Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV

Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV 6

The Bentayga Diesel SUV can arguably tackle any terrain and any weather conditions, safely and securely. I felt completely in control during the tough drive to the top of the Jaufenpass. In any other vehicle I would have been nervous; cocooned in the comfort of the Bentayga not only did I feel safe, I knew I had a vehicle with the guts and the engineering for the job.

Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV 7

Our lunch at the rustic Pretzhof provided welcome nourishment against the winter cold: a warm welcome from patron Herr Mair, and a plentiful supply of delicious local charcuterie and cheeses, sausages, salamis, aged steaks, rich goulash soup and a platter of home-made ravioli with cheeses. The Mair family have owned Pretzhof for 33 years and told us that they never use chemicals or hormones in their produce.

Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV 8

As we made our slow descent on our way back to Innsbruck, I contemplated the undoubted appeal of the Bentayga and was sad to let her go. Luxurious yet eminently practical, this beast of an SUV is an elegant and rugged beauty. Handling, precision, suspension and performance is superb.

The Bentayga is a cool luxury statement car for singles as well as an ideal family luxury SUV – perfect for long journeys as well as the school run. From the streets of Mayfair to the deserts of Morocco, the Bentley is a well-honed and well-crafted machine that will satisfy the discerning driver who appreciates its balance of purity, form and finely tailored detailing. The fastest SUV in the world is quite simply gorgeous.

Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV 9

Bentley Bentayga Specifications

  • Speed: 0-60mph 4.6 secs. 0-100km 4.8 secs
  • Top speed: 168 mph (270 km/h)
  • Engine: 4.0-litre triple-charged V8 Diesel
  • Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, permanent all-wheel drive
  • Fuel capacity: 85 litres/18.7 UK gallons/22.5 US gallons
  • Fuel economy: Urban 31.3mpg / 9.0 litres/100km
  • Combined: 35.8 mpg 7.9 litres/100km
  • Seats: Four/five/seven configuration
  • Power: 435 PS / 429 bhp / 320 kW @3750-5000 rpm
  • Torque: 900 Nm / 664 lb.ft @1000-3250 rpm
  • Clean Diesel: 210g/km CO2
  • Cost: From £162,700

More information
Bentley www.bentleymotors.com
San Luis Resort www.sanluis-hotel.com From €315 per night
Manincor Wine Estate www.manincor.com
Pretzhof Restaurant www.pretzhof.com

Photo credits: Bentley Motors / Ken Schluchtmann / diephotodesigner.de

Behind the Wheel of the Bentayga, the World’s Most Luxurious SUV 10

Gina Baksa

Luxurious Magazine Reporter

Gina is a freelance features and lifestyle journalist and regularly writes for international travel and lifestyle titles. From testing supercars to glamping in the Kruger, getting up close and personal with the magical White Lions of Timbavati to experiencing the power of plant medicine in the Peruvian Amazon, her travels have seen her leap out of planes, dive on the Barrier Reef, go walkabout in the Aussie Outback and shark cage dive in South Africa. She interviews celebrities and influencers, and relishes engaging with and sharing the human story behind luxury brands and personalities. An avowed Francophile, she speaks fluent French and German, is learning Spanish, and recently published her first children’s book. She is a world traveller and adventurer with a passion for writing about real estate, gastronomy, film, supercars, spas, travel, boutique hotels, and personal development, as well as covering launches and events. Having lived in Australia, New York and the south of France, she is currently based on London’s vibrant South Bank and regularly travels worldwide on lifestyle and travel assignments.

error: Copying this content is prohibited by Luxurious Magazine®