Bentley Bentayga Hybrid – long-term review

The COVID-19 pandemic upturned the world of work — and nothing was disrupted more than where we work. To some, the office is so 2020, with hybrid working now being the new normal. But recently I’ve taken hybrid working incredibly literally, by using the Bentayga Hybrid as a sort of luxo leather-wrapped Regus on wheels.

It’s perfectly set up for it. Well, kind of. Having been specced with the £8,500 four-seat rear, sitting in the back means you have your own business class seat. And thanks to memory functionality front and rear, I’ve set them up so with one push the front passenger seat goes into a foetal position and tucks away, gifting more leg room in the workspace out back. And compared to a ropey old computer chair (which tend not to be 14-way adjustable, heated, cooled and massaged) they're exceedingly comfortable and perfect for a full day's work.

But there’s more good news for business types. The two optional removable 10.1” screens attached to the back of the front seats are equipped with a HDMI port – so perfect for dual screening Powerpoints. Plus, you can stream content from your smartphone, computer or tablet directly to them via the onboard Wi-Fi network, which is also great for Zoom. As are the Bentley branded noise cancelling headphones so you look suitably ‘start-up’ in your quilted leather tomb as you discuss Q4 forecasts.

There’s plenty of power too. Buried with the central air vents are two USB Type C ports so you can charge your laptop or mobile with ease, plus a mini tablet: Bentley’s Touch Screen Remote (TSR). This natty 5-inch tablet protrudes out of its housing and is satisfyingly snapped off by magnets and allows you to tweak the climate control, optional mood lighting (so you can rotate the colours depending on the days of the week or mood) panoramic sunroof, sunshade and rear window blinds, plus the hefty 2,200W, 18-speaker optional Naim audio system.

A slight, well – let’s be honest – MASSIVE oversight are the £1,715 picnic tables. I’m not exactly sure who or what Bentley benchmarked this bit of furniture against but as tables they’re pretty useless given they’re so slim. Good for a ramakin of sweets and that’s about it. But as a workspace it's turned out to be remarkably versatile too, occasionally doubling up as a Top Gear Magazine Podcast studio, OB truck and voiceover booth thanks to its deliciously double-glazed silence.

I read a report recently that claimed two-thirds of UK employees surveyed said they do not know how, when and where they are meant to work. I do: in the back of the Bentley. Which, if you apply some Top Gear Maths, is cheaper than renting office space in central London.