prevent body parts from falling asleep and fatigue. Three different programs can be selected: "All seating areas", "Twist" and "Backrest only". The use of air chambers allows for continuous and complex movements that are barely perceptible to the passengers, while seat motors result in linear movements. The system goes beyond the 2-D movements typical of adjustable seats and allows three-dimensional rotation to relieve pressure points. Six separate pressure zones offer 177 different position variants over a period of three hours each. This ensures that the seating comfort is always maintained even on long journeys. Studies have shown that actively and dynamically supporting your body weight relieves tension that can lead to mental stress and a lack of concentration. By supporting the natural posture, the tense muscles can relax.
Bentley Airline seats offer additional bolster and backrest adjustments, longer bolsters, power headrests and a deployable footrest at the rear of the passenger seat. The rear passenger on that side of the vehicle can also move the front passenger seat forward using "VIP mode".
New to the Bentayga EWB are heated door and center armrests that complete the luxury interior of this SUV.

Other possible configurations include the four-seater "Comfort Specification" and the five-seater option for those who want to fold down the rear seat backs when needed. A seven seater configuration is available on the standard Bentayga. However, customer feedback has shown that space and luxury are still a priority for Bentayga Extended Wheelbase owners. In the four-seater "Comfort Specification", a center console between the two rear seats offers additional storage space and two additional USB charging ports. The optional Mulliner bottle cooler in the center console consists of a fully integrated 750ml bottle cooler and two handcrafted Cumbria crystal champagne glasses.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the rear have been improved to further increase well-being in the vehicle. The rear ventilation is activated only when passengers are seated in the rear seats. This reduces the fan noise in the vehicle. The rear has a separate air ionizer system that cleans the air of particles and thus improves air quality. Ionizers statically charge dirt particles present in the air, such as dust or allergens, ensuring that they stick to the nearest surface. This removes contamination from the passengers' breathing air.

Interior design - handcrafted details with seamlessly integrated technologies

The rear of the Bentayga EWB sets new standards - it combines outstanding luxury with technological innovations and thus demonstrates an unprecedented quality of craftsmanship and comfort. Signature Bentley diamond quilting has been redesigned in a dramatic and modern way. Like all great designs, the end result appears simple, yet the meticulously crafted details capture what makes a Bentley interior so unique. The symmetrical pattern at the top of the backrests is achieved through the combination of digitally assisted craftsmanship and precise technologies. The further away the diamond elements are from the center line of the seats, the more elongated their representation. The doors are designed with an asymmetrical pattern that emphasizes the length of the doors and the entire rear.

The flawless leather of each diamond is pierced with small perforations less than a millimeter in diameter. Each perforation was precisely placed digitally by a Bentley interior designer to create a harmonious whole – true digitally-assisted craftsmanship. After the leather has been processed by the perforating machine, the quilting is done using a special embroidery machine. The machine includes a camera that analyzes the perforation pattern and ensures that the embroidered lines are completely parallel and equidistant between the perforated diamonds. The end result is a beautiful, elegant and unique design.

An extra fine thread (typically used for the embroidered Bentley logos) and a smaller micro-stitch (half the length of the regular Bentley stitch) were used to create extra-soft bodywork pieces with a delicate and luxurious design language. This yarn adjustment and innovation in the manufacturing process resulted in a more accentuated and ultra-soft quilting never before produced by Bentley. This process is exactly the same as the quilting used on the doors and seats on the 100 EXP 2019 GT concept car.

The door panels are longer and have been redesigned to make the rear seat even more attractive. The veneer paneling is set lower and has become wider. It extends down to the armrest and includes the rear door handle. For the first time, the Bentayga EWB will include a wood veneer with a metallic overlay in standard equipment. Previously, this was one of the luxury features of the Continental GT Mulliner model line. This optional accessory is located in the passenger instrument panel and on all four doors. The ingenious design includes custom brushed metal emblems that are made extra thin - just 0,07mm.

A process called "photo-etching" was used to create the marquetry. A particularly fine stencil with the desired design is laminated onto the metal. After a few intermediate steps such as exposure to UV light and development of the laminate, the main process of the process involves chemical reactions to etch away metal until only the inlays are left. With etching, the material is not manually machined or cut, which minimizes the risk of damage and allows for high precision. Each emblem is then hand assembled and placed in a precisely defined position on the wood veneer before the element is varnished and polished.

Another notable and elegant optional accessory introduced for the Bentayga EWB is the Bentley Diamond lighting. The lighting effect is achieved using LEDs (12 on each front door and 22 on each rear door) that shine light through fine 1mm diameter perforations in the leather-trimmed door panels. The intensity and hue of the lighting that shines through the fairing can be controlled by the customer via the infotainment system and the touchscreen remote control. The feature is linked to mood lighting to ensure consistent color and light intensity throughout the vehicle. This dramatic option changes the ambiance and look of the interior, especially at night.

Due to the longer rear, the center console has also been redesigned and now offers passengers better ergonomics and greater functionality. The rear view of the console has been lengthened to allow for better interaction with the touchscreen remote control and an additional inductive cell phone charger. The air vents have also been redesigned.

For the first time on a Bentley, auto-closing doors can be selected as an option. Two switches are located on the back of the extended center console, within easy reach of rear passengers. Pressing and holding these switches closes the door on that side of the vehicle with motors specially installed for this purpose. This creates the impression of a luxurious chauffeur service. The motors are also activated with gentle pressure on the door, creating a seamless sequence of movements of the locking mechanism. When opening the door, the motors generate a gentle resistance.

The standard equipment of the EWB also includes the new waterfall interior lighting, which ensures a soft lighting ambience in the rear. The lighting is concentrated in the center of the vehicle, improving passenger visibility of key controls and functions. The subtle lighting creates a comfortable ambience in the rear and enhances the luxurious experience of the passengers.

Exterior features – no compromises

The new model features four distinct exterior styling changes: the longer profile, a new grille, new 22-inch ten-spoke wheels and a repositioned sunroof. At the same time, the very successful aesthetic of the second generation Bentayga is fully retained. Inspired by the new Flying Spur grille, the Bentayga EWB adopts the design with the vertical slats, which gives the vehicle even more elegance and a distinctive appearance. The unique grille with vertical louvers in bright chrome is mounted in front of the matrix grille. The Bentayga's 22-inch ten-spoke wheel has been redesigned for the Bentayga EWB with a highly polished finish.

The newly positioned panoramic sunroof underscores the inimitable ambience in the rear of the vehicle and ensures an uncompromising experience. It has been pulled back 125mm and is optimally positioned to bathe the rear seat area in natural light. The sunroof is controlled by touchscreen remote control or from the front console. The wheelbase, which is 180 mm longer, creates a particularly airy and spacious impression in the rear and also offers significantly more legroom.

The space available in the redesigned rear is absolutely unique in this vehicle segment and surpasses other luxury SUVs by more than 40 mm. The Bentayga EWB also offers an additional 10mm of headroom compared to the Mulsanne. The roofline is 100mm lower than that of its competitors, creating a sporty and harmonious silhouette. The result: a spacious, luxurious, light-filled interior that impresses with traditional Bentley qualities and the latest technologies. An individually adaptable room that, thanks to the latest technologies that are always at hand, is ideal as a work area, but also as a relaxed oasis of well-being.

The noise of road traffic outside the vehicle has a massive impact on personal well-being. A research study of thousands of people over a four-year period found that those exposed to traffic noise greater than 70 dB had a 65% greater risk of developing depression. The interior of the Bentayga EWB is quieter than its competitors - by 4% to 26%, depending on frequency and seating position in the vehicle.

chassis and powertrain

The new Bentayga was highly praised for its dynamic driving characteristics. Its on-road performance, comfort and handling are widely recognized as excellent. The Bentayga EWB continues this tradition and integrates electronic all-wheel steering and the Bentley Dynamic Ride system as standard. Driving comfort in the secondary frequency range is an additional important aspect that affects well-being – the smoother the driving experience, the more relaxed the journey. At typical speeds in the important frequency range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz, the Bentayga EWB achieves up to 27% less vibration than its competitors.

Electronic all-wheel steering was first introduced by Bentley on the new Flying Spur. It offers fantastic benefits and ensures that there are no compromises when choosing between confident high-speed driving and relaxed low-speed driving. When driving fast on the Autobahn, the system makes small adjustments to the alignment of the rear wheels, combined with the driver's direct steering inputs to the front wheels. This increases stability at high speeds, leading to safer overtaking maneuvers and lane changes. This also improves handling in long curves.

At low speeds, the all-wheel steering has a "shortening" effect on the wheelbase, reduces the turning circle and increases maneuverability in tight city traffic, which also makes parking much easier. This is achieved by the system moving the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The system even allows a 7% smaller turning circle than on the standard wheelbase Bentayga. At the heart of the Bentayga EWB is Bentley's proven 4,0-litre, twin-scroll, 8-valve V32 petrol engine that combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. In conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the V8 offers supercar performance: 550 hp and 770 Nm of torque with a top speed of 290 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4,6 seconds.

Test and Development Program

More than 2.500 innovations were introduced for the production of the Bentayga EWB, including striking changes to the body-in-white and a completely new underbody. This led to new manufacturing processes, layout adjustments and optimized infrastructures specifically for the new model. To ensure the outstanding performance of the new Bentayga EWB, almost 50 weeks of tests and examinations were carried out during its development phase with more than 2.000 pre-production vehicles.

Extended equipment variants

Two extended trim levels will also be offered upon release of the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase. The Azure impresses with its elegant and timeless design with unique design features. The focus is on maximum comfort and well-being with an effortless driving experience. Unique appointments include 22-inch tires with XNUMX-spoke directional rims, gleaming lower bumper grille inserts, and Azure embroidery and emblems. Other amenities include uniquely quilted seats, mood lighting, a heated steering wheel and advanced driver assistance systems.

The First Edition trim level builds on this and also includes Bentley Diamond lighting, wood veneers with metallic overlays, Naim for Bentley premium audio system and LED welcome lights. Unique embroidery, inlays and emblems complete the unmistakable character of this exclusive and striking model.

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