For the car enthusiasts who like to have a cocktail of power and comfort, Bentley has introduced a new V8 petrol version in its posh Bentayga SUV.
Originally, the Bentayga was launched with a W12 petrol engine, which was followed by a V8 diesel version last year. The V8 petrol that’s been launched now slots neatly between the two in the Bentayga range.
As you might already know, the Bentayga is based on Volkswagen Group’s MLBevo platform that also underpins the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and the recently launched Lamborghini Urus. The 4.0-litre V8 engine that the new model gets is, in fact, the same unit that’s found in the Lamborghini Urus. However, in the Bentayga, the twin-turbo unit has been detuned to deliver 542bhp and 770Nm. Power is transmitted via an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels. Despite losing four-cylinders, performance is still quite brisk for a 2.3-tonne behemoth. 0-100km/h is done within 4.5 seconds – half a second slower than the 600bhp W12 version – and top speed is 290km/h – around 11km/h slower than the W12 Bentayga.
Another highlight of the new Bentayga V8 petrol is its optional carbon ceramic brakes, which as per the company, are the biggest front brakes ever fitted to any production car. The front discs measure 440mm and the rear wheels get 370mm discs. They are indeed the biggest discs fitted to a production car, but sister-brand Lamborghini has been fitting them on the Urus for quite a while now.
As for the other stuff, everything is identical to the W12 model, meaning it gets air-suspension on all four wheels while the interior can be had between a four, five or seven-seat layout. Standard equipment will include an eight-inch touchscreen, 60GB hard drive, 10.2-inch Android tablet devices for passengers at the back.
Given the fact that the Bentley Bentayga W12 was launched in India last year – at a whopping price of ₹3.85 crore, in case you’ve forgotten – the V8 petrol should also be coming to our market soon.