Having recently delivered its 20000th Bentayga, Bentley is preparing to introduce a facelifted version of its popular first-class SUV. Judging from these leaked brochure- (or perhaps, press-) images that have popped up on Instagram, the luxury off-roader's mid lifecycle update will be subtle.

Although some regarded the Bentayga in conflict with Bentley’s traditional values at the time of its launch, it has become a vital product in the company’s portfolio. The first-class SUV is the Crewe-based brand’s bestseller; it represented almost half of all new Bentleys sold in 2019 – a record year for the VW Group’s most luxuriousMLBevo-based model.

The Bentayga made its South African debut in mid-2018, but the model was introduced overseas as long ago as2016.

These (regrettably grainy) images of the facelifted Bentayga were posted by Instagram userWilco Blok and partly reveal the first-class SUV's refreshed styling and interior.

The most noticeable exterior update is the new headlight design that’s reminiscent of those of the Continental GT and Flying Spur. The significantly revised bumper's recessesarecovered bythe samemesh pattern as the grille;it further features a larger lower air dam and (what appear to be) enlarged fog-light housings.

The Bentayga is based on the same platformas the Audi Q7/Q8, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.

Apart from the obvious new alloy wheel design, the Bentayga’s rear end is most likely to sport a reshaped bumper and new-look (and probably enlarged) LED tail-light clusters.

The changes to the interior are subtle too… and appear to be largely technology-based. Bentley has fitted the updated Bentayga with a reshaped all-digital instrument cluster (it effectively inserts contemporary electronic display into an old-school instrument pod), while the decluttered centre console sports the wider touchscreen infotainment system from the Flying Spur.

With the enlarged touchscreen, Bentley is looking to improve the Bentayga's infotainment functionality.

Under the sheet metal, the revised first-class SUV should receive a number of technical updates, such as an upgraded semi-autonomous cruise control system, but the current engine line-up of a 320 kW/900 Nm 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel, 404 kW/770 Nm 4.0-litre V8 turbopetrol and 447-467 kW 6.0-litre W12 turbopetrol is likely to remain unchanged, although some ‘sites are reporting that the W12 engine will be more fuel-efficient.

The Bentayga range was launched in South Africa in mid-2018, be sure to read our launch review, check out the range’s specs & pricesin South Africa or search for a used example on Cars.co.za.

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