A few days ago we reported on the Bentley Bentayga that was aiming to set a new record for production SUVs at Pikes Peak International hill climb – click here for that story.

Mission accomplished

It was mission accomplished this past Sunday as two-time champion of Pikes Peak, Rhys Millen, driving the Bentayga completed the 19,99 km course in just 10 min 49,9 sec – taking nearly two minutes off the previous record.

Millen hustled the Bentayga up the famous course with 156 corners using the Bentayga’s combination of a 441 kW/900 N.m turbocharged W12 engine, adaptive air suspension, active electric 48V anti-roll control and carbon ceramic brakes to set a new benchmark.

Speaking immediately after his run, Rhys Millen commented:

“What an incredible machine. 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. 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.”

Click here to read about VW’s record-setting victory at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

Spawning a new model

To celebrate the record-breaking run, Bentley announced a new Limited Edition Bentayga, strictly limited to ten cars.

The Pikes Peak Bentayga features of number of eye-catching elements. The exterior is finished either in deep Beluga black paint or striking Radium, with 22” wheels in a bespoke two-tone finish of Beluga with Radium accents. The Black Specification is included, replacing all exterior chrome with gloss black components and adding a carbon-fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. A subtle Pikes Peak motif adorns the front fenders.

Inside the car, a Mulliner Design Colour Split marries Key Lime accents with Beluga leather, with Alcantara inserts to the seats and doors. The steering wheel and gear lever are also trimmed in Alcantara, and the headlining is technical Eliade cloth. A Pikes Peak logo decorates the carbon fibre fascias, and numbered Pikes Peak tread plates complete the interior.