Bentley Bentayga a Big, Opulent Beast That Will Never Be Taken Off Road

The Bentley Bentayga is the British automaker’s first ever SUV and made its public debut here at the Frankfurt Motor Show, our first chance to get up close to the most expensive SUV in the world.

Not only is the the most expensive, but Bentley claims its SUV is also the fastest and most powerful SUV in the world. With a massive 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 with 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, the SUV gets to 60 miles per hour in just four seconds and has a top speed of 187 mph. Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission, which has been upgraded to handle the high torque levels needed for off-road driving.

With multiple off-road driving modes, an adjustable suspension, a high ground clearance, and hill descent control, there is no doubt that this luxurious SUV is capable off-road, but come on. With a hefty price tag of $229,000, this SUV is never going to see anything worse than poorly paved valet lot.

With its signature circular quad headlights, muscular stance and mesh grille, the Bentayga looks completely like a Bentley SUV should from the front, even though from the back, it inherits a bit too much from its Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne cousins.

SEE ALSO: Full coverage from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

But a Bentley is all about what’s inside. Covered in beautiful, lush quilted leather and woodgrain trim, everything feels rich and is probably more comfortable than your favorite La-Z-Boy. Everything feels bespoke and expensive. Backseat passengers are treated to their own bucket seats and two removable, Android-powered tablets to help keep them entertained.

To me, though, one of the most opulent touches is an optional analog Breitling clock that’s the jewel in the dashboard. It’s a reminder that Bentleys are all about timeless elegance and old money, even when they do something non-traditional like build a 600-hp SUV.

But if you really want one of these opulent beasts, you’re too late, because all the units allotted for the first year of production are already sold out.

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