Bentley has increased its SUV range by adding a more sporty derivative called the Bentayga S. This model is overtly sporty, but not as powerful or sport as the range-leading Bentayga Speed (which we covered here).

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Driver’s car

The current Bentayga line-up consists of the regular V8, Hybrid and Speed variants. The Bentayga S brings the range to four and is supposed to be the most driver orientated of the family. This S version can be compared to the GTS versions of Porsche’s various products. Bentley’s press materials says the S was created as a response to customer feedback for a more dynamic Bentayga.

Unique appearance

In a similar vein to Porsche’s GTS variants the Bentayga S has a model-specific appearance that includes unique 22-inch wheels, ‘S’ badges on the lower edge of the front doors, a larger rear spoiler, gloss black side sills and lower bumpers, front and rear. Dark lenses are applied to the head- and tail lamps, black door mirror caps and black split oval tailpipes complete the exterior.

The sporty treatment continues in the cabin where the Bentayga S has new seats with unique stitching on the Alcantara covering. Alcantara is also used on the steering wheel and gear lever. Colour accents are used on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters.

Twin-turbo power

Under the large bonnet of the Bentayga S is Bentley’s 4,0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. Peak power is rated as 404 kW along with 770 N.m of torque. The V8 now breathes through a new sports exhaust that is included as standard. The large SUV can sprint from rest to 100 km/hin 4,5 seconds and it has a top speed of 290 km/h. 

The Bentley S has been tuned to deliver heightened driver engagement with standard fitment of Bentley Dynamic ride, an active roll-control system that uses electric motors to counter body lean during hard cornering. The Bentayga S also has an enhanced sport mode over a standard Bentayga.

In this setting there is improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body-roll is possible due to an additional 15 per cent increase in air suspension damping and a model-specific Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride calibration. Retuning of Bentley’s torque vectoring system lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in.