Behind the Wheel of a Bentley Bentayga V8

The Bentley Bentayga V8 offers a different feel on the luxury automaker’s beast. This model replaces the 6.0-liter W12 with a dual twin-scroll turbocharged V8. The iconic brand does a great job getting the most out of each engine and designing the vehicle around its strengths.

Balance of Power

The W12 runs at 600 horsepower delivering 664 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the V8 offers 542 horsepower at 568 lb-ft of torque. Little is lost in the vehicle’s power and capability while simultaneously making it more affordable for those wanting to step up to a new Bentley Bentayga. It’s top speed is only 7 mph slower than the W12 model at 180 mph, and it’s 0-60 mph time is only 0.4 seconds more.

Improved Handling

In terms of handling, the V8 has a strong argument as a sportier model. The Bentley V8 offers a better dynamic ride, using the first electric active anti-roll 48-volt system in the world. This helps read and react to road conditions on the fly, redirecting control so that the driver never has to fight the vehicle, even on rough surfaces in bad weather. The self-leveling air suspension features continuous damping control, adding to the feeling of smoothness.

The Bentley Bentayga V8 uses variable ratios that deliver exceedingly responsive steering at low speeds, and greater steering stability at high speeds. This isn’t just a Bentayga with a different engine. There was some tinkering done to make sure the V8 drives superbly with a sumptuous feel no matter what the road’s like.

V8 Advantages

Beyond this, the Bentley Bentayga V8 has that distinctive V8 burble that many prize in a powerful vehicle. Its exhaust note is powerful and classic, deeper and throatier than the W12.

The Bentley Bentayga V8 is also more fuel efficient. It’s rated at 25 mpg compared to the W12’s 22 mpg figure.

What this boils down to is a difference in driving priorities. The W12 is slightly more powerful, yes. The Bentley Bentayga V8 has sportier handling and is more affordable. These are two right options, and the only way to really know which one is best for you is to get behind the wheel of a new Bentley Bentayga and see.