At the heart of the 2018 Bentley Bentayga is its engine. Other SUV's might make due with 6- or 8-cylinder engines, but nothing so pedestrian powers the Bentayga. Underneath the hood sits a 6.0L W12 engine fed by two turbochargers, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels. Bentley claims the sophisticated engine makes 600 horsepower and 664-pound feet of torque.
Picking out the right Bentayga is an exercise that can easily take up one's entire afternoon. So many options and colors are available for the big SUV that it's easy to get lost amongst the features list. For example, the Bentayga's sound system-- it has 20 speakers and a 1950-watt amp. Not surprisingly, Bentley claims it's the most powerful stereo ever sold in an SUV. Other cars might have a rear seat entertainment system, but the Bentayga's has two 10.2-inch screens set into the headrests that are removable and can be used as tablets. There's also a touchscreen remote located between the rear seats to control that infotainment system.
The Bentayga is available in four distinct specifications, Touring, City, All-Terrain and Mulliner. All-Terrain Bentayga come with a couple of unique driving modes, including a Mud and Trail mode and a Sand mode. Another nice little feature on the All-Terrain is a sump camera that could prove invaluable in helping the driver to avoid bottoming out on while off-roading. A compass, an altimeter and various other off-road spec gauges come standard on the All-Terrain.
City specification includes Park Assist functions and a top view camera to make parking the admittedly large SUV significantly easier. The City specification also has the ability to detect traffic signs, displaying speed limits and other signs in the dashboard where the driver can see them. The City specification also has additional features to help avoid fender benders in urban areas. The Bentayga has an audible pedestrian warning system that will beep if someone steps into the vehicle's path, applying emergency braking if necessary.
The Mulliner trim adds unique 22-inch wheels, Ombre Burr Walnut fade veneer interior, LED welcome lights, a console drink cooler, and a Naim audio system. Additional options include ambient lighting, a rear entertainment system, front and rear-seat ventilation with massaging function, a 2-tone premium leather-trimmed steering wheel and rear foldable tables.
The Touring specification adds adaptive cruise control and lane assist functions to the Bentayga. The adaptive cruise control can even be used in heavy traffic, allowing the Bentayga to come to a complete stop and then accelerate again as traffic allows. A night vision system can also warn drivers of potential hazards lurking beyond the view of the headlights.
Extreme Levels Of Comfort And Luxury
All-wheel Drive
Plenty Of Ground Clearance
Incredible Acceleration
Bentley Cachet
Bentley is known for their extravagant luxury and brutish performance; Bentley cars have defined the ultimate in luxury and performance for the past ninety or so years. Now with the second year of their very first iteration of an SUV the 2018 Bentley Bentayga is now offered with a 7-seat configuration, new premium 21 and 22-inch wheel choices, fluted seating, a Liquid Amber veneer option and additional interior color choices. To top it off a new Breitling clock with a black or white Mother of Pearl face is fitted to the dash this year.
SUV's have been trickling their way upmarket for more than two decades now. With the Bentayga, it seems as though they've finally made it to the top. Like all Bentleys, "value" is a subjective term, used more in relation to the exclusivity and performance of the vehicle than in terms of outright cost. And the Bentayga will be about as exclusive as SUV's come. With a base price well in excess of $200,000 owners will rarely see another one on the road, and while that's a lot of money, owners can take solace in the knowledge that they paid what they had to get the best. The Bentayga blows every other SUV out of the water with its extreme levels of luxury, while also claiming to be the quickest SUV ever produced.
