It’s not everyday you see a 96-year-old British luxury brand enter an entirely new vehicle segment, but given the popularity of all-things-SUV in 2015 it makes perfect sense. That’s why Bentley, one of the most storied brands in the history of the automobile, will unveil its all-new Bentley Bentayga super-luxury SUV next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. I got a sneak peak at the Bentayga during a limited pre-screening event in Monterey a few weeks ago, and I can confirm that Bentley’s gone all-in with the development of this new utility vehicle. From its on-road presence to its advanced levels of performance, luxury and technology, the Bentayga will be the darling of SUV shoppers seeking the ultimate in all-terrain people-moving opulence.
The SUV’s technical pedigree starts with an all-new 6.0-liter W12 engine making 600 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission and into a Torsen center differential with a 40-60 front-to-rear axle split. It results in a zero-to-60 time of 4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. While neither figure eclipses a wide range of supercars currently available, the Bentayga is now the fastest SUV on the market, rivaling even its Porsche Cayenne corporate cousin. It’s also available with up to eight driving modes for various on-road and off-road conditions. Additional driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system, help manage the 5,300-pound Bentayga in urban traffic and tight confines. It’s even got night vision and a head-up display to detect and identify after-hour road hazards.
The Bentayga’s high-tech features elevate the SUV’s luxury pedigree as well. An 8-inch touchscreen and 60 gigabyte hard drive serve the driver while removable 10.2-inch Android tablets, with WiFi and 4G capability, serve as the hub for the Bentayga’s rear seat entertainment system. A range of audio options, up to an 18-speaker, 1,950-watt Naim system, can fill the handcrafted wood and leather-lined cabin. Seating options include a four- or five-passenger configuration, with the four-passenger layout including a rear center console featuring cupholders, storage space and multiple USB charging outlets. Other cabin choices include one of 15 interior colors, a full-length panoramic sunroof and a folding “event seat” in the cargo area that faces backward and takes premium tailgating to a new level.
Bentley reps told us the Bentayga has been through a testing regiment that included everything from 400 laps at the Nurburgring to crossing the dunes of Dubai, the muddy fields of Cheshire and the dirt and gravel of South Africa. As the first vehicle equipped with Bentley’s Dynamic Ride active roll control technology the Bentayga can counteract lateral rolling forces to manage the vehicle’s higher center of gravity. The Bentayga also utilizes a new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system to manage steering input and increase stability. Wheel sizes are another area where Bentley went big, offering sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Normally such large wheel diameters would tend to overwhelm a vehicle’s exterior design, but the Bentayga’s body lines and proportions integrate the 22-inch wheels to create an elegant appearance.
