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.
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.
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.
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