Bentley reveals Bentayga First Edition

Bentley has taken the wraps of a limited-edition version of its first SUV to mark the launch of the Bentayga first seen at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Bentayga First Edition was unveiled in front of VIP customers at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Los Angeles overnight, and will be limited to just 608 examples globally.

The number signifies the metric power output of the vehicle's all-new twin-turbocharged 447kW/900Nm 6.0-litre W12 engine that Bentley says accelerates it to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and a 301km/h top speed, making it "the world’s most powerful and fastest SUV".

The launch-special Bentayga, which goes on sale in Australia early next year, is differentiated on the outside by Union Jack badging, illuminated treadplates, 22-inch black painted and polished wheels.

Only 10 exterior colours will be available, and on the inside the Bentayga First Edition features ‘Diamond within Diamond’ quilting, bespoke ambient lighting, Union Jack fascia badging, unique contrast stitching and embroidered seats.

Eech First Edition customer will also receive one of three special-edition Breitling chronographs, including the 'Emergency', which features an integrated dual frequency personal locator beacon, 'Cockpit B50', with its electronic multifunction calibre and the automatic 'Chronomat 38', which is designed for women.

The chronographs – all of which come with an all-black case, a black mother-of-pearl dial, bronze-toned hands matching the livery of the first Bentayga presented to the public and a rubber strap matching certain key interior elements – will be available as options for Bentayga customers.

Bentley says the Bentayga's metal, wood and leather detailing "sets a new standard in automotive design".

“With the First Edition we have created the ultimate expression of the Bentayga’s spirit," said Kevin Rose, Bentley's Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Aftersales.

"It is equipped with an array of striking features that celebrate both the pioneering nature of the Bentayga and its unique abilities.”

As we've reported, the 5141mm long Bentayga rides on multi-mode air suspension (double wishbone at the front, multi-link at the rear) and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. Kerb weight is a hefty 2422kg and combined NEDC fuel consumption is listed at 12.8L/100km.

Standard features include Drive Dynamics Mode, electrically-assisted power steering, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Predictive ACC, Traffic Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Park Assist, Electronic Night Vision, Head-Up Display and Top View.

Infotainment systems are operated in front through an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with 80GB of storage, with a portable 10.2-inch entertainment Android tablet in the rear. Three different sound systems are available: Standard Audio, Bentley Signature Audio and Naim for Bentley Premium Audio -- a 1950-Watt system piping through 18 speakers and super tweeters.

Local pricing is yet to be announced but Bentley expects the Bentayga — which will be joined by diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, all matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive — to become its top-selling model in Australia.