Right. Time to get going, then. I sink into the supple hide and adjust the multi-way seat, with the winged-B greeting me in the information display. The Start button is positioned in the centre and brings the turbocharged W12 to life with a growl: a growl that sounds powerful even through several layers of impeccable sound-deadening. Select ‘D’ on the rounded gear-lever and lift off the brake. The 2,422-kg Bentayga rolls forward with the sort of determination only a turbo-twelve can inspire.
The acceleration, whether from standstill or on the move, is absolutely effortless, courtesy the 900 Nm of torque peaking from 1,350 rpm and staying strong till 4,500. Be gentle on the pedal, and it wafts. Step on it, though, and it lunges forward with an urgency that takes the grey-matter some time to come to terms with. Claimed performance figures are zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h. Hard to dispute, really.
The ride quality is phenomenal. The Bentley Dynamic Ride air suspension setup soaks up every bump and muffles every hint of movement when you’re not actively being aggressive. Yet step up the quick quotient, and it adapts to stay sharp, focused and sure of its line. Turning is easy with the variable-ratio electric power steering and it begins to shrink around you; a good thing when you have to deal with narrow two-lane roads and traffic. Worse roads can let the evidence of a thud through, but that’s only when driving in a more attacking manner. There is surely more than a hint of sport when playing with the Drive Dynamics and it can play both contrasting roles well. Not surprising, considering that is what it was created to do. I didn’t get a chance to try any off-road activity but, for now, this would have to do.
The Bentayga doesn’t really have a contender to go up against. [The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was still some time away, then]. The closest choice is a fully-equipped Range Rover SVR, but, it must be said, I believe the SVR is an off-roader that delivers commendable portions of luxury, whereas with the Bentayga it’s the other way round. Bentley have added an SUV to their line-up and it’s very capable. A shift of the right sort and at the right time? Yes. Now, will it deliver the other numbers?
Need to Know: Bentley Bentayga W12 TSI
Price: Rs 4.59 crore (base, ex-showroom)
Engine: 5,950 cc, W12, twin-turbo, petrol, direct injection
Max Power: 608 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 900 Nm @ 1,350-4,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear, air springs, dynamic damping
Weight: 2,422 kg
