Bentley has just dropped the ultimate expression of SUV luxury with the unveiling of the Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition, a limited-run ultra-luxury SUV that stretches the definition of automotive opulence. With an eye-watering starting price exceeding £300,000, this extended-wheelbase behemoth targets the most discerning customers who demand nothing short of automotive perfection.
Extended Wheelbase Transforms Interior Space
The headline feature of the new Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition is its extended wheelbase, which adds 180mm (7.1 inches) of additional length compared to the standard Bentayga. This extra real estate translates directly into rear passenger comfort, creating what Bentley calls “first-class airline seating” for the most pampered occupants.
The rear cabin now features individual captain’s chairs with 22-way power adjustment, massage functions, and heating and ventilation systems that put most luxury sedans to shame. A retractable center console houses champagne flutes and temperature-controlled storage, because apparently regular cup holders just won’t cut it at this price point.
Airline-Grade Comfort Features
Bentley hasn’t held back on the luxury appointments. The Azure First Edition includes:
- Power-deployable ottomans with memory foam cushioning
- Panoramic glass roof with electrochromic dimming
- Naim for Bentley 1,780-watt, 20-speaker audio system
- Rear-seat entertainment screens with 4K resolution
- Climate-controlled armrests with biometric recognition
Powertrain and Performance Remain Unchanged
Under the hood, the Bentayga EWB Azure maintains the proven 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Despite the additional length and luxury equipment adding approximately 110 pounds to the curb weight, Bentley claims the 0-60 mph sprint still clocks in at a respectable 4.6 seconds.
The all-wheel-drive system and adaptive air suspension have been recalibrated to accommodate the longer wheelbase, with engineers promising that the handling dynamics remain surprisingly sharp for such a substantial luxury SUV.
Exclusive Materials and Craftsmanship
What justifies the £300,000+ price tag beyond the extended wheelbase? Bentley’s Mulliner division has gone all-out with exclusive materials and bespoke craftsmanship options. The Azure First Edition features hand-selected Burr Walnut veneers with mother-of-pearl inlays, and customers can choose from 15 different leather combinations, each requiring over 130 hours of hand-stitching.
The exterior receives unique 22-inch forged wheels, exclusive Azure badging, and a choice of seven special paint colors developed specifically for this limited edition. Only 100 examples will be produced globally, with each vehicle taking approximately six months to complete at Bentley’s Crewe facility.
Technology Integration
The infotainment system has been completely redesigned for the rear passengers, featuring a dedicated tablet controller that manages everything from seat positions to ambient lighting. The system integrates with passengers’ smartphones and can even coordinate with private jet schedules through Bentley’s concierge service.
Market Positioning and Competition
At over £300,000, the Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition positions itself as a direct competitor to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge and the upcoming ultra-luxury versions of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS. However, Bentley argues that the combination of extended wheelbase, limited production numbers, and Mulliner craftsmanship creates a unique value proposition in the ultra-luxury SUV segment.
Industry analysts suggest this move represents Bentley’s strategy to push further upmarket as luxury SUV sales continue to outpace traditional sedans among high-net-worth individuals.
Looking Forward
Deliveries of the Bentayga EWB Azure First Edition will begin in Q2 2024, with all 100 units expected to be allocated within the first month of order books opening. Bentley hints that if demand exceeds expectations, a regular production EWB variant could follow, though it would likely lack many of the Azure’s exclusive features.
This limited edition represents Bentley’s confidence that there’s still significant headroom in the luxury SUV market for products that prioritize absolute comfort and exclusivity over mainstream appeal.
