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Bentley's new Bentayga: Most ostentacious SUV?

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LONDON, England - The Bentley Bentayga, the automaker's first SUV, aims to combine indulgence with effortless performance and everyday usability, claims the luxury automaker.

For Bentley, an automaker accustomed to building Grand Tourers and elegant limousines, the Bentayga seems a huge departure for the brand. 

Well-heeled customers are demanding luxury SUVs and the new Bentayga could grab the luxury automaker its share of a growing market. 

Handcrafted

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, England, Bentley DNA shows throughout, from its four round LEDs to its large matrix grille, the Bentayga maintains design elements from its smaller siblings.

Powered by the quintessential Bentley W12

An all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12 engine is at the heart of the new Bentayga. The 12-cylinder unit is capable of 447kW/900Nm, capable of rocketing the SUV to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, onto a top speed of 301km/h.

Watch: Bentley's Bentyga testing on the Nurburgring:

Can it go off-road?

The Bentayga debuts Bentley's dynamic ride –  electric, active roll-control technology. According Bentley: "Inherent in larger vehicles with a higher centre of gravity, this system counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering."

The SUV uses electrically powered steering system which, Bentley says, improves feedback to the driver, while providing isolation from steering kick-back both on- and off-road. A variable rack ratio permits light and fast steering while maneuvering at low speeds, and stable handling at higher speeds.

With standard multi-mode air suspension the Bentayga has four driving modes to choose from: high 2, high 1, normal and low. High 2, for example, can be manually selected when tackling severe off-road surfaces.

Customers can also lower the rear suspension via a switch in the boot, to ease loading and trailer hitching.

The Bentayga will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show from September 15-27.

THREE ELEMENTS: The Bentayga's cabin is a mixture of luxurious leather, wood metal. Image: Newspress

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