The world's most powerful and fastest luxury SUV, the Bentley Bentayga, was unveiled in Auckland last night.
With its huge distinctive chrome Bentley grille at the front and flowing 'power line' running along the entire flank, the Bentayga has a big and bold presence in the flesh.
While the design has been controversial, Bentley's first foray into the increasingly competitive luxury SUV market has a much more coherent overall appearance than preview pictures convey.
The Bentayga has a starting price of $298,000, but the first of six Bentayga Launch edition models to arrive in New Zealand are fully-equipped with all available 'extras' and cost $540,000. All five of the Launch editions available in this market have already been sold, and Bentley estimates there could be as many as 20 Bentaygas on New Zealand roads by the end of the year.
The vehicle is powered by a new 6-litre W 12-cylinder TSI petrol engine, which Bentley says gives the car the best combination of power, torque and economy in the market.
The twin-scroll turbo chargers eliminate turbo lag and allow the engine to deliver 5 to 90% torque within 1.1 seconds, twice as fast as the previous engine, and the variable displacement system de-activates 6 cylinders in just 22 milliseconds, delivering the improved efficiency.
The Bentayga has a top speed of 301 kilometres an hour, and can reach from zero to 100kph in just 4.1 seconds.
Bentley says the Bentayga is agile and yet tough enough for off-roading with an All-Terrain mode, and other features such as an electronic differential lock, trailer stablisation system, roll over mitigation and hill descent control.