Bentley's SUV is now available with a pure petrol V8. Is it the one to go for?
What’s new?
Bentley Bangkok has added a third engine variance to the Bentayga lineup joining the W12 and Diesel.
The new V8 has the 4.0-litre twin-turbo pure petrol unit that can also be found in the Continental models and some other Volkswagen Group members.
The power rating of 550hp is the same as in the Turbo models of the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera.
The V8 is priced identically to the Diesel, at 21.5 million baht, and is being touted in 2+2 form for the Thai market. It almost appears that either Bentayga will have their own fanbase.
What’s cool?
The first thing you’ll notice when driving off in the V8 is the smoothness of the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The powerhouse even comes into life quite subtly for, er, a V8.
Step up the pace and the V8 continues to be refined, even when you floor the throttle. It still sounds like a proper eight-cylinder and has some popping sounds from the tailpipe during upshifts. Such civility certainly suits the Bentayga’s concept of a luxurious SUV.
Power-wise, the V8 is never short of it. In fact, it feels nearly as fast as the W12, whose price premium of three million baht now feels a little too much.
The V8 also feels more agile and less nose-heavy than the W12. And combined with the usual attributes of quiet cabin, well-weighted steering and superb body control, the V8 is a pleasing car to drive both slow and fast.
Big SUVs from other brands should certainly benchmark the Bentley’s 48V active roll system, which helps makes the Bentayga almost feel like a Conti when diving into corners with enthusiasm. Yes, it’s very car-like and has proper levels of all-wheel drive grip.
As in the Bentley fashion, the interior is exquisitely trimmed with fine materials and comes with four highly comfortable seats. Of course, cars of this league can usually be personalised by the buyer. In Bentley speak, it’s called Mulliner.
What’s not?
Anybody expecting a genuine sporty edge in an SUV would probably find the V8 a little too meek. A Cayenne Turbo would probably suffice more or even the similarly priced, higher powered Lamborghini Urus.
But this is a Bentley, after all. Even so, it almost appears that Bentley may want to keep some of the spicy zest for a potential V8 S, a badge first used in the previous-gen Conti.
And because we’re talking about a heavy SUV weighing nearly 2.4 tonnes, the V8 lacks the sheer tractability of the Diesel, which employs a state-of-the-art eight-cylinder with turbo and electric induction (the latter helping eliminate lag).
True, fuel consumption can hardly be an issue in a 20 million baht car, but the V8 is still thirsty despite having a cut-off operation for four cylinders when performance isn’t demanded by the driver.
Buy or bye?
Of the three Bentaygas currently on sale in Thailand, it appears the W12 feels most redundant for what it asks in price.
And, as said earlier, choosing between the other two might be easy because there’s a still a stereotype for diesel in this country especially when it comes to an exotic machine.
However, it’s the Diesel that shines more in the real world. It’s not for its better fuel economy, but how it manages to deal with the Bentayga’s size and weight by yielding a more fluid and responsive driving experience. Well, if driving matters to you in a Bentley.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR BENTAYGA IN THAILAND
There are two more engine variances in the Bentley Bentayga that have yet to launch in Thailand including the Speed and Hybrid.
The Speed is designed as a go-faster version of the W12 sitting on top of the Bentayga range. However, it’s claimed that Thailand hasn’t received an allocation for the Speed.
Whether you’re going to crave for the Speed is another thing because it’s only 27hp more powerful and 0.1sec faster from 0-100kph than the regular W12. The Speed would also command a higher price premium. It’s really more for bragging rights.
It’s the Hybrid, though, that will be the crucial model for Thai showrooms when sales start next year. There’s a 449hp/700Nm 3.0-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid with plug-in facility. The Hybrid is still respectably quick with a 5.5sec acceleration time. Plus, it’s got 50km of pure electric driving range.
And coupled with a 75g/km CO2 rating, the Hybrid can enjoy 8% excise tax; all other Bentaygas face the full 40%. The Hybrid will be the first Bentley in Thailand to fill the 15-20 million price range.
