Bentley Bentayga review, test drive

The nose of the Bentayga, in my eyes, isn’t brilliant either. It’s a Bentley for sure and looks the part with the chromed-over mesh grille and the big round LED light surrounds, but they could have given it so much more character by cleaning it up and giving it more of a ‘bluff’ nose. Still, the rest of the design, at least for me, hits the spot. I love the tightness of the flanks, the exaggerated haunches work superbly and the really ‘fast’ or raked rear windshield works nicely too. I even love the chrome-lined tail-lights that shout out Bentley (or even Rolls).

Bentley has clearly hit the ball out of the park with the Bentayga. It’s the fastest, most expensive and most sinfully luxurious SUV currently available, and for that alone, it deserves applause. It drives brilliantly, rides superbly, has a super comfy cabin and feels extra special every time you look at it, sit in it or drive it. Yes, there are a couple of areas where it could and should have been a bit better, especially when you consider the expected starting price of Rs 3.75 crore. But, all things considered, the Bentayga is a colossal step forward and Bentley knows it. Indian customers can also look forward to a few better suited variants when it goes on sale here in June this year. There is also a ‘benched’ five-seater version, a seven-seater is on the way and there’s even a diesel V8 and a plug-in hybrid expected further down the road. If you’re looking for a super luxury car that’s great to drive and can handle the rough and tumble of our roads easily, the Bentayga is the one to consider. Currently the only car in its class, it’s likely to have Bollywood stars, industrialists, power brokers and politicians, all lining up. Note to dealer; make sure you pre-order enough white.