The Bentley Bentayga SUV range is being extended with a new V8-engined model.
According to Bentley the new model will be the most sporting version yet of the Bentayga, which has proved highly successful since its launch into the growing premium SUV market. However it won’t be the fastest, that title remaining with the Bentayga W12.
The V8 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol unit familiar from elsewhere in the Bentley range. It produces 550hp and 770Nm of torque, which gives the Bentayga a 4.4-second 0-62mph time and a terminal speed of 180mph.
The car returns 24.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and produces CO2 emissions of 260g/km. Aiding the emissions figure is start-stop technology that can activate when the vehicle is at ‘near-to-stop’ speeds.
From launch the Bentayga has been offered with an eight-cylinder diesel engine, offering a 4.8-second 0-62mph time, combined cycle economy of 35.8mpg and emissions of 210g/km. The range-topping 12-cylinder W12 model, meanwhile, crests 62mph in 4.0 seconds, with combined mpg of 21.6 and a 296g/km emissions figure.
‘Biggest brakes on any car’
Also launching with the Bentayga V8 is the option to add carbon-ceramic brakes, described as the largest and most powerful brakes yet fitted to a Bentley. In fact Bentley claims that no other production car boasts larger front brakes, the discs measuring 440mm and activated by 10-piston calipers. Buyers that choose the standard braking system will still get red-[painted calipers.
Styling additions to the new model include a black and chrome grille, and twin-quad exhaust pipes at the rear. Inside there are three new options – a high-gloss carbon-fibre finish replacing the traditional veneer surfaces; a wood and hide steering wheel available in seven different veneer finishes; and a new red leather dubbed Cricket Ball.
Bentley is pricing the Bentayga V8 at £136,200, which is only £400 more than its diesel sibling. And the range will be further enlarged later in 2018 by the launch of a hybrid version of the SUV.