The Bentley Bentayga has been revealed prior to its debut at the Frankfurt motor show. The range-topping SUV has been described by the British carmaker as “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world”, with “the world’s finest automotive cabin” that offers “unparalleled luxury” in its sector.
The Bentayga is 5.14 metres long, with a wheelbase of nearly three metres. A slight advantage over the long-wheelbase Range Rover, but with a roof that is about 60mm lower. It is based on an iteration of the VW Group’s new MLB-Evo platform for large vehicles that has already been used for Audi’s new Q7 and will be seen in the all-new Cayenne. Construction is described as aluminium-intensive, but materials include aluminium, steel and composites.
The Bentayga has a new air spring system, where the ride height, damping, roll control, stability, hill descent and traction are all set by the driver from a console-mounted rotary control. There are four selectable on-road modes and four for off-road driving. The steering is a new electrically-assisted system. There’s also an electronic differential lock that uses the brakes to mimic a locked diff to tame wheelspin.
Powering the Bentayga is a completely redesigned twin-turbocharged petrol W12 engine, claimed both to improve efficiency by 11.9 percent and reduce weight by 30kg. It develops 600bhp at 6,000rpm and a massive 91.7kgm of torque between 1,250rpm and 4,500rpm. It drives through an eight-speed, paddle-shift ZF automatic to a four-wheel drive system featuring a Torsen centre differential.
The new W12 has stop-start and cylinder deactivation system that shuts down the valves, fuel injection and ignition systems when the engine is turning below 3,000rpm or developing up to a third of its torque, provided the car is in at least third gear. Bentley claims a top speed of 301kph and a 0-100kph time of around 4 seconds.
One look at the cabin, and you see the extensive use of high-quality materials. The dashboard design echoes the wings of the Bentley badge, flowing from door to door. A ‘floating’ driver info panel with bright mineral glass as its screen, speaker grilles behind a fine metal mesh, intricate knurling on all important switchgear and new diamond-quilted seats with up to 22-way adjustment are some of the highlights.
The Bentayga can be had as a two or three-person rear seat layout, and the company is also working on a seven-seat version. The SUV goes on sale in international markets early next year.