At last, Bentley has revealed the production version of what it calls “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious, most exclusive” — meaning expensive — “SUV in the world.”
The Bentayga, revealed ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, is on the leading edge of what is sure to be a raft of super-luxury SUVs that will be made in the dozens, not the thousands, to cater to the world’s super-wealthy. Rolls-Royce, along with Italian super-car makers, also have SUVS on tap.
Bentley understands the Middle East oil sheiks — a target market for the hefty vehicle — so well that it designed the new SUV’s front end to be able to approach sand dunes at sharp angles. Despite its imposing size and appearance of heft — lightened somewhat by the extensive use of aluminum to save weight — the SUV will be fast, Bentley says.
The 6-liter twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine churns out 600 horsepower, good for zero to 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds flat, according to the automaker. Top speed is 187 mph.
Basically, if you can think of a bell or a whistle, Bentley tried to throw it in — from the four LED lights in front to a tray in the cargo bay that extends out in the rear for luxury tailgating.
Palm-sized discs pop out of the front end to spray washer fluid on the massive headlights should they become, as a Bentley owner might say, soiled.
Even the infotainment system gives you your choice of 30 languages.
“Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer, chief executive ofBentley Motors, in a statement. “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.”
Bentayga hasn’t been priced yet, but it’s likely to go for a stratospheric price, at least compared to other luxury SUVs. Durheimer, in an interview with USA TODAY last month where a lucky few were getting sneak peeks at Bentayga near Monterey, Calif., said that the SUV market lacks the kind of super-luxury top end that is seen among car models. Until now, a high-end version of Land Rover’s Range Rover was as fancy as it gets.
The Bentayga’s styling ended up being far more muscular in an SUV type of way than the concept that preceded it. The concept was called ugly, but it’s unlikely the same will be said of Bentayga. Ungainly, maybe. Or “over the top.” But probably not ugly.
Founder of Auto Rebellion | Guest writer for zerotohundred.com