2025 Bentley Bentayga

In an SUV-crazed world, few brands can afford not to offer one. The Bentayga, the first of the modern über-luxe SUVs, is more than just a marketing feint. Built from hardware shared with the Porsche Cayenne, the Bentayga offers all the power, comfort, lavish trimmings, and endless personalization options buyers expect of a Bentley. And with the standard height-adjustable air suspension raised to its highest setting, its driver can literally look down on those around them.

Even with its standard turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain (456 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque), the Bentayga is faster than any vehicle this big needs to be. The optional twin-turbocharged V8 (542 horsepower, 568 lb-ft of torque) makes it even more outrageous while expanding the Bentayga's options list. Bentley's trick Dynamic Ride suspension, which uses electric motors to minimize body roll and includes rear-wheel steering; a factory-installed trailer hitch receiver; and the Terrain Specification, which includes underbody protection and off-road driving modes, are only available on V8 Bentaygas.

Ettore Bugatti, founder of the eponymous brand, is said to have once called a Bentley "the fastest lorry in the world." ("Lorries" are what Brits call trucks.) The remark was meant to slander his rival's race car, but today there is plenty of competition for that title. Edmunds does not test top speed, but honors likely go to the Ferrari Purosangue or Lamborghini Urus. Aston Martin's DBX is in the running, as is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Shoppers less interested in speed and more concerned with luxury will find the Rolls-Royce Cullinan a compelling alternative to the Bentley.