Bentley SUV Blends High-Performance with Ultra Luxury

Volkswagen AG's Bentley Motors unit has revealed images and details of its first-ever SUV, the 2016 Bentayga, ahead of its formal unveiling next week at the Frankfurt auto show.

Described as the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious SUV in the world, the Bentayga combines a host of advanced technologies with myriad amenities and ultra-luxury appointments.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted at Bentley's facilities in Crewe, England, the new SUV rides on VW Group's MLB-Evo platform for large vehicles, which also carries Audi's new Q7 and will be used for Porsche's next-generation Cayenne. The Bentayga's chassis and body are made from a mix of aluminum (including what Bentley describes as the industry's largest single aluminum pressing), composites and steel, which Bentley says enables a 580-lb savings.

The exterior design is significantly different than the 2012 EX 9 F concept model, which was faulted for its bulbous shape. The production model is more Bentley-like with a lower stance and more aggressive, high-end styling. Features include a large matrix grille, four LED headlights with hidden washers, a front skid plate and a panoramic glass roof.

Power comes from a new 6.0-liter W-12 engine that generates 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is listed at 187 mph with a zero to 60 mph time of four seconds.

Bentley says the engine seamlessly switches between direct and indirect fuel injection to maximize efficiency and performance as needed. The engine also includes cylinder deactivation and stop-start functionality to boost fuel economy, which the carmaker says is nearly 12% better than VW's current W-12 engine.

The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission in an all-wheel-drive configuration. When coasting in 5th gear or above at a steady speed, the torque converter opens and the engine idles to further boost efficiency.

Users can choose among eight drive settings four each for on- and off-road motoring to control ride height, damping and traction based on conditions. During off-road maneuvers, the driver display will include information on pitch, roll, wheel articulation, steering angle, compass bearing and altitude.

A top-view system uses four cameras to display a 360 view around the vehicle. Other goodies include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear crossing traffic warning, hill descent assist, electronic night vision with infrared cameras that identify potential obstacles, head-up display and automated parking.

In addition, an anti-roll system can rapidly vary body sway to enhance stability in hard cornering and improve ride characteristics on the highway, Bentley says.

The interior includes four- and five-seat configurations. The front seats can be adjusted 22 ways and feature ventilation, heating and massage functions, while the rear seats can be adjusted 15 ways.

Owners can choose between 15 different colors of leather, five carpets, seven exotic wood veneers and multiple brushed metal trim pieces.

Other features include an 8-inch touchscreen with a 60-GB hard drive, a dash-mounted Breitling tourbillon clock, a rear-seat 10.2-inch Android tablet with 4G wi-fi connectivity and a choice among three high-end audio systems.

Customizable options include wooden cabinets, cigar humidors, gun safes and bullet-proofing. Owners also can have a matching picnic basket made with a cooler, Linley china, cutlery and crystal glasses.

Deliveries will begin early next year with pricing expected to start in the mid-$200,000 range. Diesel, hybrid and 7-seat variants will be added in coming years, Bentley says.