Easing the big Bentley Bentayga back along the kerb during our stint with it at the Bentley Dynamic Driving Experience 2016, we realise that this SUV is quite unlike any we've ever driven.
It's not that it's all soft and pillowy, but that any flaws in its dynamic make-up - size and weight - are actually countered by technology such as Bentley's 48V Electronic Active Roll Control that keeps it almost completely flat when you corner. It's definitely not like a sports car, but it turns in crisply and can carry more speed than you'd ever believe.
Talking about speed, this 2.4-tonne of a behemoth can get from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. For that, you have to thank the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 that delivers 600bhp and 900Nm of torque, making it the most powerful SUV right now.
As soon as the right pedal is mashed, you would expect something of its stature to respond like a boat. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The Bentayga's all-wheel traction is abominable and helps to keep the SUV staying flat and firm catapulting off.
The Bentayga has four Drive Dynamics settings to choose from. The default setting is Bentley mode, which provides a refined and comfortable driving experience.
'Comfort' allows the SUV glide even more effortlessly over undulations. On the other hand, 'Sport' provides a throatier exhaust note and sharper handling through the bends (as experienced during slaloms) without any serious hit to ride quality. Finally, 'Custom' allows the driver to personalise suspension and engine settings to his or her preference.
Elsewhere, the sumptuous interior, like any other Bentley, will offer much opulence while other creature comforts like the optional 22-way massage function will keep occupants happy.
Until Lamborghini, Maserati, or Rolls-Royce joins it in this distant stratosphere of the new car market, the Bentley Bentayga, as we have experienced at least, looks set to be the next big thing in the luxury SUV class.
