We go for a spin in the world's fastest SUV that chose to go against convention. Is it still every bit a Bentley?
The automotive world has, of late, seen more takers for SUVs of all kinds. Not surprisingly, leading car manufacturers also began reviewing their approach. Some launched several new car lines, offering a solution for every budget. But what of the higher order?
The Bentayga is the latest Bentley. Its name comes from a rock mountain in the Grand Canary, but there’s also an element of the Taiga region, or so some say. It still has a brilliant — and all-new — W12 TSI heart. It still has an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. It is still extremely refined and provides a cosseting ride. But, more importantly, it’s higher off the ground and has a new body style.
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The front end is familiar — deviating from the EXP 9 F Concept shown some time ago — because it’s akin to the Continental’s. A large front grille with the added ride height gives it a dominant stance. The big change, though, is the way the lines flow out of the doors. The roof-line continues and ends in a boxier rear silhouette with higher haunches. Larger 21-inch wheels can be specified, wrapped in Pirelli’s finest. The car was equipped with numerous options, and the carbon-fibre exterior trim was among the most prominent. The front splitter, B-shaped louvres below the shoulder, the side-steps, the rear diffuser, even the rear spoiler surround are made from carbon-fibre.
With a great level of personalisation, the driver isn’t spoilt for choice
A choice of specification is available, of course, each tailoring the car to focus a bit more on a specific application: city, touring or all-terrain. Features can be individually combined as well to suit any need. Of course, they come at a price. The starting price of the Bentayga W12 TSI, being imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU), is Rs 3.85 crore (ex-showroom), but the car we drove had options costing an additional Rs 1 crore and commanded an on-road price of R5.5 crore. That seems like a lot. And it is. But what do you truly get for that princely sum?
Plush back seat and excellent sound deadening offer incredible comfort
Refinement in the Bentayga matches the best that have rolled out of Crewe. The interior this car was equipped with was the four-seat comfort spec with rear centre console, split upholstery in Magnolia and Tan, Burr Walnut wood trim, and sheep-wool carpet mats, among other specifically chosen elements. Needless to say, the cabin isolates you into a world of your own.
The headlamp is a new twist on an old formula. PICS/Aditya Dhiwar
We sink into the supple hide and adjust the multi-way seat, with the winged-B greeting me in the information display. The Start button is positioned in the centre and brings the turbocharged W12 to life with a growl. Select ‘D’ on the rounded gear-lever and lift off the brake. The 2,422-kg Bentayga rolls forward with the sort of determination only a turbo-twelve can inspire.
The acceleration, whether from standstill or on the move, is absolutely effortless, courtesy the 900 Nm of torque peaking from 1,350 RPM and staying strong till 4,500. Be gentle on the pedal, and it wafts. Step on it, though, and it lunges forward with an urgency that takes the grey matter some time to come to terms with. Claimed performance figures are 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h. Hard to dispute, really.
The ride quality is phenomenal. The Bentley Dynamic Ride air suspension setup soaks up every bump and muffles every hint of movement when you’re not actively being aggressive. Yet, step up the quick quotient, and it adapts to stay sharp, focused and sure of its line. Turning is easy with the variable-ratio electric power steering and it begins to shrink around you; a good thing when you have to deal with narrow two-lane roads and traffic. Worse roads can let the evidence of a thud through, but that’s only when driving in a more attacking manner. There is surely more than a hint of sport when playing with the Drive Dynamics and it can play both contrasting roles well. Not surprising, considering that is what it was created to do.
The Bentayga doesn’t really have a contender to go up against. The closest choice is a fully-equipped Range Rover SVR, but, it must be said that the SVR is an off-roader that delivers commendable portions of luxury; with the Bentayga, it’s the other way round. Bentley has added an SUV to its line-up and it’s very capable. A shift of the right sort and at the right time? Yes. Now, will it deliver the other numbers?
The automotive world has, of late, seen more takers for SUVs of all kinds. Not surprisingly, leading car manufacturers also began reviewing their approach. Some launched several new car lines, offering a solution for every budget. But what of the higher order?
The Bentayga is the latest Bentley. Its name comes from a rock mountain in the Grand Canary, but there’s also an element of the Taiga region, or so some say. It still has a brilliant — and all-new — W12 TSI heart. It still has an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. It is still extremely refined and provides a cosseting ride. But, more importantly, it’s higher off the ground and has a new body style.
The front end is familiar — deviating from the EXP 9 F Concept shown some time ago — because it’s akin to the Continental’s. A large front grille with the added ride height gives it a dominant stance. The big change, though, is the way the lines flow out of the doors. The roof-line continues and ends in a boxier rear silhouette with higher haunches. Larger 21-inch wheels can be specified, wrapped in Pirelli’s finest. The car was equipped with numerous options, and the carbon-fibre exterior trim was among the most prominent. The front splitter, B-shaped louvres below the shoulder, the side-steps, the rear diffuser, even the rear spoiler surround are made from carbon-fibre.
A choice of specification is available, of course, each tailoring the car to focus a bit more on a specific application: city, touring or all-terrain. Features can be individually combined as well to suit any need. Of course, they come at a price. The starting price of the Bentayga W12 TSI, being imported as a completely built-up unit (CBU), is Rs 3.85 crore (ex-showroom), but the car we drove had options costing an additional Rs 1 crore and commanded an on-road price of R5.5 crore. That seems like a lot. And it is. But what do you truly get for that princely sum?
Refinement in the Bentayga matches the best that have rolled out of Crewe. The interior this car was equipped with was the four-seat comfort spec with rear centre console, split upholstery in Magnolia and Tan, Burr Walnut wood trim, and sheep-wool carpet mats, among other specifically chosen elements. Needless to say, the cabin isolates you into a world of your own.
We sink into the supple hide and adjust the multi-way seat, with the winged-B greeting me in the information display. The Start button is positioned in the centre and brings the turbocharged W12 to life with a growl. Select ‘D’ on the rounded gear-lever and lift off the brake. The 2,422-kg Bentayga rolls forward with the sort of determination only a turbo-twelve can inspire.
The acceleration, whether from standstill or on the move, is absolutely effortless, courtesy the 900 Nm of torque peaking from 1,350 RPM and staying strong till 4,500. Be gentle on the pedal, and it wafts. Step on it, though, and it lunges forward with an urgency that takes the grey matter some time to come to terms with. Claimed performance figures are 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h. Hard to dispute, really.
The ride quality is phenomenal. The Bentley Dynamic Ride air suspension setup soaks up every bump and muffles every hint of movement when you’re not actively being aggressive. Yet, step up the quick quotient, and it adapts to stay sharp, focused and sure of its line. Turning is easy with the variable-ratio electric power steering and it begins to shrink around you; a good thing when you have to deal with narrow two-lane roads and traffic. Worse roads can let the evidence of a thud through, but that’s only when driving in a more attacking manner. There is surely more than a hint of sport when playing with the Drive Dynamics and it can play both contrasting roles well. Not surprising, considering that is what it was created to do.
The Bentayga doesn’t really have a contender to go up against. The closest choice is a fully-equipped Range Rover SVR, but, it must be said that the SVR is an off-roader that delivers commendable portions of luxury; with the Bentayga, it’s the other way round. Bentley has added an SUV to its line-up and it’s very capable. A shift of the right sort and at the right time? Yes. Now, will it deliver the other numbers?
Need to know
Bentley Bentayga W12 TSI
Engine: 5,950 cc, W12, twin-turbo, DI petrol
Max Power: 608 PS at 5,000- 6,000 RPM
Max Torque: 900 Nm at 1,350- 4,500 RPM
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, all-wheel drive
Kerb Weight: 2,422 kg
Price: Rs 3.85 crore (onwards, ex-showroom)
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