Since being taken over by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, we’ve seen the brand go from strength-to-strength with models such as the Continental GT, Flying Spur, Mulsanne and more recently, the brand’s first foray into the SUV segment with the Bentayga. In another first for Bentley, the Bentayga is now available with a diesel engine. I travelled down to Cape Town to sample the newcomer recently.
A diesel Bentley?
In what could initially be perceived as a slightly oxymoronic move, the fitment of an oil burner to a Bentley actually makes more sense that I had anticipated.
You see, the diesel motor fitted to the Bentayga is a 4.0-litre V8 that utilises two traditional twin-scroll turbochargers as well as a small 48-volt electric compressor to eliminate turbo lag. The result is a combined output of 320kW/900Nm and a cruising range of over 1 000km on a single tank of diesel.
With that sort of firepower, the driving characteristics that the diesel motor provides is typical of a large luxury car, with effortless torque, minimal noise and a positive forward surge that isn’t overwhelming, just sufficient. In fact, the entire experience, in my opinion at least, is quite in-keeping with the brand’s ethos.
Most affordable new Bentley
I’m certain that traditional Bentley fans lament the creation of the Bentayga and will likely be further infuriated by the addition of a diesel engine, but the fact is that this allows the brand to market its products to a new audience with the diesel Bentayga coming in at around R920 000 less than the W12, making it slightly more affordable, if you consider a starting price of R2 950 000 to be affordable at all.
The Bentayga also allows the brand to compete in the bourgeoning SUV segment, even if it has priced its products near the very summit. One of the more important aspects of a modern SUV is styling, and despite the fact that the Bentayga is certainly unmistakably Bentley, I still find its looks to be rather odd, but I suppose a vehicle’s design is subjective.
Like the W12, the diesel gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox and is all-wheel drive with a Torsen centre differential and an open differential at the rear, which utilises torque vectoring in the absence of a locking differential. This means that the Bentayga should be relatively capable in mild off-road scenarios, but it begs the question, why would you go bundu-bashing in a R3-million luxury SUV?
Opulence mixed with familiarity
It’s difficult to approach the Bentayga without addressing the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Lamborghini Urus in the room, because all of these SUVs are underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform. This means that certain switchgear inside, as well as the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, will be familiar to those familiar with other Volkswagen Group products.
On the other hand, the majority of the interior is all-Bentley, with lashings of hand-stitched leather, real wood inserts, polished chrome and a general impression that the workers in Crewe really pour their time and effort into each and every component of the inside.
Behind the Bentley branded gear knob sits a rather nifty rotary dial that serves as both a start/stop button as well as a drive mode selector, which, in my opinion, should be a more common addition.
It was only when I stepped into a very liberally specified Bentayga for the second half of our test drive that I realised just how personalised one can make their Bentley.
From the optional Naim sound system with its phenomenal audio range, to countless leather and trim variations, exterior paint options, alloy wheel designs, embroidering, styling and functionality packages and even seat options, I’d be surprised if there are two Bentayga models that are specified identically.
Verdict
My first ever Bentley event allowed me the opportunity to drive something that is designed and built with luxury and comfort in mind, while also considering the customer that wants his/her vehicle to be absolutely unique when it leaves the factory.
The fact that is uses such a well-established platform isn’t a hindrance for me, as it has allowed the engineers, designers and craftspeople to create something that feels rather special at all times, and that’s what the brand is all about.
Note: European model pictured
