Bentley Bentayga makes public debut in Frankfurt

Bentley is proud to introduce their first ever SUV called "Bentayga" and they say it's the quickest, most powerful model in this segment.

Jaguar is not the only automaker to bring its first high-riding model to IAA as Bentley is doing the same with its Bentayga, an evolution of the EXP 9 F concept from a while back. It's up to you to decide whether the styling of the production version is better than the concept, but we are sure the exterior design won't be to everyone's liking.

Its heart and soul is a newly developed W12 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine releasing a massive 608 PS (447 kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb-ft) sent to both axles via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Despite its sheer size and weight, the Bentayga runs the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) journey in just 4 seconds and tops out at a very impressive 187 mph (301 km/h).

Bentley says the Audi Q7-based Bentayga is relatively economical for a model in this segment as it returns 16 mpg US (22.1 mpg UK or 12.8 liters / 100 km) in the combined cycle and emits 292 g/km of CO2.

In typical Bentley fashion, the interior cabin is utterly luxurious and can be had with rear individual seats, 1950-watt Naim for Bentley Premium Audio system, rear-entertainment system with 10.2-inch tablets, along with plenty of other kit for those with deep pockets.

Bentley has announced the first year of production has already reached sold out status, even though the model begins at £160,200.