Living the

The Bentayga is Bentley’s first foray into SUV territory and, as finds out, they’re off to a flying start.

Although Bentley’s Bentayga shares its architecture with the Audi Q7 built, as it is, on the VW group’s MLB platform it is distinctively Bentley.

It isn’t the most elegantly coherent design and it looks decidedly better from some angles than others.

Trademark twin light clusters and a huge mesh grille dominate the familiar front while squared-off wheel arches mimic those adorning the GT Continental and rear clusters echo those worn by the Mulsanne. Unmistakably a Bentley then.

Under the bonnet is a twin turbo 6.0-litre W12 that produces 600bhp and 900Nm which is enough to propel the Bentayga to 62mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to 187mph.

Like all Bentleys, it’s the way the momentum builds so effortlessly that really skews your sense of reality.

When you’re at cruising speeds six of the 12 cylinders will shut down, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Should your journey necessitate a trip into the wilderness you’ll find the Bentayga is a seriously capable off-roader.

Passengers are perfectly isolated from all those irritating noises that can make journeys, especially longer ones, so wearisome.

The overwhelming sensation when driving the big Bentley sensibly is of splendid isolation. The steering is light but in the context of its surrounds it’s perfectly judged.

You can select your preferred driving mode using a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel, some intended for snow, sand and wet grass, others – Comfort, Sport, Custom and Bentley – provide preset options for everyday driving.

Sport mode would appear to be an unnecessary inclusion given the nonchalance with which the Bentayga conducts itself but should you wish to put its athleticism to the test you’ll find that it responds with surprising eagerness steering inputs while remaining remarkably flat as it changes trajectory.

The asymmetrical leatherbound dash sweeps across the cabin with a bold flourish, rising slightly higher on the driver’s side to accommodate a set of analogue instruments that flank a colour LCD screen.

You can also specify a colour head-up display as well as night vision.

The seats are beautifully sculpted and luxuriously comfortable. They, and the steering wheel, are electrically adjustable.

The standard split-folding rear bench accommodates three but there is the option to go with a strict four-seater.

There’s ample for room for adults, even of larger proportions, to get comfortable.

You’re provided with an 8in colour touchscreen that’s crisp,

clear and easy to use.

The Naim for Bentley audio system costs £6,300. Yes, it’s a lot of money but you’ll get an ear-popping 2,000 watts of unrivalled audio reproduction.

Most of us will never be able to buy a Bentayga but, given how good it is, it begs the question: If you could afford one, why wouldn’t you buy one?

I would.

To find out more about the Bentayga or to arrange a test drive visit Bentley Kent, 92 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BA or call 01732 314931.