Bentley Bentayga V8 joins 2018 line-up

When Bentley’s first SUV, the Bentayga, was introduced more than two years ago, it came only with a W12 engine. A V8 diesel was added later to the lineup which opened the floodgates to many controversial debates. Now Bentley has chosen another V8 to power the Bentayga, this time it’s a petrol.

The new engine in question is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 unit displacing 542 hp and 770 Nm of torque. Hooked up to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, this ‘less-powerful’ Bentayga will rush from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds, nearly four-tenths of a second slower than the W12 monster. The top speed is 290 kph compared to the 301 kph of the W12. Another figure, fuel efficiency which makes no sense to someone who can afford the Bentayga has been improved as well. The V8 Bentayga sips just 11.4 litres/100 km, pretty decent for a car this size.

On the looks front, nothing much has changed. It gets the quad exhausts from the TDI version. The optional carbon ceramic brakes can be fitted on to the V8 behind a set of new 22-inch five spoke alloys. Inside the car, a new glossy carbon fibre finish which is unseen in any Bentley can be spotted on the dashboard. A new wood-and hide finish for the steering wheel is also introduced as well as a cricket ball leather finish for the dashboard. The list of customisation options is virtually endless.

The Bentley Bentayga V8 petrol will soon be joined by a plug-in hybrid version.It will show its face off at the Geneva Motor Show in March where it will feature a 2.9-litre V6 engine paired with an electric motor from the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid.

Expect the V8 to come to the UAE and other GCC showrooms by the end of the year.