Bentley’s Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection merges automotive luxury with yachting elegance.
Bentley has unveiled its latest model: the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) Azure Riviera Collection. This exclusive offering announced on 25 September 2024, represents a pinnacle of luxury, comfort, and bespoke design in the automotive world.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Continental GTC Riviera Collection launched in 2023, this new iteration reimagines Bentley’s iconic Bentayga in its long wheelbase model, paying homage to the sophistication and serenity of modern yachting.
A Yacht-Inspired Exterior: Elegance Meets Innovation
The Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection makes a striking first impression with its Aegean Blue exterior, a colour that captures the deep, mesmerising hues of the Mediterranean Sea. This choice of palette is no accident; it’s a deliberate nod to the azure waters of the French Riviera, instantly evoking images of luxury yachts gliding across tranquil seas.
But the nautical inspiration doesn’t stop at the paint job. The vehicle’s silhouette is enhanced by bespoke 22-inch five-spoke polished wheels, featuring black-painted pockets that add a touch of contrast and depth.
The front apron, roof rail inserts, and lower brightware are all painted in a coordinating shade of Aegean Blue, resulting in a design that is both cohesive and visually appealing, flowing seamlessly from front to back.
Perhaps most notably, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection comes equipped with the Blackline Specification, a feature that further accentuates the vehicle’s refined silhouette. This specification replaces traditional chrome elements with sleek, black-finished alternatives, mirroring the clean, modern exterior design of contemporary luxury yachts.
The outcome is a vehicle that not only acknowledges nautical design, but truly embodies it, transferring the sophisticated aesthetics and clear lines of high-end yachts to an automotive context.
It is a striking statement that distinguishes this limited edition from its peers and firmly establishes Bentley’s position at the vanguard of luxury automotive design.
Interior Craftsmanship: A Symphony of Luxury and Comfort
Stepping inside the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection is akin to boarding a luxury yacht. The interior is a masterclass in bespoke design, featuring a sophisticated colour palette that continues the nautical theme while elevating it to new heights of luxury.
The main hide is crafted in Linen, a light, airy colour that immediately brightens the cabin and evokes the crisp, clean aesthetic of a high-end sailing vessel. This is complemented by Brunel secondary hide, adding depth and contrast to the interior design. Autumn accents provide subtle pops of colour, adding warmth and dimension to the overall scheme.
The new Pale Pinstripe Veneer is one of the interior’s most notable features. This custom wood finish is inspired by the light teak decks of luxury vessels, providing the interior with a contemporary, fresh look.
The veneer’s light colour and subtle grain pattern contribute to the airy, spacious feel of the interior while adding a touch of nautical authenticity.
The attention to detail in the Riviera Collection is truly remarkable. Each headrest is adorned with special ‘knot’ embroidery, a playful yet elegant nod to nautical themes. The seat backs feature “Azure” embroidery in Autumn accents, underscoring the exclusivity of this collection and its place within the Azure family of Bentley vehicles.
Comfort is paramount in the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection, and this is evident in every aspect of the interior design. Mulliner overmats in Brunel with Autumn micro-piping provide a luxurious feel underfoot, while loose cushions in Linen with Riviera embroidery offer additional comfort and style.
Bespoke Riviera treadplates greet passengers as they enter, serving as a constant reminder of the vehicle’s exclusive nature.
Technological Marvels: Redefining Comfort in Motion
While the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection certainly impresses with its aesthetic appeal, the vehicle’s technological features truly set it apart in the luxury SUV market. At the heart of this technological suite is the revolutionary Airline Seat Specification, a feature that represents the pinnacle of automotive seating comfort.
These seats provide an unparalleled 22-way adjustability, enabling passengers to effortlessly locate their ideal seating position. However, the seats’ sophisticated climate sensing technology is where the genuine enchantment is.
This system continuously monitors passenger temperature and surface humidity, automatically adjusting the seat heating and ventilation to maintain optimal comfort. It’s a level of personalisation and comfort that was once the sole preserve of first-class air travel, now available in a road-going vehicle.
The commitment to passenger comfort extends beyond the seating. The Bentley Diamond Illumination system bathes the interior in a soft, customisable glow, creating an ambience that can be tailored to the occupants’ mood or the time of day. This is complemented by the Mood Lighting Specification, which offers even more options for personalising the cabin’s atmosphere.
For audiophiles, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with a state-of-the-art ‘Bang & Olufsen for Bentley audio system. This bespoke sound system has been specifically tuned for the Bentayga’s cabin acoustics, delivering an immersive auditory experience that rivals the finest home audio setups.
Entertainment options abound for rear-seat passengers, with a comprehensive rear entertainment system that allows for streaming, gaming, or productivity on the go. Power Close rear doors add an extra touch of convenience and luxury, while picnic tables with Brunel leather inserts provide a functional yet stylish surface for work or refreshments.
The driver hasn’t been forgotten in this technological tour de force. The heated, duo-tone, three-spoke hide-trimmed steering wheel not only looks exquisite but also provides comfort in all weather conditions. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection from merely luxurious to truly exceptional.
Performance and Driving Experience: Power Meets Refinement
While the press release doesn’t provide specific details about the powertrain, it’s worth noting that the Bentayga EWB typically comes equipped with Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre V8 engine. This powerplant is known for its smooth delivery of substantial power, likely providing the Riviera Collection with more than adequate performance to match its luxurious amenities.
This model’s extended wheelbase not only enhances the interior space but also facilitates a more stable and comfortable ride. This attribute is particularly advantageous for a vehicle that is influenced by luxury yachting, where a smooth, effortless voyage is a component of the allure.
It’s reasonable to assume that the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection also benefits from Bentley’s advanced air suspension system. This technology allows for a range of ride heights and damping settings, ensuring optimal comfort and handling across various driving conditions.
Whether cruising along the Côte d’Azur or navigating urban environments, this system likely provides a ride quality that matches the vehicle’s luxurious interior.
Exclusivity and Market Positioning
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection is its exclusivity. Bentley has announced that this model will be available exclusively for the European region. This decision not only adds to the collection’s allure but also aligns perfectly with its Mediterranean-inspired design ethos.
By limiting availability to Europe, Bentley is creating a product that is intimately connected to its inspiration. Owners of the Riviera Collection will have the unique opportunity to drive their yachting-inspired Bentaygas along the very coastlines that influenced its design. This geographical exclusivity adds an extra layer of authenticity and desirability to an already exceptional vehicle.
While pricing details have not been disclosed, it’s safe to assume that the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection will command a premium over the standard Bentayga EWB.
Given its exclusive nature, bespoke design elements, and advanced features, this limited edition is likely to appeal to the most discerning of luxury car buyers – those who seek not just transportation, but a unique automotive experience that reflects their lifestyle and passions.
The Broader Context: Bentley’s Commitment to Luxury and Innovation
The introduction of the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection is more than just the launch of a new model variant; it’s a statement of intent from Bentley. This release demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury, comfort, and bespoke design in the automotive world.
By drawing inspiration from the world of luxury yachting, Bentley is tapping into a lifestyle and aesthetic that resonates deeply with its target market. The Riviera Collection isn’t just a car; it’s a mobile extension of the luxury yachting experience, allowing owners to carry the essence of their maritime adventures onto the road.
Moreover, this release showcases Bentley’s ability to innovate within its established model lines. The Bentayga, already a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment, is elevated to new heights with the EWB Azure Riviera Collection. It’s a testament to Bentley’s philosophy of continuous improvement and its willingness to explore new design territories.
The emphasis on wellbeing, as demonstrated by the sophisticated comfort features and Airline Seat Specification, is also consistent with the broader trends in the luxury market. There is a growing recognition that vehicles are not only modes of transportation, but also spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation, and retreat from the stresses of daily life.
The Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection caters perfectly to this desire, offering a sanctuary of comfort and luxury on wheels.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Automotive Luxury
The Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Azure Riviera Collection represents a bold and exciting step forward in the world of luxury SUVs. By seamlessly blending automotive excellence with nautical-inspired design, Bentley has created a vehicle that transcends traditional categorisation.
This is more than just a car; it’s a mobile lifestyle statement, a testament to the art of bespoke craftsmanship, and a showcase of cutting-edge automotive technology. From its striking Aegean Blue exterior to its sumptuously appointed interior, from its advanced comfort features to its exclusive European availability, every aspect of the Riviera Collection has been carefully considered and expertly executed.
As Bentley continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive luxury, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection stands as a shining example of the company’s vision and capabilities. It sets a new benchmark not just for Bentley, but for the luxury automotive sector as a whole, challenging competitors to match its blend of style, comfort, and exclusivity.
For those fortunate enough to experience it, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection promises not just a journey, but an event – a taste of the yachting lifestyle, translated into automotive form with unparalleled skill and vision. As it takes to the roads of Europe, it’s sure to turn heads and capture hearts, cementing its place in the pantheon of truly special automotive creations.
