Bentley's Bentayga is the first of a new kind of hyper-luxury SUV
The Bentley Bentayga is the first SUV to emerge from the hyper-luxury brands of the world.
The Bentayga gets its name of the Roque Bentayga, a rock formation in the Canary Islands.
Together with the Lamborghini Urus and ...
... the "Project Cullinan" from Rolls-Royce, the Bentayga will form a new segment in the SUV market above the current kings of the hill. This is the prototype used to test the Cullinan's four-wheel-drive system. The finished SUV won't look like this.
The most luxurious SUVs now include Mercedes-Benz's mighty G-Wagon ...
... and the Range Rover Autobiography.
The Bentayga is built on Volkswagen Group's MLB platform, which also underpins the new Audi Q7 SUV, as well as ...
... the next generation Audi A4 compact sedan and wagon.
Although it may share a platform with smaller cars, the Bentayga is a hefty SUV. At just under 17 feet long, the off-roader tips the scale at more than 5,300 pounds.
Aesthetically, the Bentayga carries Bentley's trademark front grill, borrowed from the Continental.
Overall, the SUV features a wide, athletic stance.
In the back, Bentley designers cut the roof line to create a sportier profile.
Power for the Bentagya comes from a 600-horsepower, VW Group-sourced twin-turbocharged W12 engine, shared with the Continental and the Flying Spur.
Power from the W12 engines is put to the pavement or the rocky trail via an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
Business Insider had the chance to experience the engine last year in a Flying Spur. We were impressed with its endless well of horsepower and effortless performance.
In the Bentayga, Bentley claims the engine can rocket the SUV to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4 seconds — and all the way up to a top speed of 187 mph. Bentley says this makes the Bentayga the fastest SUV in the world.
Later on, Bentley will also add a high-efficiency diesel and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Bentayga's options list.
In the meantime, the W12 can save fuel by shutting off half its cylinders when large amounts of horsepower aren't required.
On the inside, the Bentayga is a harmonious blend of traditional luxury and modern technology.
Virtually the entire cabin is wrapped in fine leather and rich wood.
Exquisite details such as diamond stitching, ...
... a Breitling clock, and ...
... this metallic Bentley ashtray abound.
The Bentayga is also loaded up with modern tech, such as a head-up display, night vision, and adaptive cruise control.
At the heart of the Bentayga's interior is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 60GB hard drive.
Those looking to take on Mother Nature can adjust the Bentley's personality using buttons mounted on the center console.
As nice as the front seats look, ...
... the rear seats appear to create an entirely different world for passengers.
There's access to a rear seat entertainment system. The 10.2-inch screen ...
... is actually a removable tablet with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity.
At launch, Bentley will offer the Bentayga with a special Mulliner hamper set.
The hamper set includes a refrigerator, crockery, and crystal glasses.
Off course, the Bentley "Flying B" is also present.
The Bentley Bentayga will roll into showrooms in early 2016 with a starting price of $229,100.
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