Bentley has given the Bentayga a design refresh, refining the interior fo the car and revising the exterior. Opinions on the design choices are mixed but there’s one thing for sure – it still looks like a Bentley.

Every panel at the front and rear of the car has been altered by the luxury automaker. The company took design notes from the third-generation Continental GT and the new Flying Spur giving the model a look that blends in with its stablemates. Its vents are longer and door moldings are lower.

The front features new headlights that evolve the company’s design language.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The SUV gets new elliptical headlights that feature a crystal design, which makes them appear to sparkle even when not lit. They illuminate with a contemporary wake-up sequence. Also at the front, are heated, wet-arm windscreen wipers that feature 22 washer jets in each arm.

The headlights have three different models. Town mode operates below 30 mph and projects a short but wide beam. Country mode is for travel between 30 and 60 mph and lifts the beam to a narrower field of light. Motorway mode further lifts the beam and intensifies the light to improve visibility.

Bentley is making a 22-inch wheel available in two finishes. There are now five total. The model has a 20 mm track increase at the rear.

At the car, the design is most in line with the Continental GT. Here, there are elliptical taillamps that feature an animated sweeping direction indicator. The tailgate is now full width and the license plate holder has been moved to the bumper allowing for “Bentley” lettering above. The oval sport tailpipes are larger and the roof spoiler is longer.

Newly shaped taillights give followers a menacing glare.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

Bentley is adding Viridian, a dark shade of metallic green based on the color of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car, and Patina – a luxury-focused mid-tone off-white to the SUV’s roster of available paint jobs.

The Blackline Specification replaces all exterior chrome with black versions.

Twenty-two inch wheels are available.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The SUV continues to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Hybrid and Speed versions of the model will follow later this year. The Bentayga Hybrid will be a plug-in vehicle while the Bentayga Speed will have a 6.0-liter W12 TSI engine. Bentley will further differentiate the Speed model with unique styling attributes.

The changes inside the Bentayga aren’t as drastic but are seen as significant upgrades. There are new door trims and a fresh steering wheel. The center fascia has been redesigned and now features a sculpted single vent rather than the traditional bullseye center vents. The car’s Breitling clock integrates into that design and sits just above the infotainment screen. There is a long pocket on the side of the console for small item storage. A wireless phone charger now sits in front of the shifter.

Bentayga is offered in three seating configurations: four-, five- or seven-seat options are available. The seven-set model has a third-row. Four-seaters have their rear seats separated by a console. In five-seater Bentayga, buyers can opt for ventilated rear seats. Legroom has been increased in some models by up to 100 mm.

The five-seat Bentayga has new seat frames, which double the travel of the rear-seat recline angle. New foam and cover designs are standard. Contrast Stitching and Hand Cross Stitching are available. Mulliner Driving Specification cars get the option of a new quilting design.

Bentley has completely redesigned the SUV’s center console.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

This Bentayga is the first in Bentley’s lineup to feature available dark tint diamond brushed aluminum finish trim.

At the center of the dashboard is a new 10.9-inch infotainment touch screen with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating. Content can be selected using the press of a finger or the push of a button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The model features USB-C ports.

The model will be offered in four-, five-, and seven-seat configurations.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The SUV has an advanced navigation system that features free text, context-specific search entry, including an address or point of interest. When applicable, navigation information can be pushed to the car’s head up display.

In front of the driver is a fully digital driver’s information panel. Drivers can choose from Classic or Expanded format for the screen. In Expanded format, the driver gets access to an area for maps and media information. Classic shows traditional dial information.

Over-the-air updates for key technologies in the car is standard. New connected car functionalities are available including online music, green traffic light prediction, and local hazard information. The availability of these features is market-dependent.

Rear seat passengers get a tablet to use to control their seat and climate functionality.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The car is available with either the standard Bentley Signature Audio system, which delivers 590 watts of sound through 12 speakers. The available Naim for Bentley system delivers 1,780 watts of sound via 20 speakers. That system also offers eight different listening modes.

There is also an air purifier.

Rear seat passengers can control technology via a 5.0-inch tablet, similar to the one found in the Flying Spur. With this tablet, riders can control rear seat heating and massage, the media system, navigation, mood lighting, and window blinds.

Bentley has made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto avaiable in the SUV.Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The list of features also includes a hands-free powered tailgate and refrigerated bottle cooler, the City Specification Pack, and a rearview camera.