The Bentley Bentayga will gain a third engine in its lineup: a V8 is making its way across the greater Volkswagen Automotive Group empire. Set to debut at the Detroit auto show next week, the V8 Bentayga will be offered globally with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 good for 550 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque that will occupy the middle rung in the powerplant lineup, above the diesel V8 but below the W12 gasoline version.
In comparison with the W12, output drops slightly, but most customers won’t notice; the W12 churns out 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque and will still be a little quicker from 0-60 mph, getting there in 4.0 seconds flat. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Bentayga V8 will be able to propel itself from 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 180 mph, so it’s not far off on paper.
The V8 model will be distinguished by a black and chrome grille, as well as figure-eight-shaped exhaust tips. This model will also offer optional carbon-ceramic brakes that the company calls “the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a Bentley, and the largest front brake system available on any production car.” The discs measure 17.3 inches up front and 14.5 inches in the rear, sitting inside 10-piston calipers, and this braking system can provide 4,425 lb-ft of maximum braking torque to all four wheels.
Speaking of wheels, the Bentayga will be available with a choice of 11 wheels designs (no, you can’t mix and match), including a new 22-inch design finished in black with a polished finish.
Several new trim options, as well as distinctive tail pipes, will set this Bentayga apart from the W12 model.
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Inside, Bentley will offer high-gloss instead of matte carbon-fiber trim for the first time ever, perhaps reflecting modern tastes, but we wouldn’t bet on carbon fiber saving a lot of weight. New options for the interior will include a new three-spoke wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as chestnut-colored Cricket Ball leather.
Bentayga V8 models should get a drop in curb weight over the W12 model, allowing the Bentayga to dance a little easier in traffic. Don’t expect a significant change in handling characteristics, but it should still be noticeable. Similarly, the V8 model is expected to land a bit south of the $230,000 starting price of the W12 model.
U.S. pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but in the U.K. the Bentayga V8 will have a starting price of about $186,000. If this carries through to other markets, it shaves off almost $45,000 from the starting price of the W12 version (before options, which will probably add back $45,000). It’s not a lot in the world of new Bentley purchases, but it’s something.