One-percenters in Singapore on the hunt for a new limousine to be chaffeured around in now have another option to look forward to - and it comes not just in the form of an ultra-luxury SUV, but a stretched ultra-luxury SUV. 

On the afternoon of 2 March 2023, the Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure (yes, it's quite the mouthful) was showcased for the first time locally during an exclusive event at Bentley Singapore's Leng Kee showroom. 

The launch marks the first expansion of the Bentayga range since the SUV's groundbreaking arrival here in 2016. Prices start at an eye-watering $1,329,000 for the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB), but hold your breath, for they rise even further to the high heavens to go north of $1,519,000 for the Bentayga EWB Azure - both before COE. 

No one will dispute that standard Bentaygas already do a commendable job in transmuting the traditional three-box limousine experience into high-riding SUV form. But the Bentayga EWB - and Bentayga EWB Azure - now further promise to be the final word in luxury for the brand. In bringing the longer-wheelbase variant to life, design was centred around the broad goal of ultimate occupant wellness. 

Aside from its own gleaming vertical-vaned grille, the Bentayga EWB gains a significant 180mm in length, and all of this is handed to second row passengers for more space to stretch out in the rear.

Outwardly, this is most immediately noticeable from the car's longer rear doors and longer roofline. The Bentayga EWB measures a whopping 5.3m from tip to tip as a result of the extension.

To give you an idea of how much importance Bentley is placing on the model, it's gone as far as to call this its new luxury flagship, as well as the spiritual successor to the Mulsanne. 

But numbers on their own will not do justice to the car seen in these pictures. Arriving at the Bentayga EWB was a complex undertaking that required a nine-digit investment from the firm, and in the process, Bentley has also introduced the 'Azure' designation to the range as the 'pinnacle luxury SUV' (as the firm calls it).

The special touches are already clear when one sets their eyes on the latter's hulking body. The top-of-the-line trim level gets exclusive 22-inch wheels with a 10-spoke design offered with three different finishes. 'Azure' badges flank the car's sides, and are visible on the door sills as one steps into the car.

Still, the point of stepping in is arguably when the story really begins. Additional name-specific badging and embroidery aside, one specific detail offered as standard on the Azure's interior is a Metal Overlay in the wood veneer of its dash and door panels. 


The overlay comes on top of an unprecedented 'Diamond Illumination' lighting introduced on to the Bentayga EWB. 

As a result of more advanced stitching design, elongated diamond patterns cover the car's seat backs and the soft leather trim on its doors, but those on the latter additionally carry exquisite little details: Coloured lighting peeking out of tiny dotted perforations. Task it to Bentley to bring an intricate and delightful twist to interior ambient lighting. 

The Bentayga EWB comes with a multitude of other luxuries including 16-way adjustable outer rear seats with five individual massage programs, self-closing rear doors, and even a detachable Touch Screen Remote with which virtually every function in the car can be operated. 

But the undeniable calling card here is the addition of the Bentley Airline Seat Specification, which is available in either 4-seater or 4+1-seater configurations, and comes as standard on the Azure. 

Conceptualised for 'maximum relaxation', a number of world-first technologies feature on the upgraded 22-way adjustable seats (named as such in reference to first-class travel). Apart from being able to recline up to 40 degrees, the 'Postural Adjustment' function relies on various air pockets to continuously change the seat's shape to ease pressure points around the occupant's body. 

'Seat Auto Climate' also gives passengers the option to select their desired temperature, with contact temperature and humidity levels constantly calibrated to ensure constancy in feel.

As for the experience behind the wheel, Bentley says the Bentayga EWB Azure suffers no compromises in performance and driving finesse despite its extra mass and length.

Powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found under the bonnet of the standard-wheelbase Bentayga, the engine's 542bhp and 700Nm of torque send the SUV flying from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds - or just 0.1 seconds slower than the standard-wheelbase Bentayga's century sprint time. Both share the same top speed of 290km/h. 

Incredibly, thanks to the addition of electronic All-Wheel Steering, the Bentayga EWB is actually more manoeuvrable, since its turning circle is 7% smaller than the standard-wheelbase Bentayga. On the other hand, this also means the car's stability and handling are improved at higher speeds. 

2022 was yet another bumper year for Bentley, which delivered a record 15,174 vehicles across the 12 months, among which the Bentayga took up a whopping 42% of total sales. In its own way, the Singapore market also helped to contribute to its success, with the luxury marque experiencing double-digit year-on-year growth. 

Still, even the few who have cash at the ready for firm's new luxury flagship will have to be patient. Orders are already open for the Bentayga EWB, but Bentley Singapore has cautioned that customers should expect a six to nine month wait for the car.