It’s been a long time coming, but Bentley have finally launched their Bentayga at an exclusive event at the Halycon Gallery on New Bond Street last night. Billed as the most powerful, most luxurious and fastest SUV in the world, the Bentayga was originally unveiled as a concept as far back as 2012, and has seen substantial revisions in the attempt to create a suitable final product. The end result is stunning, both inside and out, and presages an interesting new chapter in the world of sports utility vehicles.
Our CEO, Dee, was given a VIP invitation to the launch and said: “it was a real privilege to receive an invitation for the Signature Team to attend the launch of this spectacular SUV. It really sets a new bar in the market and is a great example of what British engineering and perseverance can achieve.”
The Bentayga features an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine, which will produce a not insignificant 600BPH. This enormous amount of power will propel the Bentayga from 0-60MPH in just 4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 187MPH, which is seriously impressive for an SUV. It claims to offer a true Bentley driving experience, with an air suspension system that offers four ride heights, as well as a total of eight driving modes. These include Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom, as well as four off-road modes and an electronic hill descent system to prove it’s a true 4×4.
The design is predictably stunning, with a particularly striking one piece fender and jewel-like headlights.
Inside, the Bentayga has all the detailing and refinement that you’d expect from a Bentley. Using the same winged design as in the Mulsanne and GT, the interior projects an elegant look that belies its heavy inclusion of technology. Occupants of the quilted leather seats can enjoy a Bentley-branded 10.2 inch Android tablet, connected to on-board wifi, or the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system if they’re sat in the front.
The Bentayga is truly an automotive marvel, and the price reflects this: at a $229,100 base price, it’s the most expensive SUV ever made.