The Bentayga redefines luxury SUV market

The Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with sporting ability for both off-road performance and everyday on-road usability.

Just barely a year in production, the Bentley Benteyga has been receiving international accolades. The world’s fastest and most luxurious SUV hand-built in Bentley’s iconic UK headquarters in Crewe, England has already racked up a dozen awards from Europe, China, the Middle East and the USA.

One would think such opulence is a paradox to its very capable off-road performance and cutting-edge advance technology but then again, this was the very reason why the Bentayga is such a definitive luxury SUV—from its elegant and timeless design execution, to its high-performance package built for the toughest off-road conditions while gliding like a luxury jet across any open road.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, says: “This independent recognition reinforces that we are setting the benchmark for modern luxury with Bentayga, a true Bentley. Customer reaction has been outstanding. We have increased production and reduced long waiting times for customers by making more than 5,500 luxury SUVs in 2016. Deliveries have commenced in all 56 markets in which we are active and our dealers are well placed to meet customer demand. Overall, I believe this to be a remarkable first year’s performance.”

Across three continents this year, the car’s design, performance, and level of luxury has earned many awards, and observers say more are to come in the coming year.

In the UK, Autocar magazine presented the Bentayga with the Game Changer award, marking the SUV as unique in the automotive world. Robb Report UK named Bentayga SUV of the year, with judges concluding it is as a “truly ground-breaking SUV.”

Intricate detailing in wood, metal and leather

US luxury magazine Robb Report US labelled the Bentayga to be the “Best of the Best.” Esquire Magazine calls it “The Car of the Year,” while UK-based Autocar Magazine gave the Bentayga the Game Changer award.

American men’s magazine Gear Patrol named Bentayga a 2016 GP100 Winner, describing the car as “the new SUV benchmark.”

Its success has spilled over the Orient, as Car and Driver (China) awarded the car the Jury’s Special Award. The Global Times (China) also praised Bentley’s first SUV, naming it the Annual Best Brand Product in March.

Best Sports Utility Vehicle and Best Luxury SUV accolades were given by award-giving bodies in Singapore and China. Chief Editors’ Club and Prime Research named it Best SUV of the Year last month.

Being a true Bentley, the Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with sporting ability for both off-road performance and everyday on-road usability, while being able to traverse any climate or terrain and still be as stately as its saloon siblings when used around town.

Its sculptural design and lines are well-balanced with a confident athletic look and presence. Inside, its intricate detailing in wood, metal and leather cocoons the driver and passengers with a very modern, luxurious handcrafted interior.

Outside, the four round LED headlamps and large matrix grille offer a distinctive and muscular power line with Bentley DNA all over the vehicle.

The Bentayga has the elements of modern British luxury.

In a nutshell, the Bentayga is Bentley’s gamechanger and fourth model line, being the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.

Thanks to its all-new W12 powertrain, the Bentayga offers a true Bentley driving experience that showcases innovative technology and features.

When climbing into the world’s finest automotive cabin, the Bentayga still has the elements of modern British luxury.

Its fit and finish is at a level of perfection that is only achievable, thanks to the exceptional craft and skill of Bentley’s artisans in Crewe.

At the heart of the Bentayga is the powerful all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter W12 engine capable of putting out 600 hp with 663 lb. ft of torque, propelling the car from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h, making the Bentayga the world’s fastest SUV.

Its all-new chassis system allows the Bentayga to offer cabin and ride luxury to new places where its siblings have never ventured before.

During the Bentley Bentayga global media drive in Palm Springs, USA Photo by James Lipman

Its dedicated off-road modes for snow, sand, grass and trails allows the driver to negotiate in almost any road condition. For twisty roads and more spirited open road touring, its pioneering 48V active anti-roll control system virtually eliminates body roll on the road.

When Bentley was looking for an extraordinary name, it turned to the world’s geology to draw some symbolism on nature’s power and beauty.

The first consideration was Taiga, a vast continental snow-forest that crowns the Northern Hemisphere. But after several deliberations, the final name drew inspiration from Roque Bentayga, considered one of the most unique rock formations in the island of Canary Islands in Spain. It sits within the volcanic caldera of Tejeda, in the municipality of the same name, in the heart of the island.

This iconic, eye-catching standalone peak facing the Atlantic in Canary Islands provided its further inspiration. The unique features of this colossal rock gave it its gravitas and stature, one that draws attention from all directions.

During the design stage, the team at Bentley were faced with a challenge to elevate the very concept of the SUV and create a car that to be an end-all and be-all game changer.

Confident athletic look and presence

To create such a revolutionary car, Bentley’s designers were compelled to think in new ways. Looking at the Bentayga’s exterior, it was designed to make sure it had the visual appeal that Bentley has been known for.

Certain strategic design elements like the ultra-sharp power line, signature “horseshoe” at the rear, and the muscular haunch, which adds volume and power to the taller profile, are complemented by individual and dynamic detailing.

Its B-shaped wing vent behind the front wheel arch and Bentayga’s signature “B” graphic rear lamps were also incorporated.

With its four round headlamps that flank the matrix grille to Bentley’s trademark “double wing” cockpit design, designers successfully brought the marque’s DNA to the SUV.

Recently, Bentley put its Bentayga to a serious test, doing some real world testing in the demanding and unforgiving mountain terrain of Northern Spain.

The Bentayga was subjected to a battery of tests and very challenging routes that forced it to demonstrate the traction and axel articulation on otherwise impassable routes.

This, of course, was done true Bentley style—with unparalleled ride and cabin comfort.