2018 Bentley Bentayga gets new V8 gasoline engine option with 542 hp output

The very first time we ever saw Bentley’s SUV, the Bentayga, was back in September 2015 when it came out with the impressive W12 engine. A year after that, it shifted to a different powertrain, which was the Audi SQ7’s biturbo 4.0 liter V8 TDI for the diesel powered engine. Today, it decides to spice up their range even more by coming up with a V8 version, but this time with a 4.0 liter gasoline engine that works with a pair of turbochargers.

The new powertrain produces as much as 542 horsepower (404 kilowatts) and 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-metres) of torque, which is the same as the Cayenne Turbo and the Porsche Panamera. In only 4.5 seconds, the SUV’s new engine propels the vehicle to reach 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) from a standstill, and it has a top speed of 180 miles per hour (290 kilometers per hour). That makes the W12 variant just a little bit quicker in the sprint and with a better maximum velocity.

The rear wheel drive comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, where 60 percent of the torque is sent to the rear axle. It is not like the Bentayga market really cares, but the V8 gasoline version only uses up 11.4 liters for every 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, returning 20.6 miles per gallon in the US (24.8 mpg in UK). The new gas engine is definitely more economical than the W12. When fully loaded, it can run for as far as 464 miles (746 kilometers).

As for the design, there isn’t much to talk about because the Bentayga V8 looks just like the W12 and the TDI versions. However, it can be given the same quad exhaust setup and carbon ceramic brakes as the TDI version. The new V8 version also comes with red brake calipers that will be paired with the 22-inch alloy wheels with a five spoke design and a polished black finish.

The gasoline version will have a different cabin as well, with the glossy carbon fiber trim -- a first for a Bentley. Buyers of the V8 will get as much as 15 interior colours joined by five two-tone themes. Among the optional features is a set of 18 speakers from the Naim premium sound system that is available for a little extra cost.

Apart from the three engine options that are currently available, the Bentayga will soon get a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well. It is set to appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March with what seems to be a 2.9 liter V6 tied to an electric motor just like that of the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid.

PRESS RELEASE

PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION: THE BENTLEY BENTAYGA V8

Since its introduction, the Bentley Bentayga has defined a new sector and set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. The award-winning Bentley model is now available in its most sporting guise to date – the Bentayga V8.

At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 burble, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of the luxury SUV’s sporting character.

Sitting at the core of the Bentayga range, the new V8 model fuses exquisite luxury with power, usability and extensive sporting ability. Its responsive performance is fully customisable on demand by the driver through Bentley’s Drive Dynamics system, from limousine-like refinement to sporting precision.

Inside, customers will recognise Bentley’s unique approach to modern luxury tailoring, with the familiar blend of exquisite handcrafted materials and advanced technologies. New styling features include a wood and hide steering wheel and the introduction of a high-gloss carbon-fibre interior panel finish.

Immense Performance, Impressive Efficiency

At the heart of the new Bentayga V8 sits an all-new 4.0-litre, 32-valve, V8 engine featuring dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the ‘V’ of the engine.

The dynamic unit develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, resulting in a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (100 km/h in 4.5 seconds).

The class-leading performance of the Bentayga V8 is complemented by a range of 464 miles (746 km), with CO2 emissions of 260 g/km. This refined efficiency (24.8 mpg / 11.4 l/100 km combined) comes, in part, through the ability of the engine to de-activate four of its eight cylinders in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive. The seamless change happens in just 20 milliseconds, making it imperceptible to customers.

The addition of Stop-Start technology, which can activate at ‘near-to-stop’ speeds, also contributes to the emissions figure.

This unique blend of power and refinement gives the Bentayga V8 a distinct, unrivalled position in the luxury SUV market.

Striking, Individual Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Bentayga V8 reflects the model’s sporting position within the Bentayga family.

The shape is defined by the Bentayga’s unique muscular, sculptural lines, balancing athleticism with an unmistakable presence on the road. From the four round LED headlamps to the large matrix grille, the Bentayga V8 exudes the Bentley design DNA, while the overt powerline, large rear haunches and raised ride height reflect the rugged off-road ability of the luxury SUV.

For the first time, optional carbon-ceramic brakes are offered on the Bentayga. The braking system is the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a Bentley, and the largest front brake system available on any production car.

The brake discs measure 440 mm in diameter at the front and 370 mm at the rear, and sit inside enormous Bentley-branded calipers, with 10 pistons at the front. Together these provide a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm.

Also introduced on the Bentayga V8 are sporting red brake calipers for the front and rear standard iron brakes. The calipers are painted in special, high-temperature resistant Tornado red paint, and signal strongly the dynamic intent of this performance-oriented Bentayga V8.

In front of these sit a choice of 11 wheel designs, including an all-new 22” five-spoke wheel with black painted and polished finish.

A purposeful black and chrome grille at the front is complemented by Bentley ‘twin-quad’ exhaust tailpipes at rear, both of which provide a further subtle reminder of the new engine specification.

Sublime, Handcrafted Luxury Interior

The Bentayga V8 continues the Bentley tradition of intricate detailing and fine, handcrafted precision using authentic materials. Customers can specify hand cross-stitching, which highlights the interior styling lines of the seats and door panels, and there is the choice of the Bentayga’s four-, five-, or seven-seat configuration, for ultimate versatility.

Three innovative new interior options are offered in the Bentayga V8: a high-gloss carbon-fibre finish replacing traditional veneer surfaces; a wood and hide steering wheel; and a new rich red leather, Cricket Ball.

For the first time in a Bentley, a high-gloss carbon-fibre finish is offered to customers seeking a contemporary, technical feel. Bentley has traditionally offered a matt carbon-fibre surface to replace the veneer on panels including the fascia, centre console and door waistrails, but this is the first time the finish has been offered with a high gloss, which enhances the technical weave.

Another first – the wood and hide trimmed steering wheel – can be specified in the Bentayga V8. Uniquely, the new three-spoke, wood and hide trimmed wheel (available in seven different veneer finishes) uses a solid wood base and thus maintains the integrity and authenticity of interior features offered by Bentley.

Cricket Ball leather makes its debut in the Bentayga V8. The evocative new colour is inspired by the traditional and instantly appealing deep chestnut hue of a new cricket ball, and fits perfectly into the inspiring range of 15 interior colours and five colour splits offered by Bentley.

Effortless Bentley Performance, Unrestrained by Climate or Terrain

The Bentayga V8 is available with Bentley Dynamic Ride – the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling.

Bentley’s adaptive and reactive system provides variable torsional resistance, allowing the Bentayga to be both dynamically capable and comfortable for all occupants at all times. The pioneering use of a 48V system results in silent, instantaneous responses to deal with all road surfaces.

The Bentayga V8 offers class-leading ride comfort, steering feel and handling thanks to the partnership of a highly sophisticated chassis and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). In addition to advanced, multi-mode Traction Control (TCS), the Bentayga also features Hill Descent Control.

Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) is also featured on the Bentayga. The new system improves feedback to the driver, while providing isolation from steering kick-back both on- and off-road. EPAS also features a variable rack ratio, permitting light and fast steering while manoeuvring at low speeds, as well as a more subdued response for excellent stability at high speeds.

The Bentayga offers the widest range of on- and off-road drive settings of any vehicle via Bentley’s Drive Dynamics Mode and optional All-Terrain Specification. Up to eight modes (four on- and four off-road) are available, allowing drivers, at the simple turn of a dial, to select the perfect dynamic set-up for any surface or road condition.

All-Terrain Specification allows the customer to select the appropriate vehicle settings for a wide range of off-road surfaces, including Snow & Grass, Dirt & Gravel, Mud & Trail and Sand Dunes. Meanwhile, the Driver Information Panel displays information on pitch, roll, wheel articulation, steering angle, compass bearing and altitude.

The Bentayga V8 comes with multi-mode air suspension. The driver has four different modes to choose from: High 2, High 1, Normal and Low. High 2, for example, can be manually selected when tackling more severe off-road surfaces. Customers can also lower the rear suspension via a switch in the boot, to ease loading and trailer hitching.

Hill Descent Control automatically regulates the vehicle’s speed on steep declines, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering and obstacles ahead. It can be pre-set at speeds between two and 30 km/h (going in either direction) and works on gradients greater than five per cent.

Innovative Features and Advanced Technologies

A suite of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and infotainment features designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience make the Bentayga V8 an innovative, advanced and connected luxury SUV.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Stop & Go, Predictive ACC and Traffic Assist enables the driver to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Predictive ACC uses the navigation data, sensors and cameras to predict upcoming corners, city boundaries and speed-limit changes and can then modify the vehicle speed accordingly, improving both comfort and fuel economy.

In urban environments, there are a number of driver aids available on the Bentayga V8. These systems – such as Traffic Sign Recognition, which detects a wide variety of traffic signs and displays information to the driver; Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, which uses radar technology to detect crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space; and Top View, a system which uses four cameras to display an overall picture of the vehicle’s surroundings – combine to enhance everyday usability.

Park Assist is also available – a system that detects suitable parking spaces (both parallel and perpendicular) before autonomous steering takes over to support parking manoeuvres.

Other innovative systems available include Night Vision, which uses infra-red technology to identify potential obstacles ahead, and a Head-Up Display, which reduces driver distraction and increases safety.

The Bentayga’s 8” touch screen infotainment system boasts class-leading navigation technology, a 60GB hard drive, and a choice of up to 30 languages. Rear seat passengers benefit from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet – a removable 10.2” Android device with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth for effortless, high-speed on-board connectivity.

Customers can choose between three different sound systems for the Bentayga V8: Bentley Standard Audio, Bentley Signature Audio and Naim for Bentley Premium Audio. The latter is the most powerful system in the segment, with 1,950 watts, a network of 18 speakers and super-tweeters for unrivalled recreation of the highest audio frequencies.

Technical Specification

Engine

Type

4.0-litre, 32-valve, twin-turbocharged V8

Max Power

542 bhp* / 404 kW / 550 PS @ 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

770 Nm / 568 lb. ft. @ 1,960-4,500 rpm

Transmission

Driveline

ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive with 40:60 front to rear torque split

Ratios

1st: 4.714; 2nd: 3.143; 3rd: 2.106; 4th: 1.667; 5th: 1.285; 6th: 1.000; 7th: 0.839;
8th: 0.667

Final Drive

3.308

Brakes, Wheels and Tyres

Front Brakes

400mm ventilated iron / 440mm carbon-silicon-carbide

Rear Brakes

380mm ventilated iron / 370mm carbon-silicon-carbide

Wheels

Optional 20”; standard 21”; optional 22”

Tyres

Pirelli 275/50R20, 285/45 R21, 285/45 ZR21, 285/40ZR22

Steering

Type

Electronic Power Assisted Steering, variable ratio

Turns lock-to-lock

2.3 turns

Turning circle

12.4 m / 40.6 ft

Suspension

Front

Four link double wishbones, optional 48V electric active anti-roll bar

Rear

Trapezoidal multi-link, optional 48V electric active anti-roll bar

Springs and dampers

Self-levelling air suspension, Continuous Damping Control

Dimensions

Wheelbase

2995 mm / 117.9”

Overall length

5140 mm / 202.4”

Width (across body)

1998 mm / 78.7”

Width (inc. mirrors)

2224 mm / 87.6”

Overall height

1742 mm / 68.6”

Fuel tank

85 litres / 18.7 UK gallons / 22.5 US gallons

Boot volume

Seats up – 484 litres; seats folded – 1774 litres (five-seat variant)

Kerb weight (EU)

2395 kg / 5280 lb (five-seat variant)

Gross vehicle weight

3250 kg / 7165 lb

Performance - provisional and subject to Type Approval

Top speed

180 mph / 290 km/h

0-60 mph

4.4 secs

0-100 km/h

4.5 secs

Fuel Consumption (EU cycle) - provisional and subject to Type Approval

Urban

18.1 mpg / 15.6 litres/100 km

Extra Urban

31.4 mpg / 9.0 litres/100 km

Combined

24.8 mpg / 11.4 litres/100 km

CO2 emissions

260 g/km

Emissions Controls

EU 6