Bentley Bentayga: The Fastest and Most Powerful SUV in the World

After years of rumors, leaks and teases, the new Bentley Bentayga SUV has been unveiled today. In the revealing press release from the English luxury automobile manufacturer, Bentley announces that the Bentayga is “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.” That’s quite a pedigree.

Bentley wasted no time in informing the world that the Bentayga is powered by an all new twin turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 powertrain. When fired up, this engine is capable of 600 bhp and 663 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. If these specifications aren’t enough, know that Bentley has taken the Bentayga around the Nordschleife 400 times, fine-tuning it to perfection.

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“The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, in the release. “With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

Being the first SUV from Bentley, they had to create some new technology to make it more capable than a standard road-going car like the Continental.

Giving the Bentayga the ability to switch between eight different modes, including on- and off-road drive settings, is Bentley’s Drive Dynamic Mode. With the turn of a dial, you can set the SUV up for any surface or road condition. To make it even more capable off-road is the Responsive Off-Road Setting, which prepares the driver for a wide range of off-road surfaces. This setting will also display current pitch, roll, wheel articulation, steering angle, compass bearing and altitude of the SUV on the Driver Information Panel.

Now that I’ve talked about what makes this car powerful and fast, it’s time to focus on what makes it so luxurious and exclusive.

Inside the Bentayga’s cabin is an interior handcrafted by Bentley’s skilled workers in Crewe, Cheshire, England. Materials included in the interior are hand-selected veneers, handcrafted metal elements and the finest bull hides from cool European climates.

To add opulent comfort to the cabin are individually handcrafted front seats featuring 22-way adjustment. I should also mention they come with a six-program massage system, seat heating, and ventilation. There’s no doubt in my mind a road trip in these seats would be glorious.

In the rear, customers can opt for three or two seats, creating either a four- or five-seat configuration. All seats, of course, come wrapped in fine leather and are available with contrast stitching and a quilted diamond design for the shoulders and bolsters.

This SUV’s cabin also comes with a plethora of luxuries of the technological kind. Making driving safer and easier are the Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, and Top View technologies. Each aims to aid the driver in their goal of arriving at their destination safely, every time. And, if you’re a Bentley driver not used to SUVs, it comes with Park Assist, making your parking safer and easier as well.

Other technological features include the Electronic Night Vision, Head-Up Display, 8-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bentley Entertainment Tablet (a 10.2-inch Android tablet) and different options for audio systems.

If all of this still isn’t enough, Bentley offers a wide range of personalization options, including 90 hues for the exterior finish, 15 carpet options, seven handcrafted veneer options and 15 different trim hides. It also comes with six “lifestyle-oriented specification packages,” along with the largest number of accessories Bentley has ever offered for a model. A Mulliner Tourbillon by Breitling clock can also be added to the cabin, machined in rose or white solid gold.

If you’re lucky enough to pick up a Bentayga at launch, the Mulliner Hamper Set will be available. This includes a cooler, bespoke Linley cutlery, crockery, crystal glass and a storage area for dry goods.

For more information and images of the Bentley Bentayga, check back on Sept. 15 for the start of the International Auto Show 2015 in Frankfurt, where it will make its full public debut.

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