Three months ago the Bentley Bentayga was released in South Africa. This mega luxurious SUV will set you back a whisker under R4 million. That begs the question, isn’t there room for a more affordable version, even though “Bentley” and “affordable” rarely mix?
While the Bentayga is currently powered by a twin-turbocharged 6,0-litre W12 engine with 447 kW and 900 N.m, these spy pictures show a new variant undergoing testing the UK. It is said to feature the VW Group’s twin-turbo V8 turbodiesel engine, the same base engine as used in the Audi SQ7, a vehicle that is not yet available in South Africa.
In the Audi it develops 320 kW and 900 N.m, with a claimed time to 100 km/h of 4,9 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Once fitted in the Bentley, the acceleration and top speed will definitely be less than the claimed 4,1 seconds to 100 km/h , and 301 km/h top speed of the W12 version. Even so, potential buyers should find the creamy delivery of this turbodiesel engine possibly suiting the Bentley even better.
Expect this new model to be launched early next year.