Tatsuya Ku嶋 on the True Value of the Bentley Bentayga | Bentley

Bentley Bentayga

Tatsuya Ku嶋 on the True Value of the Bentley Bentayga

A Vehicle That Satisfies the World's Affluent

Debuting at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and introduced to Japan this year, the "Bentayga" is Bentley's first-ever SUV. As you know, it has garnered high praise for its performance, which claims to be the pinnacle of current production SUVs, its commanding styling, and its sumptuously appointed interior. Motor journalist Tatsuya Ku嶋, who fortunately had the chance to test drive the model in the mountains of Palm Springs, California, reconsiders its true value.

Text by KUSHIMA Tatsuya

Awarded Numerous Accolades Worldwide

Bentley's first SUV, the "Bentayga," unveiled at the 2015 autumn Frankfurt Motor Show,Bentayga" was officially announced in Japan in June 2016, a date that is still fresh in our memory. With each market announcement around the world, the Bentayga seems to be generating even more buzz than Bentley's previous models.Officially Announced June 2016was officially announced in Japan in June 2016, a date that is still fresh in our memory. With each market announcement around the world, the Bentayga seems to be generating even more buzz than Bentley's previous models.

Much of the acclaim stems from both its hardware and software. Headlines proclaim it the "world's fastest SUV" and the "world's most luxurious SUV." In response, back orders have poured in, and Bentley announced it would produce over 5,500 units in 2016. This increase in production was intended to shorten customer waiting times. Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, commented in November 2016, "Deliveries have already begun in 56 markets, and customers are starting to receive their vehicles."

The Bentayga has received numerous awards, as evidenced by the positive media response. It was named "SUV of the Year" by the UK edition of Robb Report, a renowned luxury publication, and received the "Game Changer" award from the UK's Autocar. It has also been highly praised and awarded by various media outlets in China, the Middle East, and Singapore. Although its product concept is aimed at a very select market, its presence has clearly made a significant impact.

Bentley Bentayga

Tatsuya Ku嶋 on the True Value of the Bentley Bentayga

A Vehicle That Satisfies the World's Affluent (2)

Performance on Par with Supercars

The spelling of Bentayga is "BENTAYGA." It is a coined word derived from two sources: the rocky mountain "Roque Bentayga" (Spanish) on Gran Canaria island (Canary Islands, Spain) and the Siberian coniferous forest "TAIGA" (Russian). What a wild impression it evokes! Naturally, this naming is a first for Bentley. It differs from the lineage of past models like the "Continental" and the "Flying Spur", and the "Mulsanne". In other words, it represents a new challenge.

A brief profile of the Bentayga: its engine is a 6-liter W12 twin-turbo, producing a maximum output of 608 ps and peak torque of 900 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 301 km/h, truly placing it in supercar territory. This is impressive considering its length exceeding 5 meters and a curb weight of 2,530 kg. The inclusion of a cylinder deactivation system also indicates efforts towards fuel efficiency.

The electronic systems offer a wealth of driver assistance features. Examples include Night Vision, Blind Spot Assist, and High Beam Assist. To enable these functions, the Bentayga is equipped with numerous cameras and sensors: up to five cameras, up to twelve ultrasonic sensors, and short- and long-range radars. The interface is also noteworthy, with comprehensive audio, entertainment, connectivity, and navigation systems. It is richly equipped as a luxury vehicle.

Bentley Bentayga

Tatsuya Ku嶋 on the True Value of the Bentley Bentayga

A Vehicle That Satisfies the World's Affluent (3)

A Masterpiece True to Bentley's Heritage

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to test this luxurious SUV on a proper off-road course. It was in the mountains of Palm Springs, California, where I drove through red earth, and did so in comfort. The driver simply sets up the chassis via the controller, and the car handles everything else.

Specifically, the ride height, damper settings, roll control, electric stability and traction control, and even various engine and drivetrain settings are adjusted. There are a total of eight driving modes: four for on-road and four for off-road. The on-road modes include Sport and Comfort, while the off-road modes are for conditions like snow or sand. With a suspension travel of 225mm, the minimum ground clearance can be raised to its maximum, allowing for a wading depth of 500mm.

These are just a few of the Bentayga's features. To list them all would likely fill a book.

Therefore, the conclusion is that it truly possesses the qualities to satisfy the world's affluent. Naturally, it is the latest creation from experts who have targeted this very demographic. As such, I believe it is essential for those who consider themselves affluent, and those aspiring to be, to take note. It caters to the needs of the global elite. While the SUV segment may be a new frontier for Bentley, the Bentayga is a masterpiece that reflects their deep understanding of automotive tradition. Driving it again recently in Tokyo, I was simply captivated by its smooth ride, which surpasses even that of luxury sedans.—.