4 minute read
COVER Bentley Bentayga V8 S
Bentayga V8 S
Price: £179,600 Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 Power/torque: 542bhp/770Nm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.5 seconds
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Top speed: 180mph Economy: 21.7mpg CO2: 294g/km ONSALE Now
Performance
0-62mph/top speed 4.5 seconds/180mph
Running costs
21.7mpg (off icial) £142 fill-up
Bentley Bentayga V8 S
FIRST DRIVE Sporty new package gives luxury SUV added personality
Bentley SUV is luxurious inside and imposing from the outside
Richard Ingram
Richard _ Ingram@autovia.co.uk @rsp_ ingram
ONCE a contradiction in terms, the idea of a ‘driver-focused SUV’ isn’t the paradox it used to be. On the contrary, some of the most entertaining and exploitable cars we’ve driven over the past 12 months have features a raised ride height and chunky body cladding.
Bentley is no stranger to sharp ‘softroaders’ . The Bentayga has been around since 2016 and is widely considered to be one of the finest-handling cars in its class. The lighter V8 model has always struck a chord with those who prefer to drive, rather than be driven – and now Bentley has further enhanced its SUV for this even sportier S.
The Bentayga V8 S boasts a set of very subtle styling tweaks to mark out its position as a hotter version. Its 22-inch wheels, extended rear spoiler and more athletic-looking bumpers hint at the marked changes under the skin. The most important of those is the three-chamber air suspension, which is up to 15 per cent stiffer. Take it easy and the S feels much the same as its ‘regular’ stablemate, but switch to Sport mode and the ride firms up, with this setting also bringing a more playful approach from the ESC system.
The Bentayga S certainly isn’t lacking personality. The freer-flowing sports exhaust gives it an even more boisterous character and sounds great, constantly goading you to step on the throttle. However, while the volume has been turned up to 11, performance is unchanged.
That’s because Bentley has left the 4.0litre turbocharged engine well alone. The 0-62mph sprint is completed in an identical 4.5 seconds, while top speed stands at 180mph – the same as for the standard Bentayga V8. Regardless, it feels luxuriously rapid from a standstill, the rear squatting and finding great traction. The stiffer set-up is noticeable – the ride is generally quite firm – but the clever damping means that while body control steps up a notch, it still shrugs off rough surfaces and potholes. The S feels hunkered down through fast bends, belying its height and considerable kerbweight.
The single weak point to the otherwise incredibly accomplished driving experience is the light steering. It makes the Bentayga surprisingly manoeuvrable for a car of this size, but it lacks feedback. The gearbox shifts cleanly, apart from the occasional slight snatch in Sport mode – all accompanied by an aggressive blare from the exhaust, of course.
But leave it in the regular ‘Bentley’ mode, as most owners will, and the Bentayga V8 S settles into its stride, tones down the exhaust (although not completely) and doubles as a remarkably relaxed cruiser. The two-tone Alcantara sports seats offer just the right balance of support and comfort, while the commanding view out brings an unquestionable feeling of superiority over other road users – like it or not.
Far from being an amalgamation of the Volkswagen Group parts bin, the Bentayga continues to feel like a bespoke, beautifully crafted place in which to spend time. The infotainment system is responsive and packed with functionality, while the chunky climate-control switches are a cut above – not least because they’re not hidden away within the touchscreen.
Personalisation is key to any Bentley specification, and while every V8 S gets Blackline trim additions as standard, there are plenty of ways to customise your car’s appearance. There are more than 100 paint options, for instance, including a staggering 19 shades of blue alone.
Available with four, five or seven seats, the V8 S is as practical as any Bentayga; the cabin is spacious, if not quite class leading. Beware, however, that while the four-seat spec is obviously opulent, the seats don’t fold down to free up space in the boot.
PRACTICALITY Rear of Bentayga offers plenty of space and luxury. Entertainment packages can be added, featuring screens mounted on the front seatbacks for infotainment and media
PERSONALITY Bentayga V8 S’s exhaust note is louder in Sport mode. The engine emits a deep rumble, which gives the car a sportier character and plenty of personality. It sounds great
Verdict
THE Bentley Bentayga has long been considered one of the besthandling SUVs on sale, and the V8 S ups this ability even further. It takes the standard car’s poise and precision, and builds on them, with a well sorted chassis and a howling sports exhaust. Yes, it’s expensive, and a little ostentatious. But cars such as this aren’t long for the world – and it feels like we should celebrate them while we can.
