The market’s most opulent SUV gains another engine option in the guise of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8.
How many engines are there now to choose from?
There are now three engines in the Bentley Bentayga for buyers to choose from. Joining the W12 and Diesel models is the new V8, seen here in official pictures.
The V8 features a 4.0-litre twin-turbo eight-cylinder petrol developing 550hp and 770Nm of torque to help for a 4.5sec 0-100kph acceleration time before running out of steam at 290kph.
This helps position the V8 between the other two Bentaygas in terms of performance and price. The W12 has 608hp/900Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo 12-cylinder petrol and 4.1sec/301kph records, while tallies for the Diesel include 435hp/900Nm 4.0-litre triple-charged V8 diesel and 4.8sec/270kph.
Some styling differences for the Bentayga V8 include quad tail pipes, carbonfibre-adorned cabin and 22-inch five-spoke alloys housing optional carbon-ceramic brakes.
Is that V8 from the VW Group warehouse?
Yes it is, as Bentley belongs to this car giant. Although the W12 petrol engine is still unique for Bentley, the smaller V8 can be found in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo producing identical outputs but delivering 0.4sec quicker acceleration.
This eight-pot is also making good use in Lamborghini’s all-new Urus, where it is tuned to a higher 650hp and 850N for a 3.6sec time. Creating different performance strata is all part of the game in selling luxury cars.
Another example of engine-pooling is the Bentayga Diesel’s eight-potter that has the same technical credentials as in the Audi SQ7.
All of VW Group’s top-end SUVs share the same basic platform and eight-speed automatic transmission, as well.
Will the V8 come to Thailand?
The first Bentayga to launch in the country was the W12 priced at 24.5 million baht, although the Diesel hasn’t landed yet. The V8 could come to Thailand if there’s any demand for it, but it will still remain a 20 million baht import.
The local Bentley importer is reportedly banking its hopes on a plug-in hybrid that has been confirmed for launch later this year. Porsche currently has two electrified options to share with sister-brands: 462hp 3.0-litre V6 and 680hp 4.0-litre V8.
Should the lesser alternative be chosen for the Bentayga, Bentley has the chance to build more sales in Thailand. The local excise tax system allows hybrids displacing less than 3,000cc to enjoy low rates, thus enabling the semi-electric Bentayga to comfortably cost less than 20 million baht.
