The Bentley Bentayga
Mark Harrison test drives Bentley’s luxurious new Bentayga
he Bentley Bentayga caused quite a stir when first announced four years ago. Critics questioned the merits of a Bentley SUV, but now see that the reality adds to the brand’s allure. It’s a car that breaks the rules, sets new standards not only in 4x4s, but in luxury cars in general.
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Bentley is not a luxury car company simply content to rest on the laurels of their famous flying Bentley ‘B’ wing logo when launching a new model. Instead, the UK-based company invests in the best engineering, equipment, technology and materials.
I was immediately impressed – both inside and out – with the Bentayga as I set off on my road test to East Surrey and the villages in the North Downs – and I could understand immediately why so many of the UK’s top motoring journalist have waxed lyrically about the car’s incredible acceleration,
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handling prowess at high-speed and its uncanny off-road ability.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox allowed for super-smooth uplift shifts, and the Panoramic sunroof, air suspension and eight-inch, sat-nav touch-screen added to its luxurious feel. When I collected the car from Bentley Surrey, I had also invited a few friends and family to join me on the test-drive, as we toured the UK’s largest vineyard, Denbies, squeezed through winding lanes, over narrow bridges and making occasional pit stops at historic county pubs.
The Bentayga delivered extraordinary power from its twin-turbo, 12- cylinder petrol engine. It sprinted to 62mph in only four seconds, yet was virtually silent while cruising. It has almost perfect steering, handles well on A-roads – and when over-taking on busy roads, allowed instant acceleration, delivered from its 608 horsepower engine.
My final lap with the Bentayga was a trip around the M25 to Brands Hatch, to cheer on the Bentley GT3 racing car competing in the British GT Championship.
The car thoroughly impressed my passengers throughout with its super- smooth ride, comfort and agility. As for me, I fell for its speed, sound system and quality of materials. One is spoilt for choice with 15 different leather hides - and four different wood veneers to choose from.
After reluctantly driving the Bentayga back to Bentley Surrey, I reflected on how easy the car was to drive, and how clever Bentley’s engineers have been to make such a fast, powerful car so luxuriously comfortable.
The Bentayga is now firmly in pole position in my dream garage. For further information about the Bentley Bentayga contact Bentley Surrey.
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