2017 Bentley Bentayga: The SUV That Changed Luxury Forever
| MotorVero
Introduction: Bentley's Bold Foray Into SUV Territory
When Bentley unveiled the 2017 Bentayga, it didn't just launch another luxury SUV—it created an entirely new category of ultra-premium utility vehicles. As the first SUV from the storied British marque, the Bentayga combined Bentley's legendary craftsmanship with surprising off-road prowess, all wrapped in a package starting at $229,100 (before options that could easily push it past $300,000).
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Key Innovations
- First Ultra-Luxury SUV: Created an entirely new market segment
- Handcrafted Assembly: Each model required 130 hours of artisan labor
- Unmatched Powertrain: 600-hp W12 engine with 664 lb-ft torque
- Adaptive Suspension: Revolutionary Bentley Dynamic Ride system
Design Philosophy: Controversial Yet Distinctive
The Bentayga's styling sparked debate among Bentley purists and automotive journalists alike. While clearly bearing Bentley's DNA through its matrix grille and muscular haunches, the design represented a radical departure from the brand's traditional coupes and sedans.
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Exterior Highlights
- Signature Elements: Large matrix grille, oval LED taillights, fluted rear quarter panels
- Customization: 17 standard paint colors with virtually unlimited bespoke options
- Functional Design: 0.35 Cd drag coefficient (remarkable for an SUV)
- Wheel Options: From 20-inch five-spoke to massive 22-inch Mulliner designs
Dimensions
- Length: 202.4 inches
- Width: 87.5 inches (mirrors folded)
- Height: 68.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Performance
- 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 187 mph
- Braking (70-0 mph): 162 feet
- Weight: 5,379 lbs
Capability
- Wading Depth: 19.7 inches
- Max Approach Angle: 28.5°
- Max Departure Angle: 27.2°
- Breakover Angle: 21.8°
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Engineering Marvel: The W12 Powerplant
At the heart of the Bentayga lay Bentley's all-new 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, a technological masterpiece that set new benchmarks for luxury SUV performance.
Powertrain Innovations
- Compact W Configuration: Essentially two VR6 engines merged at 72°
- Variable Displacement: Could deactivate half the cylinders under light loads
- Special Oil System: Maintained lubrication at 35° inclines
- Torque Delivery: 664 lb-ft available from just 1,350 rpm
The W12 was paired with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission featuring Bentley-specific tuning. The transmission could execute gear changes in just 200 milliseconds when in Sport mode, while maintaining buttery smooth shifts in Comfort.
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Bentley Dynamic Ride: Revolutionizing SUV Handling
Perhaps the Bentayga's most significant technological achievement was its optional active anti-roll bar system—a world first for production vehicles.
How It Worked
- 48V Electric Actuators: Applied counter-torque to stabilizer bars
- Real-Time Adjustment: Responded within 300 milliseconds
- Variable Stiffness: Could completely disconnect bars off-road
- Weight Savings: 110 lbs lighter than hydraulic systems
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This system, combined with the standard air suspension, allowed the Bentayga to deliver:
- Minimal body roll during aggressive cornering
- Unmatched wheel articulation off-road
- Adaptive ride comfort across all surfaces
Interior: A Mobile Masterpiece
The Bentayga's cabin set new standards for automotive luxury, with painstaking attention to detail that justified its six-figure price tag.
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Material Quality
- Leather: 10-12 hides per vehicle, hand-selected and stitched
- Wood Veneers: 0.1mm thick lacquered layers with book-matched symmetry
- Metalwork: Solid aluminum controls with diamond-knurled detailing
- Customization: 15 leather colors, 7 wood options, unlimited bespoke requests
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Seating Configurations
| Option | Capacity | Key Features | Price (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5 seats | 40/20/40 split folding | Included |
| Executive | 4 seats | Rear console, reclining seats | $11,015 |
| Event | 4+2 | Rear-facing jump seats | $3,200 |
Technology & Infotainment
While maintaining traditional luxury aesthetics, the Bentayga incorporated cutting-edge technology:
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Notable Features
- Naim Audio: 1,950-watt, 18-speaker system (optional)
- Rear Seat Entertainment: Detachable 10.2" Android tablets ($7,155)
- Night Vision: Infrared pedestrian/animal detection ($6,615)
- Head-Up Display: Color projection with navigation cues
The infotainment system blended Bentley's traditional aesthetics with modern functionality:
- 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with haptic feedback
- 60GB SSD for map/navigation data
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Apple CarPlay (Android Auto not available)
Off-Road Prowess: Beyond Expectations
Despite its luxury focus, the Bentayga offered surprising capability away from paved roads:
All-Terrain Specification
Standard on U.S. models, this package included:
- Four dedicated drive modes (Sand, Mud, Grass, Snow)
- Hill Descent Control with gradient logic
- Off-road ABS and traction control tuning
- Underbody protection (optional carbon fiber)
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During testing, the Bentayga demonstrated:
- Confident dune climbing in soft sand
- Remarkable articulation for its size
- Stable footing on 30° side slopes
- Secure water fording up to 19.7 inches
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