Bentayga

The long-awaited Bentley luxury SUV has now been revealed to the world. A 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds, 187mph top speed and active electric anti-roll supports Bentley’s claim that it’s the fastest, most powerful SUV in the world.

Beyond that, it’s equipped with cutting edge technology and trimmed with all the opulent luxury that Crewe is famed for. A new leader for the luxury SUV category, or in a class of its own? We’d say the latter.

Memories of the challenging (!) looks of Bentley’s EXP9F concept car have been banished with the Bentayga. It’s a handsome design that strikes a good balance between elegance and ruggedness. Head on, its four round headlamps and matrix grille show clear family ties to the Continental models. The signature Bentley powerline and haunches are also evident, while the fastback roofline looks sporty without compromising rear seat headroom.

Inside, you’re enveloped by Bentley at its best – the tactility of fine leather, veneered woods, meticulous tolerances and polished metal create an unparalleled ambience. The front seats are wonderfully supportive and customers have a choice of four or five-seat configuration (a seven-seat version is promised later). Light streams in from the panoramic sunroof and Bentley’s patented new ‘event seat’ is sure to be a popular option; it’s a leather-trimmed folding seat that turns the tailgate into a viewing platform for outdoor events and picnics.

As it’s a Bentley, there’s a high level of personalisation available, from the choice of hides and paint colours to a special Breitling by Bentley tourbillion clock or Mulliner hamper set.

Bentayga features a new Bentley 6.0 litre W12 engine powering all four wheels. It’s an advanced new unit that combines direct and indirect fuel injection, whilst also featuring variable displacement. For a 600bhp, 900NM powertrain, the CO2 figure of 292 g/km is exceptional. So too is the sensation of effortless, limitless power. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, specifically developed to cope with the extra stresses of off-road driving. Start-Stop and a new ‘sailing’ feature (that disconnects the torque converter at motorway speeds when you back off the throttle) all help Bentayga make the most of every tankful. Diesel and hybrid versions are promised for future model years.

As well as being tested on desert dunes at 50°C plus or Arctic ice at -30°C, Bentayga was also hammered for over 400 laps of the Nürburgring. So while it’s capable of mud-plugging with the best off-roaders, it’s in a league of its own for on-road performance.

The new Bentley SUV is packed with advanced electronic tech, including multi-mode traction control, electronic stability control and hill descent control. Perhaps most noteworthy is the 48v electric active anti-roll system, allowing the driver to enjoy sports-car like handling without compromising ride comfort. There are eight different driver-selectable drive modes for on and off-road surfaces, which Bentley claims is unique. There are also four different ride height modes for the air suspension, including a ‘sit’ setting for loading the luggage area or hitching up a trailer. So while Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful SUV in the world it’s also hugely capable in real-world situations, from the streets of Mayfair to the steppes of Mongolia. We’ve been counting the months, but Bentayga has been well worth the wait.