The Bentley Bentayga sets a record at Pikes Peak in the SUV category

Antonio Roncero @roncero_antonio 26 June 2018 2 min.

A SUV capable of going under 11 minutes up Pikes Peak? Here it is: the Bentley Bentayga.

Bentley wanted to make a splash by taking part in the Pikes Peak climb with the Bentley Bentayga, and they have succeeded. The most powerful luxury SUV from the brand can now boast of being the fastest production SUV in this test, setting a time of 10 minutes and 49.9 seconds.

The driver behind the wheel of the Bentayga on its record run was Rhys Millen, who has extensive experience at Pikes Peak in all kinds of vehicles

To put it into perspective, that means covering the almost 20 km climb, overcoming a height gain of more than 1,500 metres, through 156 bends at an average speed of 107 km/h. It falls somewhat short of the new overall record for the event, set in under 8 minutes by the Volkswagen I.D.R, an electric prototype with more than 1,000 CV of power.

Of course, the Bentley Bentayga W12 used for this “mission” is not far behind. Its W12 engine delivers no less than 608 CV and a peak torque of 900 Nm, which places it among our Top 10 most powerful and beastly SUVs on the market. Equipped with adaptive suspension, active anti-roll bars with a 48-volt system and carbon-ceramic brakes, the Bentayga barely needed the modifications required to comply with the event regulations. Thus, the seats were replaced with competition ones, and a roll cage and the mandatory fire extinguishing system were also installed. For the tyres, Pirelli was chosen, and a special Akrapovic exhaust system was also fitted.

Limited edition Bentley Bentayga Pikes Peak

To celebrate this milestone, Bentley has wasted no time in announcing that it will put on the market a Pikes Peak limited edition of the Bentayga, with only 10 units. Naturally, the customisation of this version will be handled by Mulliner. Among other elements, it will include 22-inch wheels with a two-tone finish; exclusive exterior paint and front skirts, rear diffuser and rear spoiler in carbon fibre.

For the interior, “Pikes Peak” logos in a luxurious setting dominated by Alcantara and leather, with that refined touch characteristic of Mulliner’s creations. Orders for this special edition will open in August.

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