Bentley's Bentayga is the first of a new kind of hyper-luxury SUV
Bentley
After much teasing, Bentley's Bentayga SUV is finally here. Last month, the British luxury automaker released official photos of the first off-roader in the company's century-long history. The Bentayga will make its official world debut later this month at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Bentayga will join the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and the flagship Mulsanne in its lineup. With luxury SUVs now a must-have for high-end automakers, companies such as Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini have announced plans to jump into the market.
The Bentayga is the first of the three ultra-luxury SUVs to arrive over the next year or so. Bentley chairman Wolfgang Dürheimer told Business Insider earlier this year that the company will build 3,600 Bentaygas in its first year — and that the company has more orders from the US alone.
The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will run from September 17 to 27.
The Bentley Bentayga is the first SUV to emerge from the hyper-luxury brands of the world.
Bentley
The Bentayga gets its name of the Roque Bentayga, a rock formation in the Canary Islands.
Flickr/El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video
Together with the Lamborghini Urus and ...
Lamborghini
... the "Project Cullinan" from Rolls-Royce, the Bentayga will form a new segment in the SUV market above the current kings of the hill. This is the prototype used to test the Cullinan's four-wheel-drive system. The finished SUV won't look like this.
Rolls-Royce
The most luxurious SUVs now include Mercedes-Benz's mighty G-Wagon ...
Mercedes-Benz
... and the Range Rover Autobiography.
Land Rover
The Bentayga is built on Volkswagen Group's MLB platform, which also underpins the new Audi Q7 SUV, as well as ...
Audi
... the next generation Audi A4 compact sedan and wagon.
Audi
Although it may share a platform with smaller cars, the Bentayga is a hefty SUV. At just under 17 feet long, the off-roader tips the scale at more than 5,300 pounds.
Bentley
Aesthetically, the Bentayga carries Bentley's trademark front grill, borrowed from the Continental.
Bentley
Overall, the SUV features a wide, athletic stance.
Bentley
In the back, Bentley designers cut the roof line to create a sportier profile.
Bentley
Power for the Bentagya comes from a 600-horsepower, VW Group-sourced twin-turbocharged W12 engine, shared with the Continental and the Flying Spur.
Bentley
Power from the W12 engines is put to the pavement or the rocky trail via an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
Bentley
Business Insider had the chance to experience the engine last year in a Flying Spur. We were impressed with its endless well of horsepower and effortless performance.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
In the Bentayga, Bentley claims the engine can rocket the SUV to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4 seconds — and all the way up to a top speed of 187 mph. Bentley says this makes the Bentayga the fastest SUV in the world.
Bentley
Later on, Bentley will also add a high-efficiency diesel and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Bentayga's options list.
Bentley
In the meantime, the W12 can save fuel by shutting off half its cylinders when large amounts of horsepower aren't required.
Bentley
On the inside, the Bentayga is a harmonious blend of traditional luxury and modern technology.
Bentley
Virtually the entire cabin is wrapped in fine leather and rich wood.
Bentley
Exquisite details such as diamond stitching, ...
Bentley
... a Breitling clock, and ...
Bentley
... this metallic Bentley ashtray abound.
Bentley
The Bentayga is also loaded up with modern tech, such as a head-up display, night vision, and adaptive cruise control.
Bentley
At the heart of the Bentayga's interior is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 60GB hard drive.
Bentley
Those looking to take on Mother Nature can adjust the Bentley's personality using buttons mounted on the center console.
Bentley
As nice as the front seats look, ...
Bentley
... the rear seats appear to create an entirely different world for passengers.
Bentley
There's access to a rear seat entertainment system. The 10.2-inch screen ...
Bentley
... is actually a removable tablet with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity.
Bentley
At launch, Bentley will offer the Bentayga with a special Mulliner hamper set.
Bentley
The hamper set includes a refrigerator, crockery, and crystal glasses.
Bentley
Off course, the Bentley "Flying B" is also present.
Bentley
The Bentley Bentayga will roll into showrooms in early 2016 with a starting price of $229,100.
Bentley
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