Bentley Bentayga. Aristocrat in the world of SUVs
Bentley Bentayga – a mid-size four-wheel drive premium crossover from British brand Bentley Motors, part of German concern VAG, produced since 2016. In 2020, the first generation of this luxury family crossover was available on the Israeli market, and 2020 facelift version was expected to be released.
According to one version, the name ‘Bentayga’ comes from the name of the picturesque mountain peak Bentayga on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary archipelago. According to another version, it is a derivative of the first 3 letters of ‘Bentley’ and the modified English spelling of the word ‘taiga’. There is also information that in Swahili ‘Bentayga’ means ‘carried interest’. From the buyer’s perspective, Bentley Bentayga is one of the most expensive production crossovers in the world. In March 2017, an even more expensive modification of Bentayga appeared – Mulliner.
First generation
Produced from 2016 to present (data for 2020). Bentayga is the first Bentley crossover, conceived back in 2012. For a long time, Bentley has plans to create its own crossover. The production Bentayga debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in March 2012 under the name Bentley EXP 9 ° F. The concept car shared a platform with the Porsche Cayenne and was powered by a W12 engine.
New Bentayga SUV is an evolution of the EXP 9 ° F concept car. It is built on the Volkswagen MLB platform, which was also used for second generation Audi Q7, third generation Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Tuareg, as well as for the Lamborghini Urus, with which Bentayga shared about 20% of the common parts. 2016/2017 Bentayga has adaptive air suspension and permanent all-wheel drive based on Torsen differential. It is equipped with a 6-liter V12 turbo petrol engine. The same engine is on Audi A8L W12, Bentley Continental G.T., and Volkswagen Phaeton 6.0 W12. All the engine power is transmitted by an 8-speed automatic transmission, with 60% of the power going to rear wheels and 40% to the front. The top speed is 301 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while average fuel consumption is about 12.8 liters per 100 km.
Exterior
New Bentley Bentayga makes an indelible impression with an impressive and dynamic appearance. The main design element of the front is the wide mesh radiator grille, which smoothly merges with the extended cowl. The strikingly sculpted front bumper underlines SUV’s impressive dynamic potential, while the oval headlamps with cut crystal effect add an element of sophistication and luxury to the vehicle. The 2020 Bentayga’s profile has been completely redesigned, from a more vertical grille to a longer rear roof spoiler. Large air vents in the fenders and new reflective moldings add a special touch to the look, while elegant 22-inch wheels enhance the vehicle’s unique aesthetics.
Interior
Inside, the car is decorated in leather and wood in classic Bentley style. The modern 10.9-inch high-resolution touchscreen display is flawlessly integrated into the center console. Together with the new digital driver’s information panel, it defines a modern interior concept – a perfect combination of technology and refined materials. This is reflected in the new steering wheel, seat design, and door panels. Also, there are practical details such as improved storage space. The optional 4-seat configuration allows a rear area to be upgraded to create a unique atmosphere for passengers, ideal for both work and travel.
Bentayga 2020 comes with active cruise control, projection display, IR camera, Naim for Bentley audio system, night drive system, and lane-keeping system, removable touchscreen controls for rear passengers, and much more things, typical for this level.
Modifications
There are several modifications of crossover.
- V8 is equipped with a petrol 4-liter V8 engine with 550 hp. The same engine is used in third generation Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.
- Diesel is the first diesel car in the history of Bentley. It is equipped with a diesel 4-liter V8 engine with 435 hp. The engine is borrowed from crossover Audi SQ7.
- Mulliner is the most expensive and luxurious modification. It differs from Bentayga version in other rims and refrigerators for rear passengers.
- Hybrid is the first serial hybrid in the history of the brand. The power plant includes a 2.9-liter V6 engine and an electric motor. The same power plant is used in second generation Porsche Panamera.
- Speed is the most powerful version. It is equipped with a forced 6-liter V12 petrol engine with a capacity of 635 hp.
