Founded in 1919, Bentley has undoubtedly cemented its status in the auto industry through lofty standards that target affluent enthusiasts who demand gobs of power and acres of luxury. Although Bentley boasts numerous models in its stable, the automaker stirred the automotive pot by introducing the opulent Bentayga in December 2015.
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The Bentley Bentayga was Bentley's first crack at the SUV segment, debuted with unibody construction, full-time all-wheel drive, and mounted on Volkswagen's MLB platform. Despite the high price tag slapped on the flagship Bentayga, it has proved a commercial success for the British automaker by becoming the most popular and best-selling model in its lineup. But wait, there are still more reasons why the Bentayga is so awesome.
10The Bentayga Was The First Ultra-Luxe SUV
Bentley beat automakers like Roll-Royce, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin to the punch by producing the first ultra-luxurious SUV on the market, the Bentayga. Before its debut, the Bentayga was considered one of the most hyped yet misunderstood vehicles, understandable sentiments considering Bentley was venturing into a segment it had never trodden.
The Bentayga was not just Bentley's first mass-produced SUV; it also pioneered a new segment where previously none existed. With 608 'First Edition' models commissioned for the initial run, Bentley found itself in the rare and powerful position of making an automobile that rules a new segment unopposed.
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9Queen Elizabeth II Received The First Bentley Bentayga
The Bentayga debuted with a massive 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 unit capable of 600hp, 187mph top speed, and a 4-second 0-60 time. In 2016, Bentley lauded the Bentayga as the world's most expensive, powerful, and fastest production SUV.
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was so impressed by the Bentayga prototype that she became the first one to own the production model. According to Bentley U.S. chief Michael Winkler, the Bentley Bentayga was delivered to her Balmoral property in Scotland for hunting expeditions.
8The Bentayga's Interior Exudes Perfect Craftsmanship
Ample time and effort is poured into building every Bentley model, and the perfect craftsmanship and elaborate detailing in the Bentayga's interior is a testament. Bentley says it takes approximately 130 hours for 53 artisans to handcraft each Bentayga cabin.
There are vast and diverse options and customization levels offered through the capable online configurator, so there's a high probability that no two Bentley Bentaygas are alike. The options for the veneer, carpets and trim stitching for the interior alone could seem daunting, but consumers expect only the best for such a price.
7The Bentley Bentayga Supports Several Seating Configurations
Bentley explained that the 'Bentayga' badge got derived from the portmanteau of Bentley's brand name and the Roque Bentayga highland rock formation in Canary Island, also drawing inspiration from the world's largest snow forest, Taiga. Bentley hoped that the Bentayga model would reflect these spectacular views by combining outstanding performance with the best automotive luxury.
One of the most notable ways the Bentayga achieves optimal luxury is through the different seating configurations. Bentley offers the Bentayga a four-seat comfort specification with a rear center console, a five-seat comfort specification, and a seven-seat option.
6The Bentley Bentayga Harnesses The Latest In Technology
The Bentayga boasts the latest infotainment system with innovative features and seamless connectivity through Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, new SatNav, Type-C connectivity points, digital TV, and Naim audio sound system for Bentley. Bentley also offers in-built Wi-Fi, My Bentley Connected Services with an embedded SIM, and a My Bentley app for convenience.
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Rear seat entertainment is guaranteed through an optional Rear Entertainment system that adds twin 10.1-inch touchscreens, HDMI ports, Bluetooth, and an auxiliary jack. In addition, the Bentayga flaunts a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Detection System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, and autonomous parking systems.
5Bentley Fitted The Bentayga With Its Groundbreaking Dynamic Ride System
The most revolutionary aspect of the Bentley Bentayga is the Dynamic Ride System. The powerful anti-roll bar system functions to increase ride comfort by sensing cornering and applying the necessary pressure on either axle to make drivers feel in complete control at all times.
The system is complex and demanding, relying on a 48-volt electric system to meter and actuate. The application leans the SUV into a corner and relaxes the grip at other times to facilitate a comfortable ride suitable for daily driving.
4Bentley Equipped The Bentayga With Eight Drive Modes
Ticking the 'All Terrain' option in the configurator ensures that the Bentley Bentayga chassis comes with eight settings. These include Comfort, Sport, Bentley, and Comfort on-road drive modes and Sand, Gravel & Dirt, Mud & Trail, and Snow & Grass all-terrain drive modes.
The Bentayga features a ground clearance of 245mm and boasts the ability to wade in water up to a depth of 500mm, decent numbers that allow mild off-road expeditions. Additionally, the All-Terrain off-road option incorporates Hill Descent Control, a luggage management system, a top-view camera, underfloor protection, and a sump camera to check for approaching obstacles.
3Bentley Bentayga Customers Have Access To Mulliner Services
As if the online configurator is not enough, Bentayga customers have access to Bentley's internal customization company, Mulliner. The Mulliner Driving Specification adds a sporting edge to the interior through sports pedals, diamond-quilted seats, embroidered Bentley emblems, and a selection of carpets, hides, and color combinations.
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The Mulliner department creates limited-edition accessories and options for customers that want to go one step further and make a personal statement through the bespoke service. Personal commissioning yields higher-end features like special trim & veneer finishes, the exquisite Tourbillon timepiece by Breitling, distinctive paint, bespoke hides, and personalized lamps.
2Bentley Offers Optional Bentayga Accessories
Like most exclusive cars, Bentley has a styling team that designs several branded accessory options for the Bentayga, categorized into interior, protection, and touring. Interior accessories to complement drivers include child seats and a jeweled torch.
The essential protection features are all-weather boot & bumper protectors, all-weather floormats, and indoor/outdoor covers. The touring category offers specialist accessories, including roof boxes, roof crossbars, 2-bicycle carriers, ski & snowboard carriers, multi-functional trunk storage, and load assist trays.
1Bentley Offers The Bentayga In Four Models
Bentley designed the Bentayga to inspire the purest form of exploration, so they expanded the model to include a range of four models; Speed, S, V8, and Hybrid. The Bentayga Speed is the fastest SUV in Bentley's lineup, powered by the class-leading 617hp W12 engine to achieve an unrivaled 190mph top speed.
The Bentayga S focuses on an exhilarating experience, delivered through its 535hp twin-turbocharged V8 and a new Enhanced Sports Mode. The sweet spot is the distilled Bentayga V8 designed to perfectly balance every essence of the Bentayga Range, fitted with a 535hp V8 with two twin-scroll turbochargers. For zero and low-emission driving, Bentley included a Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid powered by an advanced E Motor and 3.0-liter V6 that combine to deliver 437hp.
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Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.
