The Bentley Bentayga and Azure are two distinct luxury vehicle models from the prestigious Bentley brand, each catering to different segments of the high-end automotive market. The Bentayga is Bentley’s flagship luxury SUV, while the Azure is a grand tourer convertible that was part of Bentley’s lineup in the past. These models differ significantly in their design, purpose, and target audience within the luxury car segment.
The Bentayga represents Bentley’s foray into the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of opulence, performance, and versatility. On the other hand, the Azure, which is no longer in production, was a convertible designed for open-top grand touring, emphasizing elegance and the thrill of wind-in-your-hair driving. Both vehicles embody Bentley’s commitment to luxury, but they serve different purposes and appeal to distinct preferences within the luxury car buyer demographic.
| Feature | Bentley Bentayga |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Luxury SUV |
| Current Production | Yes |
| Primary Purpose | Versatile luxury transportation |
| Target Audience | Affluent families and individuals |
Design and Styling
The Bentley Bentayga and Azure showcase distinct design philosophies that reflect their different roles in the luxury car market. The Bentayga, as a modern luxury SUV, features a bold and imposing presence with its tall stance, large grille, and muscular body lines. Its design incorporates contemporary styling elements while maintaining Bentley’s signature aesthetic, including the iconic matrix grille and distinctive headlight design.
In contrast, the Azure, during its production years, exemplified classic Bentley grand touring design. As a convertible, it boasted a sleek and elegant profile with a long hood, flowing lines, and a fabric roof that could be lowered for open-air driving. The Azure’s design was more focused on timeless beauty and the romance of classic motoring, appealing to traditionalists and those seeking a more nostalgic luxury car experience.
The Bentayga’s interior is designed with a focus on modern luxury, featuring high-tech displays, contemporary materials, and a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers in some configurations. It offers a commanding driving position typical of SUVs, providing excellent visibility and a sense of control.
The Azure’s interior, by comparison, was more intimate and driver-focused. It featured handcrafted details and luxurious materials throughout, with a layout that emphasized the grand touring experience. The convertible nature of the Azure allowed for a unique open-air luxury experience that the Bentayga, as an SUV, cannot provide.
Performance and Powertrain
Performance characteristics differ significantly between the Bentley Bentayga and the Azure, reflecting their distinct vehicle types and intended uses. The Bentayga, being a modern luxury SUV, offers a range of powerful and efficient powertrains to suit various preferences and markets.
The current Bentayga lineup includes:
- A 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 542 horsepower
- A hybrid powertrain combining a 3.0-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 443 horsepower
- A high-performance Bentayga Speed variant with a 6.0-liter W12 engine generating 626 horsepower
These powertrains allow the Bentayga to achieve impressive performance figures, with the V8 model capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. The Bentayga also features advanced all-wheel drive systems and adjustable air suspension, providing excellent handling and comfort across various driving conditions.
The Azure, during its production run, focused on delivering a more traditional grand touring experience. The last generation of the Azure, produced until 2009, featured:
- A 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 450 horsepower
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- A smooth-shifting automatic transmission
The Azure’s performance was tailored for comfortable high-speed cruising rather than outright sportiness. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds and had a top speed of around 168 mph. The Azure’s powertrain emphasized refinement and effortless power delivery, characteristics highly valued in luxury grand tourers.
Technology and Features
The Bentley Bentayga, as a modern luxury SUV, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and features that cater to contemporary luxury car buyers. It offers:
- A state-of-the-art infotainment system with a large touchscreen display
- Digital instrument cluster with customizable layouts
- Advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
- Optional rear-seat entertainment systems
- Connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multi-zone climate control
- Customizable ambient lighting
The Bentayga also incorporates advanced chassis technologies like Bentley Dynamic Ride, an electric active roll control system that enhances both comfort and handling. Additionally, it offers various drive modes to optimize performance for different terrains and driving conditions.
The Azure, being an older model, had technology that was advanced for its time but would be considered outdated by today’s standards. Its features included:
- A premium audio system
- Basic navigation and infotainment functions
- Traditional analog gauges with some digital displays
- Automatic climate control
- Power-operated convertible roof
While the Azure lacked the advanced digital interfaces and driver assistance features of modern luxury cars, it excelled in providing a pure, analog driving experience that many enthusiasts still appreciate. The focus was on mechanical refinement and tactile luxury rather than digital interfaces.
Target Audience and Market Positioning
The Bentley Bentayga and Azure target different segments within the luxury car market, reflecting changing preferences and lifestyles of affluent consumers. The Bentayga appeals to a broader and more diverse audience, including:
- Wealthy families seeking a practical yet luxurious vehicle
- Successful professionals who desire a versatile car for both business and leisure
- Luxury SUV enthusiasts who appreciate high-performance capabilities
- Tech-savvy buyers who value modern features and connectivity
The Bentayga’s positioning as a luxury SUV aligns with the current market trend favoring versatile, high-riding vehicles. It competes with other ultra-luxury SUVs from brands like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin.
The Azure, during its production, catered to a more niche market:
- Traditional luxury car buyers who prefer classic styling and open-top driving
- Collectors and enthusiasts of grand touring convertibles
- High-net-worth individuals seeking an exclusive and prestigious vehicle
- Buyers who prioritize the emotional experience of driving over practicality
The Azure’s market position was that of an exclusive, handcrafted convertible for discerning buyers who valued the heritage and craftsmanship of Bentley. It competed with other luxury convertibles and grand tourers from brands like Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin.
Price and Exclusivity
The pricing and exclusivity of the Bentley Bentayga and Azure reflect their different positions in the luxury car market. The Bentayga, as a current model, has a starting price of around $170,000 for the base V8 model, with prices escalating significantly for higher trims and customizations. The Bentayga Speed, the top-of-the-line variant, can exceed $250,000 with options.
While the Bentayga is exclusive, it is produced in larger numbers compared to traditional Bentley models, making it more accessible to a wider range of luxury car buyers. This strategy has helped Bentley expand its market share and appeal to new customers.
The Azure, during its production run, was positioned as one of Bentley’s most exclusive and expensive models. In its final years of production, the Azure had a base price of over $300,000, with many examples exceeding $400,000 with customizations. The Azure’s production numbers were much lower than the Bentayga, typically limited to a few hundred units per year, enhancing its exclusivity and collectible status.
The pricing difference reflects not only the different vehicle types but also the shift in Bentley’s business strategy. The Bentayga represents Bentley’s adaptation to changing market demands and its effort to increase sales volume while maintaining luxury status. The Azure, on the other hand, epitomized Bentley’s traditional approach of producing highly exclusive, handcrafted vehicles in limited numbers.
FAQs About Bentley Bentayga And Azure
- Is the Bentley Azure still in production?
No, the Bentley Azure was discontinued in 2009 and is no longer in production. - What is the fuel economy of the Bentley Bentayga?
The Bentayga’s fuel economy varies by engine, with the V8 model averaging around 17 mpg combined. - Can the Bentley Bentayga go off-road?
Yes, the Bentayga has off-road capabilities with adjustable ride height and various terrain modes. - How many seats does the Bentley Bentayga have?
The Bentayga is available in configurations with four, five, or seven seats. - What was the top speed of the Bentley Azure?
The last generation Bentley Azure had a top speed of approximately 168 mph (270 km/h).