British luxury car maker Bentley has launched its first SUV in India at Rs 3.85crore (ex-showroom, Delhi). The world’s first super luxury SUV, the Bentayga, is based on the VW Group’s MLB-Evo platform that underpins the new Audi Q7 and the upcoming new Porsche Cayenne and takes off-road luxury to a whole new level.
On the outside, the design bears resemblance to other new Bentley models – most notably, the grille and headlamps while the car also features prominent haunches and skid plates. The SUV sits atop massive 22-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, high-quality materials have been used extensively. The dashboard design reflects the wings of the Bentley badge, flowing from door to door. A ‘floating’ driver info panel with bright mineral glass used for the screen, speaker grilles behind a fine metal mesh, intricate knurling on switchgear and new diamond-quilted seats with up to 22-way adjustment are some of the other highlights.
Mechanically, the Bentayga gets a new air suspension with adjustable ride height and damping and active roll bars to keep the SUV riding flat. The car also gets a braking system that mimics a locking differential.
Powering the behemoth from Bentley is a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 motor developing 608hp and an enormous 900Nm of torque with maximum torque available from as low as 1350rpm. Power is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Bentley claims a 0-100kph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of 301kph.
Bentley has allocated only 20 Bentaygas to India this year, with all 20 models are reportedly already sold out. The customers for these models are expected to be from amongst the current crop of Bentley owners and some select brand loyalists.
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Read our Bentley Bentayga review