Strategy: Offer More Accessible Grades After Reaching the Pinnacle with the 12-Cylinder

Historically, there haven't been many monstrous 12-cylinder SUVs. In the past, there was the Lamborghini LM002 (with the Countach's V12), a military-style 4WD cross-country model, but besides that, only the Volkswagen Touareg (W12) and Audi Q7 (V12 diesel) come to mind.

The Bentayga, Bentley's first SUV, launched in 2015 with a W12 engine, which undoubtedly helped it instantly claim the title of King (or Queen?) of SUVs.

However, Rolls-Royce's new SUV, the "Cullinan", is about to be released. While it may not have a 12-cylinder engine, Aston Martin is also developing an SUV, and rumors suggest Ferrari is seriously considering one as well. The high-end luxury SUV market is set to become even more competitive.

Bentley would naturally want to promote the Bentayga further before its rivals are fully established. This leads to the addition of the V8 grade.

After reaching the pinnacle with the W12 model, Bentley's recent strategy has been to introduce more accessible grades to attract a wider range of new customers, rather than solely offering the high-barrier-to-entry 12-cylinder models. This approach has proven successful with the Continental GT and Flying Spur.

For the Bentayga, a model with a 4-liter V8 diesel engine was first introduced (not available in Japan), as its practicality is highly valued in this segment. Following that came the 4-liter V8 gasoline model we are discussing today, and a plug-in hybrid (PHV) model with a 3-liter V6 and electric motor is scheduled for introduction later this year. This clearly shows Bentley's commitment to establishing the Bentayga SUV as a core part of its lineup.

Audi Group's Large SUVs and
Powertrain and Basic Design Shared with Sedans

Let's return to the main subject: the gasoline engine Bentayga V8.

At first glance of the exterior, unless you're a true enthusiast, it would be difficult to spot significant differences from the W12 model. Like the Continental GT, the most distinctive feature is the blacked-out front grille.

However, since bespoke customization is standard, a customer who chose the W12 model could likely request the grille to be blacked out like the V8. Therefore, in reality, the only way to distinguish them might be by looking at the emblem. Incidentally, the diesel V8 also features a black grille.

The interior and exterior design are virtually identical to the W12. The focus, naturally, is on the unseen components – the powertrain.

It shares the powertrain and basic design with the 4-liter V8 twin-turbo, ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, and 4WD system used in Audi Group's large SUVs and sedans. To be clear, it's not exactly the same.

While the engine specifications are very similar to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Bentley's engineers have, of course, applied calibration and tuning specifically for the Bentayga, refining gear shifts, optimizing top speed, and developing off-road modes.

A Sportier Bentayga Impression

The international press launch for the Bentayga V8 was held in the depths of winter in Austria. The event was designed to allow participants to experience the Bentayga's capabilities as an SUV under challenging conditions, with snow and icy roads.

A test track made of snow and ice was prepared at the ski resort that served as the starting point for the launch. Selecting the Snow & Grass mode, and following the instructor's guidance, we experienced the distinctive four-wheel drift on the frozen surface.

I have previously enjoyed the W12 Bentayga on rough off-road terrain, deserts, and circuits. Adding snow and ice to that list, the Bentayga feels invincible. It gives the impression that you can go anywhere... if it were my own car, that is.

The car was equipped with winter tires. Consequently, I noticed a slightly softer touch during city driving, but the ride feel at speed remained substantial, with little discernible difference from the W12. In fact, the weight difference is only about 50kg (25kg for the engine itself), which is not a significant variation for a vehicle weighing around 2.5 tons. The suspension settings are also unchanged.

Nevertheless, there are clear differences, such as the sharp acceleration from a standstill, the more direct and agile front suspension, and the noticeably deeper, more vibrant V8 sound, albeit still well-controlled. These elements contribute to an impression of a sportier Bentayga.

Do these differences from the W12 detract from the Bentayga's appeal? Not at all. In fact, one could say its charm has become more apparent.

It's a slightly more affordable Bentayga. If the unique character of the V8 engine doesn't concern you, there's no compelling reason to opt for the 12-cylinder.

Bentley Bentayga V8
Body Dimensions: Length 5,140 x Width 1,998 x Height 1,742 mm
Wheelbase: 2,995 mm
Weight (EU): 2,395 kg (5-seater)
Engine: 4.0-liter V8 Twin-Turbo
Max. Output: 404 kW (550 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 770 Nm / 1,960-4,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4WD (40% front / 60% rear)
Front Suspension: 4-link double wishbone air suspension
Rear Suspension: Trapezoidal multi-link air suspension
Front Brakes: 400mm ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: 380mm ventilated discs
Tires: 275/50R20
Minimum Turning Radius: 6.2 meters
Trunk Capacity: 484-1,774 liters
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 290 km/h
Fuel Economy (EU Combined): 11.4 L/100km (approx. 8.8 km/L)
CO2 Emissions: 260 g/km
(Fuel economy is provisional as type approval is pending)