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First Drive: 2023 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase

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First Drive: 2023 Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase


Riding in the back of most full-sized SUVs can leave you feeling a bit like a kid headed to soccer practice, and sitting behind the wheel of one can impart some serious bus driver vibes. But Bentayga EWB is not your average family hauler and no matter where you’re sitting, this Bentley is a pretty posh way to travel.

EWB stands for extended wheelbase, which, as you’d expect, means the brand has taken its most popular model and stretched it a little over seven inches. That extra length creates more room in the rear for a more comfortable passenger experience. Bentley calls it a “spiritual” replacement to the Mulsanne (their gone-but-not-forgotten limo-like sedan) but the EWB is far more advanced.

We spent a day driving and riding around Vancouver and the Coast Mountains. We put the Bentayga EWB through its paces on highways, city streets, and even up dirt trails to the top of a ski hill at Whistler. After a few hundred miles, we’re sure drivers can find loads of enjoyment behind the wheel, but the real sweet spot is in the back.

That Back Seat

Hop in the rear and the first thing you notice is that extra seven inches. It may not seem like much when you consider the standard Bentayga is already over 200 inches long, but the added length adds up to a massive amount of room. You almost need binoculars to see the front seat.

Then there’s the “airline seat.” The EWD comes standard with a three passenger bench in the back. But for those ready to toss the keys to their chauffeur, the $11,195 option is a must. The furniture upgrade allows the passenger to adjust the seat 22 different ways and recline to 40 degrees. A foot rest can be deployed from the back of the front passenger seat to relieve barking dogs. It’s not quite an international business class flat-lay experience, but it kicks up the opulence a notch or two. Plus, a fully horizontal position would require an entirely different kind of seat belt…

Let’s hope someone in Crewe is working on that right now.

The active massage functions are like magical fingers, hands, and elbows tucked beneath the leather. They’re certainly among the best we’ve experienced in a car. The seat also uses a system that can assess the passenger’s temperature, humidity (read: sweat) on the seat’s surface, then add heat or ventilation or both to achieve “optimum thermal well-being.” Massage tech automatically adjusts body posture using 177 pressure modifications on long trips to allow travelers to arrive more refreshed.

Bentley Motors

Sitting in the airline seat while the EWB whizzes down the road, through the mountains and past pale emerald lakes is a soft and supple experience. The cushy air suspension and the 48-volt anti-roll system act together to minimize bumps and bends in the road. So, even when it gets twisty, you can still find a good nap in the back.

Of course this is a Bentley, so the EWB comes outfitted with the finest seating surfaces with optional detailing in handcrafted wood paneling and inlays. Standard colors abound but if you can’t find one in Bentley’s palette, paints can be matched to nearly any sample. In total, the brand offers a staggering 24 billion trim combinations. So there’s no excuse for your EWB to look just like the neighbor’s.

Behind the Wheel

Despite the attention the designers heaped on the rear compartment, Bentley still says the EWB is a driver-focused vehicle. The EWB features a single power train—a 542-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite the added size, the brand says the EWB only loses a tenth of a second to 60 mph to the standard Bentayga, clocking in at 4.5 seconds.

Pound the throttle and the EWB will get up and go, but you won’t hear much of a howl. The engineers in Crewe have turned down the V-8 volume to quiet the cabin for the passengers in the back. From a driver’s perspective, the engine sounds a bit middling, but we get it.

Without a doubt, at nearly 17-and-a-half-feet long, the EWB is a road-going galleon. But, thankfully, it boasts a slew of features and tech that make it feel much smaller. Think of them as automotive Spanx. Rear-wheel steering allows drivers to pull a full u-turn on a two lane highway without any of the wheels leaving the asphalt. For those who enjoy the twists and turns, sport mode will tighten the setup for a bit of fun. The EWB claims a top speed of 180 mph, but that would significantly diminish the comfort. Maybe let the driver try reaching it on their day off.

The Bentley Bentayga EWB on the road.
Bentley Motors

On the Outside

The increase in size is the first thing you notice on the inside. However, it’s one of the last things when you’re gazing at the exterior. The added length is all masked with larger rear doors. If you were looking at the EWB from the top down next to the standard version, you might notice the moonroof was shifted farther back to align with the new rear seat positions. But for Bentayga connoisseurs, there are a few flourishes. There’s a new front grille and polished 22-inch 10-spoke wheels you can’t get on the standard length version. Strangely, Bentley has no plans to offer the Bentayga in a three-row configuration. Are there no soccer moms or dads in Beverly Hills?

Regardless, whether you’re actually fetching the kids from practice or the chauffeur is ferrying you to a game, the EWB represents a brilliant blend of elegance and performance no matter which seat you choose.

[$230,000; bentleymotors.com]


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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