Bentley Bentayga V8 zooms into Malaysia - from RM1.58m
Think the W12-powered Bentley Bentayga was, well, over the top? Then worry not as the folks at Bentley Kuala Lumpur have just announced the local availability of the V8-powered version today.
As you can probably guess, the Bentayga V8 harnesses a smaller – and perhaps more ‘sensible’ – 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 heart instead of the flagship’s 6.0-litre W12 unit. The former churns out 542hp and 770Nm, both channeled to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic box.
Even with four less cylinders, the V8-powered Bentayga can still hustle from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 290kph. In contrast, those figures aren’t far off the W12 version’s 4.1-second 0-100kph time and 301kph claimed top speed.
Oh, just in case you’re a bit of an environmentalist too, you’d be glad to know this V8 version is also much ‘greener’ as it packs both engine stop-start and cylinder deactivation features. The result is its ability to sip just 11.4 litres/100km on a combined cycle whilst emitting just 240g/km of CO2.
Like its flagship sibling, this super luxury SUV still packs an extensive kit list to keep it equally as dynamic to drive as it is posh. Notable highlights include a multi-mode air suspension system, predictive adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, night vision, as well as autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking.
Other interesting options in the list include an All-Terrain Package that adds up to 8 selectable drive modes in total, as well as carbon ceramic brakes, the latter’s front units being the world’s largest of its kind ever fitted on a production car measuring at 440mm each – similar to those found in its Italian cousin the Lamborghini Urus.
Even if you don’t opt for the carbon ceramic brakes, you can get your standard brake calipers specially painted in red. Whilst we’re, it’s worth noting the Bentayga V8 will offer up to 11 choices for its alloy wheels design, including an all-new 22-inch five-spoke unit with black painted and polished finish.
Also in the list is a navigation-equipped 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit featuring a built-in 60Gb hard drive storage, a of removable 10.2-inch Android tablet serving as the rear passenger entertainment system, as well three sound system options capped by a premium 1,950-watt Naim 18-speaker setup.
Of course, in typical Bentley fashion, the cabin can be specced out the way you want it too, with this V8 version offering several new bits and options. Highlights here include high-gloss carbon-fibre finishes, a matt carbon-fibre surface to replace the veneer trims option, as well as a wood and hide trimmed steering wheel.
So how much will all this opulent luxury and performance plus go-anywhere ability cost you? Well, lesser than what you would pay for the W12 of course, by which we mean from RM1.58 million onwards (before options).
So, what will it be? This? The flagship W12 version? Or would you go for its Italian cousin instead?