The Bentayga Now Features a V8 Engine Model

Bentley Bentayga V8

The Bentayga Now Features a V8 Engine Model

On January 12, Bentley Motors announced the addition of the new "Bentayga V8" to its SUV lineup, the "Bentayga," equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

Text by HARA Akira

0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, top speed 290km/h. Excellent fuel efficiency too.

When it debuted in 2015, Bentley's first luxury SUV, theBentayga". Initially, it was only available with a 6.0-liter W12 engine. Now, a model equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine has been added to become the core of the series.

This engine features dual twin-scroll turbochargers positioned inside the V-bank, producing a formidable 550ps (404kW) at 6,000rpm and 770Nm of torque between 1,960-4,500rpm. Coupled with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, it achieves 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h (for comparison, the W12 model does it in 4.1 seconds and 301km/h).

This V8 engine also contributes to excellent fuel economy. Under certain conditions, four of the eight cylinders deactivate, achieving 9.0ℓ/100km (approx. 11.1km/ℓ) on the highway, 15.6ℓ/100km (approx. 6.4km/ℓ) in the city, and 11.4ℓ/100km (approx. 8.8km/ℓ) in combined mode. It also incorporates a start/stop system that shuts off the engine just before coming to a complete stop, boasting a maximum cruising range of 746km. The cylinder deactivation occurs seamlessly in just 20 milliseconds, so occupants won't notice, and there's no compromise in driving performance. Furthermore, CO2 emissions are 260g/km, contributing to reduced emissions.

For the chassis, new optional carbon-ceramic brakes are now available. These feature 440mm discs at the front and 370mm at the rear, with the front equipped with a Bentley-logoed 10-piston caliper. This is Bentley's largest and most powerful brake system ever, and among the largest for any production car. The braking torque it generates reaches up to 6,000Nm.

The standard steel brake discs feature calipers painted in a high-heat-resistant tornado red for both front and rear. Additionally, the black and chrome grille prominent at the front and the twin quad tailpipes at the rear subtly assert the V8 model's high potential.

The handcrafted, luxurious interior of the Bentayga V8 gains three new options. Instead of traditional wood panels, high-gloss carbon fiber with a distinctive weave pattern can be fitted. A steering wheel combining wood and leather is also available, along with a new deep leather color inspired by the shade of a new cricket ball. Seat arrangements can be configured for 4, 5, or 7 occupants, offering high usability.

Driving performance that is unhindered by weather or terrain, thanks to the 48V Bentley Dynamic Ride system and Hill Descent Control, along with cutting-edge driver assistance and infotainment features, remain unchanged. And, unlike the refined W12, you can enjoy the V8's unique, senses-stimulating sound.