The Bentley Bentayga has gotten a sporty upgrade.
You may immediately think the 2021 Bentley Bentayga S is packing more heat, but it comes with the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine fitted to the Bentayga V8.
Australian deliveries will begin at the end of the first quarter of 2022, with local pricing yet to be announced.
The Bentayga S produces 404kW of power and 770Nm of torque, enough to send the battleship to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The S will sound the goods, though, with a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust.
Dynamically, the Bentayga S utilises 48V active anti-roll bars which are optional on the ‘regular’ V8.
The system can react within 0.3 seconds and apply up to 1300Nm of torque to counteract load forces, ensuring what Bentley says is “class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling”.
The air suspension has been stiffened by 15 per cent for a more dynamic tune.
The Bentayga’s sporting nature won’t limit its off-road capabilities, with an optional All-Terrain specification available which will include four dedicated off-road modes and a 500mm wading depth.
You’ll be able to tell the Bentayga S apart from the pack with unique 22-inch wheels, a larger rear spoiler, darkened headlights and tail lights, and gloss black side sills, door mirrors and exhaust outlets.
Inside, there’s an array of Alcantara surfaces including the steering wheel, seating surfaces, headliner, and gear shifter.
It also uses the same digital instruments as the Bentayga Speed.
The S will be available with four-, five- or seven-seat configurations.
It’ll sit below the Bentayga Speed, which remains the most powerful SUV the company has ever built.
The Speed utilises a 466kW/900Nm turbocharged W12 engine and can perform the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds.
At the other end of the scale, Bentley also offers a Bentayga Hybrid which uses an electric motor and V6 engine configuration to help improve fuel economy.
