The new Bentley Bentayga V8 has awarded the UK’s 4x4 Magazine Luxury SUV title in their annual awards and was previously heralded as the Performance SUV of the Year by the publication.

Alan Kidd, Editor of 4x4 Magazine, Alan Kidd, said that until 2020, the Bentayga was seen as a performance SUV. 

“But its pace and dynamics have been so dominant in its character, it has been easy to overlook the luxury that’s a critical element of any Bentley,” he said.

“That’s why the new Bentayga is so significant. It remains magnificent to drive, with a masterful lightness of touch on the road – but now this is matched by an interior whose seats, fascia and electronics have all been replaced by new items. The improvement is emphatic.

“We think the latest version of Bentley’s design language is far better suited to the Bentayga’s proportions, too. It now has the looks to go with its athleticism.

“The Bentayga may well go hand in hand with membership of several exclusive clubs. But the most exclusive of all is the club for vehicles which have triumphed in more than one class in these awards. A former Performance SUV of the Year is now our Luxury SUV of the Year. For one model to reach such heights in two separate categories is truly remarkable.”

Consideration for the award was made during Bentley’s “Toy Box” event in October, which included an on- and off-road drive in new Bentaygas. Wading of up to half a metre, side slopes up to 35 degrees and challenging ascent and descent gradients were all tackled with ease by the Bentayga’s intelligent off-road systems.

Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing, Chris Craft, said that the Bentayga was the definition of the luxury performance SUV ever since it was first launched five years ago. 

“I’m delighted that 4x4 Magazine has conferred this award, recognising the handcrafted luxury inherent to every Bentayga after having previously commended the car’s performance,” he said.

“That combination of these two seemingly immiscible attributes is what makes every Bentley special, and with the Bentayga we then add every-day practicality, the latest onboard technology and all-terrain usability. It really is the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything car.”

The new Bentayga was the first car launched under Bentley’s Beyond100 business plan in 2020, following a first generation featuring more than 20,000 cars – more than any of its competitors.