1/18-scale model shows the Bentley Bentayga well ahead of its Frankfurt debut

By Ronan Glon August 12, 2015

Bentley has gone to great lengths to ensure the final design of the Bentayga, its first-ever utility vehicle, remains under wraps until the beginning of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The company almost succeeded — Frankfurt opens its doors in a little over a month, but low-resolution pictures of a 1/18-scale model taken in China have thwarted its efforts.

The model depicted in the pictures appears to be officially licensed by Bentley so it gives us a good idea of what we can expect from the full-size Bentayga. While the controversial EXP 9 F concept featured a design inspired by the Mulsanne, the production model gets a much sportier-looking front end that is characterized by four oval headlights and a big grille with mesh inserts. All told, the Bentayga’s front end is markedly inspired by the Flying Spur and the Continental GT.

A healthy dose of chrome accents adds a premium touch to the overall look, while a panoramic roof gives the passengers a scenic view of the outside world. Out back, the Bentayga’s muscular haunches and rectangular tail lamps create yet another visual link with the Continental GT.

At launch, the Bentayga will exclusively be offered with a brand new 6.0-liter W12 engine rated at 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and about 663 lb-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm in its most basic state of tune. Designed by parent company Volkswagen, the W12 will also be available in other Bentley models, in a handful of Audis, and in the next-gen Volkswagen Phaeton.

Later on in the production run, Bentley is expected to offer the off-roader with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and its first-ever gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

A full reveal is scheduled in the coming weeks, and we’ll see the Bentley Bentayga in the metal for the first time on September 15th. It is scheduled to go on sale early next year as a 2017 model with a base price of over $200,000, a figure that will make it one of the most expensive SUVs on the planet.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.