Introduction
We were thrilled to receive a call from a representative of Bentley Middle East inviting us to test drive the new Bentayga. Especially since this vehicle won’t be available in our region until November. Thus, we headed to the Dubai Autodrome to experience it firsthand, knowing we only had a few hours to uncover everything this remarkable car has to offer that has earned it such a stellar reputation.
Driving Experience
On our journey from Dubai Autodrome to the Al Maha Desert Resort along the Dubai-Al Ain Road, we had the opportunity to experience its powerful redesigned engine, a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo. While driving in Comfort mode, you will immediately feel the luxury, smoothness, and remarkable quietness that Bentley is known for. A simple switch to "Sport" mode unleashes the engine with 550 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. These are truly impressive figures, especially for a luxury SUV.
Pressing the accelerator to the floor, the 8-speed automatic transmission allows for a smooth acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 290 km/h.
Interior Design
The cabin features a stunning luxurious design, especially as it comes directly from Bentley's bespoke division, Mulliner. The new cross-stitched leather upholstery envelops the interior in a rich dark green, contrasting beautifully with the red stitching on the door panels, seats, and steering wheel. Given its sporty nature among available options, our test vehicle was adorned with polished aluminum accents, while the standard version boasts dark wood and glossy black trims.
In the rear, the new Bentayga is available with either four, five, or seven seats, with the latter not being particularly favored in the Middle East. Rear passengers also enjoy a new "tablet" control unit that allows them to manage the curtains on the panoramic roof and the heating/cooling of the seats. Those seated in the middle will have a direct view of the new 10.9-inch infotainment system screen, complemented by a redesigned central air conditioning vent with an integrated analog clock.
When it comes to features, the new Bentayga is equipped with every imaginable luxury, including seats that offer multiple massage options, one of the best adaptive cruise control systems, and lane-keeping assistance. Among these, two features stand out: wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and the automatic parking system that utilizes multiple sensors and cameras around the vehicle to park itself seamlessly.
Exterior Design
The "Alpine Green" color that adorned our test vehicle was unique, being a Bentley and Mulliner creation. With the optional Black Package design, all prominent features were transformed into rich, glossy black, including the front grille, headlight surrounds, and window line. Enthusiasts will note that the Bentayga's front grille has become more upright compared to the previous model, with redefined body lines for a more organized design.
However, significant changes are seen at the rear, where you will find new oval taillights, oval exhaust pipes, and a redesigned trunk release button integrated into the Bentley emblem.
Conclusion
Although our time with the new Bentayga was brief, we were reminded of the exceptional quality and excellence of Bentley cars. The new Bentayga is sure to be a hit when it hits the market for SUV enthusiasts this November.
