BENTLEY Motors has announced details of the first diesel model in the iconic British brand's history, the Bentayga Diesel, which it claims is the fastest SUV in the world.

The Bentayga Diesel hits a top speed of 168mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

At the heart of the world's fastest and most powerful luxury diesel SUV is an all-new, technologically advanced, triple-charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine developing 429bhp.

New technology gives the Bentayga Diesel the lowest CO2 emissions of any Bentley, as well as a range of over 621 miles - allowing owners to, for example, drive from London to Verbier, Bordeaux or the Scottish Highlands on a single tank.

The peformance figures are little different to those of the 608bhp W12 Bentayga launched last year - although the diesel has an official fuel return of 35.8mpg compared to the 21.6 of the petrol version, making it the most fuel efficient Bentley ever.

Bentley says the development programme for the Bentayga has been the most exhaustive in the brand's history, ranging across five continents.

From the dirt and gravel of South Africa and the dunes of Dubai, to the muddy fields of Cheshire near its factory at Crewe, and from -30C in the frozen North Cape to searing 50C desert heat, the Bentayga's ability to perform on any surface and even in the most extreme conditions has been proven.

Bentley says the Bentayga Diesel offers great ride comfort, steering feel and handling thanks to a sophisticated chassis and electronic stability control. In addition to advanced, multi-mode traction control, the Bentayga also features hill descent dontrol.

Other innovative systems available include Electronic Night Vision, which uses infra-red technology to identify potential obstacles ahead, and a head-up display, which reduces driver distraction and increases safety.

The Bentayga's eight-inch touch screen infotainment system includes navigation technology, a 60GB hard drive and a choice of up to 30 languages.

Rear seat passengers benefit from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet - a removable 10.2-inch Android device with 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for high-speed on-board connectivity.

Prices have yet to be finalised and deliveries will begin in Europe early next year.