WE did not hesitate when Bentley Kuala Lumpur representative Jillian Toyad invited the Cars, Bikes & Trucks to an exclusive drive of the new Bentayga. So on one fine Tuesday morning, we were off to its showroom at Menara Etiqa 2.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Given the limited number (actually, just one V8), Bentley KL split the drive into several sessions spanning a few days.
Each session would have two alternate drivers accompanied by an instructor.
Before starting the drive, we sat down for a quick video presentation on the sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, England, followed by a briefing by the instructor.
We were warned beforehand that the unit made available for the drive was a left-hand version.
What!! This writer's last encounter with left-hand drive was more than 15 years ago in an Alfa Romeo 146 hatchback during its global preview in Monaco.
So, initial wobbles could be expected when we took the steering wheel right after spending a few moments near Angkasapuri for a photo shoot.
Yes, it was a bit of a struggle to get the hang of the "Opposite World'". Luckily, it was just the car, not the "wrong roads" that we had to cope with.
Soon, we smoothly drove out of the city until the change of driver after exiting the Tanjung Malim toll plaza.
For an SUV that had been driven on Danish beaches, inhospitable deserts in Chile and Bolivia, as well as a trek across Iceland and sand dunes in the Middle East, the streets and highways in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh were a child's play for the new Bentayga.
The SUV boasted powerful drive and confident road manners. Its V8 engine packed a wallop of low-end power and boasted a top speed of 290kph. It could complete the 0-100kph dash in 4.5 seconds.
The V8 snarled when the throttle was stomped. Its eight-speed automatic transmission shifted quickly yet smoothly.
Effortless and comfort have become more synonymous with the new Bentayga. This is because the Bentley Dynamic Ride, the world's first electric active roll control technology, has been enhanced by a 20mm track increase at the rear. This resulted in reduced steering effort and improved response linearity.
The dynamic ride instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering. It also ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, comfort and handling.
THE CORE
Sitting at the Bentayga core is a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that develops 542bhp and 770Mn of torque. The new Bentayga V8 will be followed by the Hybrid and performance-centric Speed models.
OUTSTANDING EXTERIOR
Feedbacks from original Bentayga owners have prompted Bentley to focus on its exterior presence.
The design has been completely refreshed to create an even more stylish and purposeful vehicle.
Every panel at the front and rear has been altered to give the new Bentayga a cleaner and more modern look, but without changing its coefficient of drag or lift.
The intricate exterior design details draw inspiration from the latest members of the Bentley family, such as the third-generation Continental GT and the new Flying Spur limousine.
COSY INTERIOR
The new Bentayga also received particular focus on the infotainment system and rear seat package.
It now features a modernised, unparalleled combination of luxury materials and exquisite craftsmanship. The rear legroom has been increased.
The SUV's dark tint diamond brushed aluminium finish trim is the first for Bentley.
Among the major changes to the Bentayga's more contemporary interior are the door trims and steering wheel.
There is also a redesigned centre fascia and digital instrumentation cluster. They are completed by new seats.
The new centre fascia houses the latest infotainment system with a 10.9-inch screen, super high resolution graphics and enhanced connectivity.
Apple CarPlay is now standard in the new Bentayga, along with Android Auto for the first time in a Bentley.
CONCLUSION
The Bentayga was an incredible machine when it was launched in November 2015, creating an entirely new segment of luxury SUV.
At launch, the Bentayga was the fastest, most powerful and most exclusive SUV in the world. More than 20,000 Bentaygas have been handcrafted since its launch.
Indeed, the slightly over RM1 million Bentayga V8 (with optional features such as "Naim for Bentley" audio system, 22-inch painted MDS wheels and Touring Specification) entails supercar performance balanced with everyday usability and unique but striking design.
Note: Taking out the optional features, the price of the new Bentayga is RM743,900 before duties, taxes and registration. Delivery is expected in the fourth quarter.