The Evolution of Bentayga S: Defining a Segment
The Bentley Bentayga S sits atop the luxury SUV world, rewriting what you expect from a performance-driven, beautifully crafted vehicle. Bentley’s evolution of the Bentayga since 2015 has been seriously impressive. However, the ‘S’ badge takes things to new heights—blending the performance edge with classic British craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, Bentley limits the S variant, giving it instant appeal among collectors. Thus, its rare editions and thoughtful enhancements ensure you never blend into the crowd. For car enthusiasts, the Bentayga S instantly stands out.
Performance Pedigree: Engineering Meets Enthusiasm
The Bentayga S grabs attention for more than just its looks. Under the hood, it packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that pumps out 542 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. Moreover, this setup isn’t just about raw power. It’s tuned for sharper throttle response, faster gear changes, and a balanced, athletic drive that’s unmistakably sporty for a luxury SUV.
Furthermore, Bentley engineers tuned the suspension for the S version. As a result, it sits 15 percent stiffer than the standard Bentayga, improving cornering and road feel. Thus, the Bentayga S cracks 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds—seriously quick for something this comfortable.
Rare Editions: Limited-Run Icons
Collectors always chase what’s rare. Bentley knows this. That’s why, occasionally, they roll out limited production runs or unique builds through Mulliner, their bespoke division. In addition, the Bentayga S has served as a showcase for special paint finishes, unique wheels, and exclusive interior appointments.
For example, special ‘Azure’ and bespoke colorways, and region-specific launches with distinctive badging, occasionally appear at exclusive events or through select dealerships. Therefore, savvy buyers looking for uniqueness keep their eyes on Bentley’s quiet, invite-only releases. Occasionally, rare ‘1 of 1’ configurations surface in global exotic car inventories like Dourado Cars stock—often at a premium given their rarity.
Exterior Design: Dynamic and Deliberate
The Bentayga S refuses to play it subtle. In contrast to the classic Bentayga, it gains a blacked-out theme, unique ‘S’ badges, split-spoke 22-inch wheels, and sportier bodywork. Similarly, red brake calipers and exclusive colors, like Cricket Ball or Candy Red, help it pop at any cars & coffee meet or on the streets of Dubai.
Meanwhile, its larger rear spoiler and gloss-black detailing remind everyone this isn’t just a luxury cruiser—it’s a performance beast with a pose to match.
Interior Craftsmanship and Technology
Open the Bentayga S’s door and you enter a realm of precise detail. Alcantara is everywhere—from seat bolsters to headliners and the steering wheel. Moreover, contrast seat piping and diamond-quilted leather highlight Bentley’s obsession with luxury.
Additionally, the fully digital cockpit brings modern flair—with animated dials unique to the S model. Thus, you get Apple CarPlay, advanced navigation, and a 20-speaker Naim for Bentley audio system, ensuring every drive is a premium event. Your passengers won’t just notice—they’ll talk about it.
Motorsport Roots: Bentley DNA in an SUV
Some might dismiss the idea of a performance SUV. However, Bentley’s endurance racing success, especially at Le Mans, shows its engineering focus on blending performance and durability. As a result, the Bentayga S borrows lessons from its racing siblings—spinning them into subtle chassis tuning, improved brake feel, and lightning-quick acceleration.
While not a race car itself, it’s a statement of intent—and attracts buyers pursuing the thrill of the road, with family or friends enjoying the ride.
Global Appeal and Collector Status
In Dubai and similar global hotspots, the Bentayga S attracts a passionate enthusiast collector base. Consequently, the car’s limited numbers, exclusivity in certain finishes, and association with Bentley’s heritage give it compelling collector potential.
Meanwhile, retained value is strong. In some regions, unique factory builds or ‘First Edition’ versions have recorded striking resale values—often tracked by trendsetters alongside other exotic limited editions like those from Onyx Concept or the G7X Rage by Onyx Concept (see the 1-of-5 limited edition).
Comparing With Rivals
It’s impossible to ignore the Bentayga S’s competitors, like the Lamborghini Urus, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, or the Range Rover SV Autobiography. However, Bentley’s unique combination of British pedigree, balanced performance, and rare specials puts the S in its own lane.
- Lamborghini Urus: Higher sporting aggression, but less luxury focus.
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan: More opulent, less athletic in handling.
- Range Rover SV: Modern British elegance, but not as exclusive for limited editions.
- Mercedes-AMG G63: Raw power, lacking Bentley’s finesse and interior craft.
Therefore, many collectors and buyers find themselves drawn to Bentley’s careful, limited-run philosophy—especially in the S variant.
Ownership Experience and Advice
Owning a Bentayga S is more than a statement—it’s a rewarding day-to-day experience. For example, many owners praise its usable ride height and superior all-wheel-drive, making it ideal for spirited drives and long-distance cruising. In addition, the brand’s global dealer support means servicing or customizing your S is rarely a chore.
For buyers chasing rarity, prioritize special spec cars. For example, look for rare paint codes, Mulliner features, or early First Edition badges. Similarly, Bentley’s certified pre-owned program keeps values strong and confidence high—especially for the S model.
- Identify special edition or Mulliner-upgraded units.
- Inspect for service history—most well-kept S models retain factory warranty.
- Check specification—Alcantara, unique wheels, and digital cockpit are ‘must-haves’.
- Review ownership costs—while not cheap, the S retains value better than many rivals.
- Explore current market inventory for best pricing and rare specs.
The Future: Collectability and Resale Value
Looking ahead, the Bentayga S’s rarity, standout performance credentials, and links to Bentley’s racing past make it a strong contender for future collectability. In addition, the brand continues to tease new variants and regional specials—which only builds global demand.
For the savvy car enthusiast, the S is a worthy addition to any collection—certainly one you’ll want to keep for years. Similarly, resale value remains robust, especially when you carefully select rare options or limited releases.
For a quick visual overview, watch the video.
The Final Word: Why Enthusiasts Love the Bentayga S
Ultimately, the Bentayga S stands alone for those who want supercar performance, British luxury, and rare-vehicle cachet—all wrapped in an SUV. If you love cars, you’ll appreciate the difference every time you drive it. As a result, its legacy as a peerless limited-edition icon in the luxury SUV world is secure.
