On the drive this week has been a prime example of the Bentley Bentayga. Resplendent in light Sapphire Blue, the Blackline detailing and 22-inch black painted and bright machined alloys gave it a modern look.
Under the bonnet sat a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine which was paired with a 94kW electric motor generator. Combined power is 468PS, enough to propel this gargantuan and weighty luxury SUV from rest to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

The silky smooth ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive ensure that all that power can be safely deployed whatever the weather and should ensure that some light off-roading will be possible. I stuck to terra firma, not wanting risk damaging those smart and oh-so-expensive alloys.

Running emission free is possible for 24.85 miles say Bentley, though with the battery fully charged, the dash suggested 30 miles might be possible. Ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 82g/km is another benefit of eschewing V8 or W12 power for your Bentayga. The company accountant will approve. The official combined economy figure of 83.1mpg sounds impressive too. In the real world, expect mid 20s on a longer run, more if you remain in an urban environment and keep the battery topped up at every available opportunity.

Ensconced behind the wheel, the brutish Bentley always impressed. Slower traffic was dispatched with a mere twitch of the right foot, the heady 700Nm of torque being readily available from low revs. I should at this point mention that the soundtrack of the V6 engine at full chat is unlikely to impress, but for the most part, it is rarely heard. Buy the V8 if aural excitement is paramount.

Subjected to most of my favourite local test routes, I found the Bentayga surprisingly easy to hustle down narrow country lanes. Excellent visibility, sharp speed-sensitive power steering and adaptive suspension all played their part. I preferred the ‘Sport’ setting as it firmed up the suspension nicely, without disturbing the car’s exemplary ride comfort.

However, the Bentayga is a cruiser first and foremost and any version will make a wonderful long-distance travelling companion.

That is readily apparent when you open the Bentayga’s door and glimpse the exquisite cabin within. As one would expect, only the finest quality materials are used. The seats are clad in diamond quilted leather and whether up front or in the rear, comfort is guaranteed.

My test car was fitted with the optional four-seat comfort specification with rear centre console. In this configuration, each rear seat could be adjusted independently and were as comfortable as the pews up front. All seats come with a massage function, ideal to sooth away the stresses of that board meeting or a day spent engaged in country pursuits.

I rather liked the traditional wooden dashboard, though Bentley offer a myriad of different finishes to suit.
All my rushing around did nothing for the Bentayga’s fuel economy. Let’s just say I managed to record a smidgen over 20mpg, though to be fair I didn’t charge the battery every night.

However, with the list price of £157,800, it is doubtful that the lucky Bentayga owner will be at all concerned. He or she is more likely to wonder what lovely extras can be added to ensure their car is a one-off bespoke model. The test car was adorned with over £40,000 of delightful goodies… I would tick all the boxes if I was ordering. Mulliner Driving Spec (£11,750), Naim Premium Audio (£6,725) and the four-seat package (£8,500) are the highlights.

So, what else is likely to be on the Bentayga buyer’s shopping list. A Rolls-Royce Cullinan will doubtless be ruled out due to its stratospheric pricing and the Range Rover is far too commonplace, though the company’s top models are now reaching Bentley pricing. An Aston Martin DBX or a Lamborghini Urus may also appeal if driving pleasure takes priority.

Which leaves the manufacturer from Crewe in a unique position. It offers enough exclusivity to satisfy a wealthy buyer and is capable of doing the school run one minute and dashing off to Klosters for a little skiing the next. And whatever is asked of it, it will ensure that all on board are pampered and cossetted.