For the past decade the luxury SUV market has been one of the most competitive in automotive, yet still only a select few could be considered serious contenders for the title. One of those is the Bentley Bentayga.
When the first Bentley luxury SUV rolled off the conveyour belt in 2016 eyebrows were raised. But having gone on to sell a further 20,000 models since, it is fair to say it has been nothing but a success. by those number alone, the car that is marketed as the perfect combination between a performance grand tourer, a luxury limousine, a spacious family car and an off-roader, it makes a strong argument for the throne.
Of those 20,000 models the UAE makes up 12 percent of sales, and therefore it is no surprise that it was chosen as the location of the first test drive for the line’s 2021 update.
The new model we had the pleasure of driving offers a wide range of on and off-road drive settings with Bentley’s Drive Dynamics Mode and the optional All-Terrain Specification. The engine variety we had was the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8, perfectly in tune with an eight-speed automatic gearbox developing an impressive 542 bhp and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque that will propel this vehicle of palatial proportions to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds – which we can confirm, and a top speed of 290 km/h which we’ll have to take Bentley’s word for until they invite us to a track day.
But the performance does not stop there, a W12-powered Speed version is certainly in the works and expected to claim the title of world’s fastest SUV when it is released later this year.
It would be fair to say that Bentley have raised the bar with an array of luxuries that will set the standard for the rest to follow. The front and the back of the Bentayga is now in tune with the brand’s latest design DNA. Strikingly distinct dynamic looks place the model within the new family of Bentleys characteristic which the All New Flying Spur and the 3rd Generation Continental GT display so proudly. This new adaptation of the new design language was perhaps a given since the Bentley Mulsanne had its swansong earlier this year, paving the way for all things new and fresh.
On the exterior, the distinct matrix grille that is a true Bentley trait is now upright giving the car even more of an imposing stance in your rear view mirror. The new front bumper adds to the performance characteristics of the car while the intelligent LED matrix headlamps give the illusion of being diamond cut, all part of the signature Bentley design. Both harmoniously create a perforce luxury feel. The windscreen wipers even have 22 washer jets in each arm.
The rear of the vehicle has undergone a huge transformation with a full-width tailgate, new lamps and the split tailpipes that clearly define the performance identity. The licence plate has also been moved down into the bumper, which now allows the Bentley badge and name to appear clearly, giving the rear a much more appealing look.
The interior has seen its share of sleek new design with perhaps the most imposing one being the new centre fascia which now houses a 10.9-inch infotainment system. The door trims, steering wheel are also new. The brand-new seats all around could not get more comfortable and with ventilation in the rear row, makes this car imminently suitable for the GCC. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard while the Naim music system that comes with no less than 20 speakers is an optional extra.
All around Bentley have created a car that only shares the name with the previous but in essence, the new Bentayga is a whole new thing all together, by miles.
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