The W-12's endless pull is unquestionably best enjoyed without passengers, however, as they might not appreciate the g-forces. Under full throttle, the Bentayga rears back on its haunches and sprays the cars in front with photons from its superbright LED headlights. (The high-beams might be the best headlights on the market.) Under braking, the front end dives significantly. This dive and squat is slowed and lessened in Sport mode, which lowers the air suspension and stiffens the adjustable dampers, but even then, it's out of lockstep with the lateral body control provided by Bentley Dynamic Ride, a set of electrically actuated active anti-roll bars.

2017 Bentley Bentayga front three quarter in motion

Given the Bentayga's considerable mass and high center of gravity, the bars have their work cut out for them. Each bar's actuator can generate up to 959 lb-ft of anti-roll torque, working against the centrifugal force that causes vehicles to lean toward the outside of a curve. Previous active anti-roll systems have been hydraulically actuated, but the Bentayga's are fully electric. The big power demands required a shift to 48-volt actuators, which are operated by a pair of supercapacitors charged by the vehicle's 12-volt system through a step-up transformer.

The system works flawlessly, keeping the Bentayga almost completely flat through corners. Handling balance is delightfully neutral with some throttle adjustability to nix the limit understeer, but overall grip isn't particularly impressive. Our tester managed just 0.82 g on the skidpad, putting it near the bottom of the list of current quick SUVs, even behind the Audi Q7's 0.85 g. The bigger issue, though, is why Bentley would be so concerned with flat cornering when there's so much pitch and dive under acceleration and braking.

This might be the fastest, quickest internal-combustion SUV ever, but just like the ability to seat seven people (which will be an option), the 187-mph top speed is a marketing tool that most will never take advantage of. The reality is that the Bentayga isn't going to sell on its cornering behavior; it'll sell on its price and its looks.

2017 Bentley Bentayga Diesel front three quarter in motion 03

Yep, its looks. I won't call the Bentayga ugly (oh, I think it's far worse than that), because beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. You may love it, and you wouldn't be alone. In fact, so many people have raised their hands that Bentley has sped up production. Originally slated for 3,600 units a year, the company is now planning to produce 5,500 Bentaygas during its first full production year and is looking for ways to bump that number even higher.

That's a surprising number of SUVs at that price, more so when you consider what you can get for half as much money. Namely, a Range Rover. Which, in supercharged V-8 form, is certainly quick enough (0-60 in 4.4 seconds) and is almost as luxurious inside. Then again, the Range Rover doesn't stand out from the crowd in Beverly Hills or Dubai. And that's likely the most important reason for choosing a Bentayga—at least until the world's chic shopping districts are littered with them.

Gee, what a sight that'll be.

2017 Bentley Bentayga (European Spec)
BASE PRICE	$229,100
PRICE AS TESTED	$275,790
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	6.0L/600-hp/664-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 48-valve W12
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	5,653 lb (57/43%)
WHEELBASE	117.9 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	202.4 x 78.7 x 68.6 in
0-60 MPH	3.5 sec
QUARTER MILE	11.9 sec @ 117.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	119 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.82 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	25.6 sec @ 0.74 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	Not yet rated
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	Not yet rated
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	Not yet rated