Impression: Bentley Bentayga

The Bentayga. According to Bentley it’s the fastest SUV in the world and with a top speed of over 300 kilometers an hour, that may very well be true. At least until the Lamborghini Urus arrives. We took the slightly slower Diesel V8, and yes you read that right, for a peaceful trip through the countryside.

Once again the British mark has managed to create something so comfortable that it can only be described as a mansion on wheels. Because why not? The Bentley driver simply likes to travel in style, after all. Luckily it’s hardly audible from the inside that the V8 is of the Diesel variety. And in a Bentley, that just happens to be the place to be.

According to its makers, The Bentayga isn’t just the fastest SUV in the world, it’s also the most luxurious. And we take their word for it. During our short acquaintance with the car, we couldn’t find a single thing that was missing, though the car did come with a few extras.

As soon as you take the time to just sit back and take it all in, the exquisite detailing of the interior becomes apparent. You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the pure craftsmanship on display. From the white leather in diamond pattern and the red stitched and winged B’s on the seats to the splendidly shaped ashtrays, optional for a cool €500 and an absolute must for the cigar connoisseur, everything seems to be finished to perfection.

From the outside the car just seems imposing, where only the smoothened corners show a hint of subtlety. Guests in the back seat will feel like they’re passengers on a private plane, while onlookers might mistake it for a battleship. Though that does have its advantages. You won’t have to worry about fellow road users who just won’t move over once they see the B’s massive grille in their rearview mirrors.

Admittedly, we didn’t exactly tear up the countryside, though we have no doubt that the SUV is at least modestly capable of doing so. It would just be so out of character to do so. Like playing rugby in your finest suit. Sure, you can, but just because you can doesn’t mean you have to. So instead we sit, wait, and admire the spectacle in front of us. Before long mother nature treats us to moody clouds that happily play with the shaped aluminum body, treating us to an almost artsy display.

Once we step back inside it just feels like coming home. We imagine that this is probably what it feels like when a true British gentleman comes back from his pheasant hunt. But then that’s to be expected from a car that practically costs the same as buying a new house. The only thing missing is the fireplace.

Of course, you can’t help but wonder if the Bentayga’s really worth it. The loyal Bentley driver thinks so at least and let’s be honest, they’re the real experts when it comes to luxury. The initial production run of 3.500 units was sold out in no time and the very same happened to the additional 2.500 vehicles. In some countries, you’ll have to wait for over a year before you can get your hands on one and that really says it all. The Bentley Bentayga is simply impressive. It’s a home away from home and a well furnished one at that.

Text: Tom de Raad
Photos: Dennis Wierenga
Car: Bentley Bentayga