Bentley Brings 'Sensible' Bentayga V8 To India

Bentley has launched its first-ever SUV, the Bentayga, in India with the ‘smaller’ V8 engine. The new variant is simply called the Bentayga V8 and employs a new-generation 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 550PS of max power and 770Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system with a 40:60 front to rear torque split.

The Bentayga V8 is touted at the sportier model of the two variants now available in India. The British marque also claims that the V8 can return a fuel economy figure of 8.7kmpl thanks to cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down four of the eight cylinders when required.

The front suspension features a double wishbone setup while the rear features a trapezoidal multi-link setup with electric, active, anti-roll bars at either ends. It gets 400mm vented discs up front and 380mm discs at the rear. However, customers can opt for silicon-carbide disc brakes as well. Ironically, the Bentayga V8 is available with 21i-nch wheels as standard while Bentley does provide 20-inch and 22-inch wheels as optional extras. The wheels are shod with Pirelli rubber. The 20-inch wheels get 275 section tyres while the 21-inch and 22-inch heels get 285 section tyres, with the larger wheels having the lowest sidewall of the three. 

In terms of looks, there is little to differentiate the V8 from its W12 sibling. There are a few subtle differences though, like the gloss black front grille and black window surrounds, which in the W12 are finished in chrome. It also gets new two-tone alloy wheels to add to its sporty nature. Both versions have an identical cabin though. The interior is bathed in leather with generous helpings of fine wood and other exotic materials.

With prices starting at Rs 3.78 crore, ex-showroom Mumbai, the Bentayga V8 will directly rival the bonkers Lamborghini Urus, which is priced from Rs 3.5 crore (ex-showroom India).