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Bentley applies ultra-luxury to the SUV in the all-new Bentayga (pictures)

The top luxury SUVs from the likes of Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz haven't achieved the bespoke opulence offered by Bentley, so the company responds at the Frankfurt auto show with its new Bentayga model.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
Bentley Bentayga
1 of 19 Josh Miller/CNET

Bentley responds to a perceived need for a high-end, ultra-luxury SUV with the new Bentayga, applying its British coachwork and Volkswagen-derived performance technology to this new vehicle.

Bentley Bentayga
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The Bentayga benefits from a twin-turbocharged 6-liter W-12 engine similar to that found in the Mulsanne.

Bentley Bentayga
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LED headlights add a modern touch, but the grille and body-color surround headlights echo the company's styling language.

Bentley Bentayga
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Bentley's sedans and coupes radiate an imposing presence, and with its higher roofline, the Bentayga even more so.

Bentley Bentayga
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Although buyers will be able to order any number of bespoke design elements, this example shows off carbon-fiber mirror caps.

Bentley Bentayga
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Another carbon-fiber detail fits over the fender vent.

Bentley Bentayga
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Bentley is well-versed in all-wheel-drive technology, also benefiting the Bentayga.

Bentley Bentayga
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The high roofline means passengers won't need to duck down to get in.

Bentley Bentayga
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The Bentayga offers multiple ride modes, including sport and comfort, along with a set of traction-control programs for offroad conditions, such as mud and sand.

Bentley Bentayga
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At well over 5,000 pounds, the Bentayga is no lightweight.

Bentley Bentayga
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A carbon-fiber rear spoiler comes as part of the bespoke package on this model, emphasizing sport driving.

Bentley Bentayga
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Bentley repeats its theme of oval exhaust pipes on the Bentayga.

Bentley Bentayga
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As a very high-end luxury SUV, this Bentayga shows off matching leather luggage along with a leather-lined baby seat in keeping with the cabin design.

Bentley Bentayga
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With its imposing stature, no one really needs reminding that this is a Bentley.

Bentley Bentayga
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Interior luxury is emphasized with quilted leather.

Bentley Bentayga
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Electric power steering means precise and easy turning, even with the SUV's large size and weight.

Bentley Bentayga
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A modern suite of cabin electronics, including navigation, come standard in the Bentayga.

Bentley Bentayga
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In Bentley tradition, the tachometer shows two digit increments, dropping off the last two zeroes.

Bentley Bentayga
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A dial on the console sets the drive modes, while the shifter controls the eight-speed automatic transmission.

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