Bentley has dipped its foot into the premium SUV market with the launching of the new Bentayga.

In true Bentley fashion however, it has made sure that the Bentayga will be the best of the best. Bentley describes the Bentayga as “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.”

Bentayga Details

Reading through Bentley’s release on the Bentayga it’s hard not to notice that it has used the statement “in the world” almost as much as an episode of Top Gear. For instance the interior is the finest “in the world”, with handcrafted wood and leather throughout – engineered with precision to deliver absolute perfection.

The dashboard takes the iconic Bentley ‘wing’ design as its inspiration, with the beautifully finished surfaces flowing from door to door over the top of the instrument binnacles, down under the centre console and back up around the passenger side fascia and foot well.

Engine Details

The 12-cylinder engine beneath the Bentayga’s bonnet is also the technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine “in the world”. It does develop 447 kW though with 900 Nm of torque. It’s sprint time from 0-100kph is 4.1 seconds making it marginally quicker than the seemingly less crazy BMW X5 M that manages just 4.2 seconds. The power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that has been strengthened to deal with the excessive torque load. The four-wheel drive system has also been strengthened.

Extra handling prowess

In order to make the Bentayga handle all the power and subsequent cornering loads, Bentley will introduce a system called Dynamic Ride. It is an electric active roll control technology. Inherent in larger vehicles with a higher centre of gravity, this system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact. It improves cabin stability, ride comfort and handling.

Bentley spec

In order to make sure the Bentayga sits above all other SUVs, it comes standard with 20-inch wheels. These can be increased to 22-inches if needed. Optionally available is a Naim sound system that offers 18 speakers and super tweeters that can put out 1950 watts. Rear passengers get a cool 10.2-inch detachable Android tablet. It has 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth for use on the road.

First deliveries of the Bentayga are set for early in 2016.

Bentley Bentayga Video