Bentayga sets new Pikes Peak record

Considered one of the world’s toughest hillclimb events, Pikes Peak’s 19.99km (12.42 mile) course has 156 corners and rises to an elevation of 4,300mt above sea level at its highest point, challenging drivers and machinery alike.

Earlier this year, Bentley announced they’d take on the hillclimb, aiming to break the existing record for a Production SUV of 12 minutes 35.61 seconds set by a Range Rover Sport in 2013.

Two-time Pikes peak winner, Rhys Millen was drafted in for the record attempt, while the Bentayga was only mildly modified from its standard form.

Distinguished by unique “Radium Satin” paint with black detailing and a carbon fibre body kit from Bentley’s Black Specification range, a roll cage was fitted, along with a fire suppression system in place of the rear seats, while the front seats were replaced with racing versions with four-point harnesses.

The Bentayga’s 447kW/900Nm W12 engine was unchanged and production Pirelli tyres were used, but a custom Akrapovic exhaust system was fitted. The SUV’s standard permanent four-wheel drive, 48V anti-roll control, carbon ceramic brakes and adaptive air suspension were all unchanged.

While the Bentayga team came to Pikes Peak confident they could set a new record, the result exceeded expectations, with Millen powering the big SUV to a 10 minute 49.9 second time – shaving 1 minute and 45.71 seconds off the existing record and averaging 106.9km/h on the challenging course.

“To take a luxury SUV with minimal modifications and be able to drive up this course in under 11 minutes is a huge testament to the performance and level of engineering in the Bentayga,” said Millen.

“I had a great run – the car was planted all the way up and gave me the confidence I needed to push hard. I’m delighted to take the SUV record for Bentley and for everyone that’s been involved in this project.”