Bentley Bentayga V8 arrives with 542bhp 4.0 litre V8

The Bentley Bentayga SUV gets a 4.0 litre V8 with 542bhp as the Bentayga V8 arrives to offer a more ‘affordable’ entry-level alternative to the W12 Bentayga.

As we revealed it would be just a few days ago, the Bentley Bentayga V8 has been revealed as a more ‘affordable’ take on the W12 Bentayga.

But, just as you’ll find in the Continental GT, it’s probably the V8 Bentayga which will now will be the pick of the Bentayga range, despite its lower power.

But ‘lower’ in this context is relative, as the V8 Bentayga is hardly short on get up and go, with 542bhp and 568lb/ft of torque promising 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 180mph. 

That’s a touch slower than the W12 Bentayga – both to 62mph and top speed – but in the real world you’ll bn hard pushed to tell the difference, and the lighter engine in the nose should improve dynamics on Bentley’s ‘Sporty’ Bentayga.

Where you’ll notice more difference is in economy (unless you use the Bentayga performance to the max) with official economy of 24.8mpg, although real-world will probably be mid to high teens. Use all the performance in the W12 and you’;ll be lucky to make double figures.

Visually there’s not too much to distinguish the V8 from the W12, but inside you do get a new wood and hide steering wheel and high gloss carbon fibre trim (although we’re sure Bentley will let you have whatever you want).

You can also now have carbon ceramic brakes on the Bentayga, there’s stop/start as standard and cylinder deactivation, 22″ alloys and red brake calipers.

The V8 Bentayga costs from £136,200 (the Bentayga Diesel is £135,800 and the W12 £167,200). Although if you get tempted by options like the glorious Naim Sound or Bentley’s Dynamic Ride then you could easily spend more than the W12 list.

Bentley Bentayga V8 Photo Gallery