The first generation of the Bentley Bentayga was a full-size luxury SUV that debuted in 2015 and remained in production until 2020. This groundbreaking vehicle marked a significant departure for Bentley from its heritage as a traditional manufacturer of saloon cars.
Design and Features
The Bentayga's design was penned by Bentley's styling team, led by Wolfgang Schreiber, under the direction of Chris Craft, to create a unique look that would not be mistaken for any other vehicle. The exterior featured a sleek, wedge-shaped profile with sharp creases and precise lines, while the interior boasted an opulent atmosphere with quilted leather upholstery, wooden veneers, and metal trim.
The Bentayga offered several distinct body styles: standard, long wheelbase (LWB), and speed model variants. Its dimensions stood at 5,047 mm in length, 1,972 mm in width, and a height of 1,664 mm. The speed variant sported a slightly revised front bumper and a more aggressive stance.
Powertrains
Bentley fitted the Bentayga with two powerful W12 engines, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo unit producing 600 horsepower (447 kW) at 6,000 rpm or 585 lb-ft (794 Nm). The alternative variant was a diesel powerplant that came with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating 429 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.
Performance
The Bentayga accelerated from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds on standard tires, while the speed version achieved this feat in only 3.5 seconds with its upgraded rubber. The vehicle's top speed reached an electronically limited 180 mph (290 km/h) for both variants.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Bentayga offered a sumptuous ambiance, complete with:
- Three-zone climate control
- Massage function on front seats
- Four USB ports and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity
- Configurable digital instrument cluster display
The interior also featured Bentley's latest infotainment system, known as the 'Bentley Multimedia System,' featuring an 8-inch touchscreen interface for easy navigation.
Technology and Safety
In terms of safety features:
- The Bentayga boasted a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating
- An array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning system
- Adaptive cruise control
The Bentley Touch screen offered various functionalities, such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice commands.
Dimensions and Capacity
This first generation Bentayga was a full-size luxury SUV, with an interior volume measuring 1,955 liters. The standard model held up to four passengers, while the long wheelbase (LWB) provided ample space for two more individuals, depending on passenger comfort preferences.
The spacious cargo area could accommodate a large luggage set or bulky items, boasting enough room for five suitcases and numerous smaller bags, plus a spare tire.
Production
Over its lifespan, 17,000 Bentayga units were produced between 2015 and 2020.
