Bentley’s range-topping SUV, the Bentayga made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. It has been described by the manufacturer to be the “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 5.14-metre long SUV is currently offered as a four- and five-seater in international markets and comes with a completely redesigned twin-turbocharged petrol W12 engine which is claimed 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. Power is channelled via an eight-speed paddle-shift ZF automatic gearbox equipped with a four-wheel-drive system featuring a Torsen centre differential.
There is an extensive use of high-quality materials in the SUV's interiors. The dashboard design echoes the wings of the Bentley badge, flowing from door to door. A ‘floating’ driver info panel with a bright mineral glass screen, speaker grilles behind a fine metal mesh, intricate knurling on important switchgear and new diamond-quilted seats with up to 22-way adjustment are some of the highlights.
Bentley is also in the process of expanding its SUV range. The carmaker is working on a seven-seat variant of the Bentayga, which is due next year. The length of this SUV is expected to remain the same, but it will get the addition of a third row of seats.
The next derivative of the standard Bentayga will be a plug-in hybrid model. The Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid will see a global unveil in 2018. The carmaker has also confirmed that the drivetrain used in this model will be shared with other future Bentley offerings. The carmaker is also working on a diesel-powered model which will be made available in global markets.
The Bentayga will come to India around June 2016, at a starting price of around Rs 3.5 crore (estimated).