SUV-8: Bentley Bentayga Gets a 542-HP Twin-Turbo Eight-Cylinder
Since the Bentley Bentayga mega-luxury SUV debuted for the 2017 model year, Bentley has added a diesel model, introduced an even fancier Mulliner model, and managed to make its SUV even more incomprehensibly ostentatious by creating a special edition just for falconry. Bentley is further expanding the Bentayga’s lineup for the new year by introducing a twin-turbo V-8, just in case the W-12 isn’t hitting the spot.
Although the W-12 engine that debuted with the Bentayga remains king with 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, this twin-turbo V-8 still is monumentally powerful. The 4.0-liter 32-valve powerplant, which tucks its twin-scroll turbochargers between the cylinder banks, makes a claimed 542 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 568 lb-ft of torque at 1960 rpm. It is paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive with a 60 percent rear torque bias.
Bentley says it has a top speed of 180 mph, 7 mph lower than the W-12, and can do the zero-to-60-mph sprint in 4.4 seconds. Bentley’s claim for the W-12 is 4.0 seconds flat, but we’ve recorded as quick as 3.5 seconds during our testing, so don’t be surprised if the V-8 model also is quicker than advertised. The eight-pot also includes cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology, which will help efficiency, although EPA mileage estimates have yet to be released. Of course, buyers are likely to care about its miles-per-gallon figures about as much as they do...
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