2017 Bentley Bentayga Sandy and Muddy Off-Road Review – Pt.1 [Video]

2017 Bentley Bentayga

With a starting MSRP of $229,000, the 2017 Bentley Bentayga is likely the most expensive production crossover SUV on the market. And will probably hold that distinction for a long time. This is Bentley’s first-ever SUV and has proven itself to be quite a performer on the road and off-road on technical terrain and slippery sand dunes.

Not only does the Bentayga carry a lofty price tag, it is also the most powerful and fastest SUV you can get without visiting a custom tuner. Under the hood is a hand-built W12 twin-turbocharged engine that demolishes its nearest competitor with 600 bhp and 663 lb-ft of stump pulling torque. Power is sent to all four wheels. Choosing an off-road terrain option is simply done with a twist of a dial to choose between ice and wet grass for slippery surfaces, dirt and gravel and snow, mud and trail, and sand dunes for driving in deep sand.

2017 Bentley Bentayga

Bespoke is a fancy British word that is used to say, “We can make it uniquely your own to match your personal taste.” Bentley offers 17 standard exterior colors plus 19 custom colors. For the cabin, fifteen leather and seven wood veneer combinations are available, which are all color matched together with headliner, carpets, mats and seatbelts. Further choices for personalization are offered through Bentley’s bespoke division such as a custom three-piece picnic box set that stows perfectly in the rear cargo area. Each picnic box has a specific function: fine china, crystal glass, and silverware in the first, refrigerated storage for the second, and storing dry goods in the third. Each box has a diamond-quilted leather cushion top suitable for outdoor seating.

Roman was helicoptered to the desert outside of Palm Springs and given the opportunity to put the most powerful, luxury, and exclusive SUV in the world through a series of off-road challenges setup by the Bentley team. Watch this TFLcar video to see how the Bentley Bentayga shows off its technical prowess while basking in sumptuous opulence.

2017 Bentley Bentayga Specs:

  • MSRP: $229,000
  • Price as tested: $271,000
  • Engine: 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12
  • Power: 600 bhp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 663 lb-ft @ 1,350 – 4,500 rpm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain layout: 4-wheel drive
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy (city/hwy/combined mpg): 15/29/21
  • Curb weight: 5,379 lbs.
  • Wheelbase: 117.9 in.
  • Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
  • Top speed: 187 mph