Bentley Bentayga: The SUV that promises to leave sports car behind

The intense love affair between many Indians and all things spelt SUV is growing intense with every new launch. Car manufacturers who already have SUVs in their India lineup are either busy redesigning them or are brining in new models. Those who don't yet, are mostly looking to have one in their lineup. Then there are versions - SUV, urban SUV, compact SUV, sub-compact SUV, micro-mini SUV and so on and so forth.
None can come remotely close to the SUV that is currently promising to wow auto enthusiasts around the world - the Bentley Bentayga.

Photo courtesy: www.bentleymotors.com
The Bentley Bentayga is touted as the world's most powerful SUV and while it is unlike to come to Indian markets in the forseeable future, there is little denying the fact that here is one SUV that really is an Sports Utility Vehicle in the truest form. Flaunting a brand-new twin-turbocharged 6-litre W12 engine that produces a thunderous 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, the Bentayga can go from zero to 60mph (96.5kmph) in four seconds, going on to 187mph (300kmph) before maxing out. As a BBC report states, this makes the Bentayga quicker than an Aston Martin.
Speed and sports may have been incorporated in to the Bentayga's body but utility is still deeply ingrained in the genes. Little wonder then that this car has a multi-mode adjustable suspension and permanent all-wheel-drive system that helps it cruise over any surface - rocks, rubble, snow, mud, wet grass, slants. Whether the driver chooses to put a Bentley over such surfaces is, of course, a personal choice. After all, it is a Bentley.

Photo courtesy: www.bentleymotors.com
In the US, the Bentayga starts at $232,000 and it is not just because of its driving capabilities. The inside of the car cocoons the passengers in the ultimate luxury - 15 colour options for the leather upholstery inside, Breitling for Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon which is an optional eight-diamond studded dashboard clock handcrafted with only four being made every year, and a 1,800-watt, 18-speaker Naim audio system.
BBC reports that while only 5000 Bentaygas usually come out of the Crewe factory in UK every year, there is a waiting period of a minimum of 12 months.