Bentley Houston recently played host to guests and clients at our much-anticipated annual Bentley Cup held at the Houston Polo Club on November 5th.
Our guests were treated to an exclusive tasting featuring Macallan, complemented by a delectable spread from Cordua Catering.
The event unfolded on a picturesque day with flawless weather. Attendees reveled in two thrilling polo games and had the unique opportunity to stomp divots, all while surrounded by a stunning fleet of Bentley cars.
The day was a perfect blend of enjoyment, engaging conversations, and the pleasure of witnessing exciting polo matches against the backdrop of a beautiful day.
To mark 20 years since Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC’s. Each will be powered by the Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the design of the Le Mans-winning Speed 8 #7.
All Le Mans Collection models are specified with the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, offering a choice of touchscreen, dual veneer or analog dials – but with a twist; In place of the standard central dial is a Vitrine displaying an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8. The engine was removed after the contest and preserved, and now 24 of the 32 valves from the engine have been bisected to create 48 artifacts for this exclusive collection of ultimate Grand Tourers.
In another thoughtful touch, the standard 12-hour analog clock is replaced by a digital clock with a bespoke dial design – a 24 hour one, naturally.
Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, has taken inspiration from the dark green Speed 8 racing cars that swept all before them at Le Mans in 2003. From the Verdant green exterior to the sliver of Speed 8 engine displayed in the fascia, the Le Mans Collection is a heartfelt tribute to a long and glorious shared history between Bentley and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Tribute to Speed 8 #7
Mulliner’s designers closely studied the winning Speed 8 of 2003, surely one of the most beautiful racing cars ever to triumph at Le Mans. The limited number of Continental GT’s and Continental GTC’s in the Le Mans Collection are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam racing stripe across the bonnet (and Coupé roof). The Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the Speed 8, while the carbon-fiber Styling specification body components are finished in black with a subtle pinstripe in Moonbeam. Beluga black is also chosen for the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and rear ‘horseshoe’ area beneath the boot lid spoiler, while black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels shroud powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.
Meanwhile, the distinctive Bentley matrix grille (originally developed to protect the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack of the 1920s) features a painted #7 in Arctica white, combining the race-winning number of 2003 with the painted radiators of the Bentleys that won Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930.
Bespoke details
The interiors of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT and Continental GTC are far more luxurious than those of the Bentley Speed 8s – but there’s the same sense of sporting purpose. A bespoke 2003 wreath welcome lamp ushers you into a cockpit trimmed in Beluga hide. Performance-bred napped Dynamica fabric covers the seat faces, while the interior’s monochrome color scheme is relieved by contrast seat stitching and seatbelts in Hotspur. The steering wheel, trimmed in hide and Dynamica, also features Hotspur contrast stitching and six o’clock accent tab.
The dual-finish veneer on fascia and door waist rails is executed in Piano Black and high gloss carbon fiber, with a fine chrome pinstripe separating the two. Matching doors to the fascia so the pinstripe flows seamlessly from one side to the other is a mark of the exceptional craftsmanship in every Bentley.
The Le Mans Collection Bentleys feature many bespoke details, beginning with the Speed 8 sill plates and six-wreath treadplates that greet occupants on entering the interior. The fascia displays the six-wreath emblem inlaid into high-gloss carbon fiber, marking each of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003.
Race-inspired performance
The Le Mans Collection Continental GT and GTC are equipped with Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) and an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.
With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds). A combination of four chassis technologies give the new limited edition a level of agility, performance, and ride quality as expected of a car with this heritage.
Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon. The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further.
Bentley and Le Mans
Bentley’s long association with Le Mans didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts. “I think the whole thing’s crazy. Nobody’ll finish. Cars aren’t designed to take that sort of strain for 24 hours.” Such was W.O. Bentley’s reaction in 1923, on hearing that private entrant John Duff planned to contest the first-ever Le Mans 24 Hour race in a Bentley 3 Litre. But the competitive fire in W.O’s soul saw him make a last-minute dash to the La Sarthe circuit nonetheless. Inspired by Duff’s 4th place (despite a lengthy stop to repair a holed petrol tank) and fastest lap, W.O and Bentley Motors returned in 1924 with a works entry – and won. It was the start of a glorious decade that saw five wins in seven years.
Bentley was back in 2001 with the EXP Speed 8, the start of a three-year program targeting a sixth outright victory. And on Sunday, June 15th, 2003, Bentley’s two works Speed 8s finished first and second in this most grueling of endurance races. Car #7 of Guy Smith, Tom Kristensen, and Rinaldo Capello covered 377 laps at an average speed of 214.33km/h, followed by the #8 Speed 8 of Johnny Herbert, Mark Blundell, and David Brabham.
For details and ordering inquiries, please contact our Bentley Specialist at Bentley Houston.
On February 18th, we hosted our 2023 Bentley kickoff event, featuring a brunch spread, premium bourbon, cigars and sparkling wines. The event took place at BlueJack National and brought together our wonderful clients.
The event kicked off with a delicious brunch spread, featuring an assortment of pastries, fruits, cheeses, and savory bites. Guests mingled and chatted, admiring the stunning cars on display and learning from our knowledgeable team.
After brunch, the focus turned to the bar, where guests were treated to a selection of premium bourbons, cigars and sparkling wines. Our expert bartenders guided guests through the tasting experience, offering insights into the flavor profiles of each drink and recommending pairings with the brunch bites.
The atmosphere was lively and convivial, with guests sharing their love for Bentley and their experiences driving these exceptional cars. Some guests even took the opportunity to test drive the new Bentley Bentayga EWB, experiencing the thrill of the open road and the unmatched luxury of these vehicles.
As the event came to a close, guests left with a newfound appreciation for Bentley and a sense of excitement for what’s to come in 2023. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who attended and made the event a success.
If you were unable to attend the event but are interested in learning more or scheduling a test drive, please contact our team at (713) 850-1530. We look forward to seeing you on the road in a Bentley soon!
Bentley Houston announces today that Bentley Motors has made the decision as part of Bentley’s acceleration towards a sustainable future through its Beyond100 strategy which will see the company’s entire model line fully electrified by the start of the next decade, reducing fleet average emissions to O g/km CO2. This journey has already begun, with the introduction of the Bentayga and Flying Spur Hybrid models for which demand is exceeding the company’s expectations. When production of the W12 ceases next year, Bentley’s entire model line will be available with the option of a hybrid powertrain. Meanwhile, an engine first made available in the sector-defining Continental GT, which has been powering Bentley both metaphorically and literally for the last 20 years, will be consigned to history.
Bentley isn’t letting the W12 bow out without a dramatic send-off. Development work has concluded recently on the most powerful version of the W12 ever created. The ultimate iteration of this mighty engine – destined for just 18 examples of the Bentley Batur to be handcrafted by Mulliner – is now confirmed as developing 750 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque. The increased torque figure forms the typical Bentley ‘torque plateau’, running from 1,750 rpm to 5,000 rpm – with peak power at 5,500 rpm.
Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, comments:
“Our progressive journey towards sustainable luxury mobility means making changes to every area of Bentley Motors. When we first launched the W12 back in 2003, we knew we had a mighty engine that would propel both our cars and the brand forwards at speed. 20 years and more than 100,000 W12s later, the time has come to retire this now-iconic powertrain as we take strides towards electrification – but not without giving it the best send-off possible, with the most powerful version of the engine ever created.”
“The 750 PS titan that Mulliner has created for the Batur marks the end of a development journey of which our engineering and manufacturing colleagues should be extremely proud, and when production finishes in April next year we aim to retrain and redeploy all of the skilled craftspeople who still build each engine by hand.”
Battling through an exceptionally gruelling series of durability tests, the uprated engine has proven to be as reliable as ever and so will equip the most powerful road-going Bentley ever built. While all Baturs are sold, a limited number of the 659 PS version of the W12 engine offered in the Speed versions of Continental GT, Bentayga and Flying Spur as well as the Continental GT Mulliner and Flying Spur Mulliner can still be ordered. Demand for these final W12-powered Speed and Mulliner models is expected to be high, and customers eager to secure one of the last ever 12-cylinder Bentleys should contact Bentley Houston with equal speed.
Bentley’s aim is to retrain and redeploy all 30 of the skilled craftspeople that hand-assemble and test every single W12 engine at Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe. Meanwhile, the W12 engine production facility will make way for an expanded line for the completion of other Bentley engines used for the plug-in hybrid models.
Since the first introduction of the 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 in 2003, the engineering team in Crewe has continually improved the performance of the engine in terms of power, torque, emissions and refinement. Over the last 20 years, power has increased by 37 per cent and torque by 54 per cent, while emissions have been reduced by 25 per cent. Initially this was through evolution and optimization of the control systems, improvements in the oil and cooling designs, turbocharging technology and more effective injection and combustion processes. For the launch of the Bentayga in 2015, the W12 was completely redesigned from the sump up, and it’s that version of the engine that remains in production today – featuring cylinder deactivation, direct and port injection, and twin-scroll turbos.
Each W12 engine is hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of craftspeople before undertaking a highly sophisticated test regime of over an hour via three specialist diagnostic machines. Every week, one engine is run over an extended test cycle and then fully stripped for inspection.
The W12 engine facility will have delivered over 105,000 engines before reaching its 20th anniversary this year.
Batur Showcases the Ultimate W12
For the final and ultimate version of the W12, Mulliner’s engineering team has reworked the intake, exhaust and cooling systems to liberate more power and torque than ever before. Under the watchful eye of Mulliner’s Chief Technical Officer, Paul Williams (who previously led the development of the second generation W12), the engine is now signed-off at 750 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque – both record-breaking figures for the engine.
The turbocharger compressors are of a new design to improve efficiency, while the ducts that feed air to them are 33 per cent larger – at peak power, the new engine ingests more than a ton of air (1,050 kg) per hour. Larger charge-air coolers, with a depth increased by 10 mm and a new core geometry, reject 35 per cent more heat from the pressurized intake air, reducing intake temperature to a greater extent meaning a denser charge for more power.
The new intake and turbocharging system is matched with a heavily revised engine calibration to liberate the extra torque available, and the complete engine system is then paired with a new transmission calibration to deploy the additional power and torque and enhance the driving experience.
The Evolution of an Icon
Bentley’s legendary 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12, created in 2002, has evolved into the latest iteration of W12 engine used across today’s current model range. The unique W-configuration means that the engine is 24 per cent shorter than an equivalent V12, benefitting packaging and maximising usable cabin space.
The latest generation of W12 was launched in the Bentayga in 2015. A thoroughly reworked engine included a crankcase 30 per cent stronger than its predecessor, while the cylinder surfaces were coated to reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance. A low-alloy steel coating is applied to the bores using an Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) process.
Improvements were also made to the cooling system, with the engine featuring three separate coolant circuits. The first is designed to bring the cylinder heads up to optimum operating temperature as quickly as possible for best engine performance and low emissions. The second cools the engine block and oil system, while the third handles the thermal load of the turbochargers. Each system has a dedicated water pump, allowing optimised individual control.
The W12 combines high-pressure direct fuel injection (200 bar injection pressure) with low-pressure port injection (six bar). The combination of these two systems maximises refinement, lowers particulate emissions and optimises power and torque delivery.
Twin-scroll turbochargers minimize turbo response time and provide a more efficient exhaust package. The exhaust assemblies for the three front and three rear cylinders are separate from one another which then feed the twin-scroll impellers. The turbocharger housing is welded directly to the exhaust manifolds and feature integrated speed sensors, allowing the engine to monitor turbo performance for maximum efficiency. Bentley’s Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine under defined conditions. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder for improved efficiency. The system will run in this mode in gears three to eight, below 3,000 rpm and up to 300 Nm torque output.
To secure your W12 Bentley, please contact one of our Bentley Houston brand specialist today.
It is pink all month long at Post Oak Motor Cars and The Post Oak Collection. Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month, we have wrapped a Bentley Continental GT and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan pink and have launched a Instagram contest supporting participants’ charity of choice when they enter the contest.
Post Oak Motors will donate $1000 to the breast cancer charity of your choice.
Enter to win:
Post a picture on Instagram with either our Pink Bentley Continental GT or Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Follow and tag @thepostoakcollection on Instagram AND tag the charity of your choice.
Bentley Houston is thrilled to announce that Bentley is bringing contrast and depth to its Continental GT family with the launch of a new S range, focused on driving performance and visual presence. Through a multitude of enhancements to the exterior design, interior specification and dynamic system, the new S range adjust the Bentley grand touring recipe to center on the pleasure of driving – an opposing yet complementary emphasis to the “Wellbeing behind the Wheel” concept of the recent, comfort-centric Azure range launch.
Owners of Bentley’s two-door models have long appreciated the breadth of choice available to them, from the towering performance of the 6.0-litre W12 Continental GT Speed to the characterful beat of the 4.0-litre Continental GT V8. Now, with the arrival of the Continental GT and GTC S, owners can choose to emphasize the sporting character of the 4.0-litre V8-powered Bentley Continental GT, thanks to a package of performance-focused design and engineering features.
Agile and Exhilarating
The new S range retains the 542 bhp (550 PS) and 770 Nm 4.0-litre V8 engine that’s proved incredibly popular with customers around the world, delivering a time of just 4.0 seconds for 0-100 km/h (62 mph). For the GT and GTC S, the engine is enhanced by the fitment as standard of a Sports Exhaust to amplify the cross-plane V8 beat.
The eager, free-revving and lighter 4.0-litre V8 engine give the Continental GT S models a responsive and agile character, and this is amplified by Bentley Dynamic Ride – the advanced 48V electric active anti-roll control system first pioneered by Bentley. By generating up 1300 Nm in 0.3 seconds, motors within the anti-roll bars actively compensate for cornering forces to minimize body roll under hard cornering while also improving ride comfort at cruising speeds by decoupling the left- and right-hand wheels from each other.
Exterior Design: Assertive and Purposeful
From the black gloss radiator grille and black brightware to distinctive S badging on the front fenders, the new S models make an instant and dramatic impact. Headlamps and rear lights are dark tinted, while all exterior brightware is specified in gloss black – with only the winged Bentley badge and lettering being finished in bright chrome. Gloss black wing build on the darker exterior look. The effect of these features is dramatic, giving the GT and GT S a more assertive stance regardless of the limitless choice of exterior colors they’re paired with.
The S range is offered with an all-new 22” wheel option, with five Y-shaped spokes finished in gloss black and also available in a new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. Red-painted brake calipers sit behind the wheels to provide a perfect sporting contrast.
A second wheel option for the S models is a 21” tri-spoke wheel design that combines gloss black and bright machined finishes – also unique to S.
Finishing touches for the exterior include S badging on the front fenders, quad exhaust tailpipes (in black, naturally) and sill extenders in black as featured on the Continental GT Speed.
Interior Design: Tactile, Dramatic and Individual
Complementing the dynamic and purposeful exterior design is an interior that’s striking and performance-focused, with a two-tone color split that’s unique to the S models.
In the early days of Bentley, competitors at Brooklands and Le Mans would wrap steering wheels in cord for extra cushioning and a more secure grip. Today’s sporting Bentley drivers are rather better served, with the suede-like properties of Dinamica proving ideal for the steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushion and seat backrest of the Continental GT and GTC S range. Leather hide is employed on the seat bolsters, door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console. The pairing of Dinamica with Bentley’s incomparable leather brings an interior that offers the tactile contrast of smooth hide and the soft napped finish of Dinamica.
Driver instrumentation continues the sporting theme with the same performance-focused graphics as the Continental GT Speed. The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the ‘S’ emblem is embroidered on the headrest of each seat; embroidered Bentley wings are a no-cost alternative. Finishing touches include a metal S signature badge on the fascia and illuminated Bentley treadplates with the ‘S’ device replacing the Bentley Motors Ltd plaque.
Customer Choice – Sports and Wellness in Differing Blends
The combination of striking design, performance and agility gives the Continental GT S and Continental GTC S strong appeal for all those who love powerful, extrovert performance cars. With the recent launch of the wellness-focused Azure range alongside the S models, Bentley is providing customers with easier ways to choose the emphasis of their Bentley – centering on either onboard comfort and wellbeing through Azure, or dynamic performance and visual presence through the S and Speed options.
Contact Bentley Houston today for more details on ordering and building your very own Continental GT S.
Bentley is bringing a new focus on wellness to its model range with the launch of the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase – a new grand touring SUV that builds on the strengths of the Bentayga to become a new luxury flagship, extending the latest product range to five models.
So much more than just a stretch, the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is the result of a nine-figure investment by Bentley to create a new model that provides the best rear cabin experience since a Mulsanne, whilst retaining the Bentley hallmarks of effortless performance, exquisite handcraftsmanship, and endless personalization.
The success of the Bentayga defined and enabled the growth of the luxury SUV market since its first unveiling in 2015. Over the last seven years, the Bentayga has proved its credibility through genuine off-road capability, hybrid technology, record-breaking performance, and bespoke specifications. The Bentayga remains Bentley’s best-selling model and has become the benchmark against which other luxury SUVs are measured. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase once again redefines the zenith.
In 2021, Bentley achieved record sales of 14,659 cars, a 31% growth over the previous best from 2020 – and the Bentayga accounted for just over a third of this volume. The global luxury SUV market continues to expand, with the forecast increasing towards the end of the decade across all regions. However, this is not the same for the E-segment, which has been declining. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase has the potential to raise the ceiling of the D-segment, as one of the spiritual successors to the Mulsanne.
Feedback from Bentley customers is that design, technology, and performance are the three most important factors on the decision to purchase, with the driving characteristics being the top priority amongst current owners. In a recent survey, owners also confirmed that 82% of them use their luxury SUVs daily, 74% in cities and urban environments. The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase stretches the class-leading SUV’s breadth of ability even further whether you are driving or being driven.
The Extended Wheelbase will be responsible for up to 45% of all Bentayga sales when the car goes on sale later this year. The Bentayga will therefore remain Bentley’s number one model, and the most successful and in-demand luxury SUV in the world.
Introduction to the Bentayga EWB
The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) builds on the latest second-generation Bentayga, extending the wheelbase and rear cabin space by an extra 180 mm. With Body-in-White changes to the underfloor, side panels, door and roof, Bentley’s design team have ensured the lines and proportions continue to exude style and presence. This increase results in the wheelbase of the car stretching from 2995 mm to 3175 mm, with an overall length of 5322 mm. The increased length is all in the rear door, creating an exceptionally luxurious rear cabin area. With a larger cabin space than any other luxury competitor, an emphasis on wellness, and the introduction of the world’s first auto climate and advanced postural adjustment rear seat, extraordinary journeys are guaranteed.
The new Bentley Airline Seat specification is the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and world-firsts in a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.
In Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat motors forwards and a beautifully leather-trimmed footrest deploys from the back of the front passenger seat. In Business Mode, the seat moves into its most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.
The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation, or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing. Meanwhile, the postural adjustment system automatically makes micro-adjustments to the occupant’s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period improving comfort and minimizing fatigue throughout a journey.
Bentley Houston is now accepting orders for the new Bentayga EWB. Please contact our Concierge to schedule your appointment.
The new Continental GT Speed is the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history and the ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed, and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon-neutral luxury automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first-generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 – itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, comments:
“The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring. This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car.
“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”
See what the press is saying about the new GT Speed.
Bentley has today announced details of the new Bentayga S, bringing extra sporting agility to the Bentayga family. With striking design cues and unique detailing, the Bentayga S is the latest version of Bentley’s benchmark, go-anywhere luxury SUV, designed and engineered in the UK and manufactured in Bentley’s carbon-neutral factory in Crewe.
For the first time since the launch of Bentayga in 2015, an S version is now available – reflecting feedback from the huge number of customers that enjoy the dynamic performance of their Bentayga on-road. Building on Bentley’s established ‘S’ brand, the new enhanced sports Bentayga provides an even more engaging drive, with Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control fitted as standard and an enhanced Sports chassis mode. A 15 per cent increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a platform for a more dynamic SPORT mode ESC tune.
Bentayga S also features a revised visual presence through the distinctive addition of black details, and a more sporting soundtrack courtesy of a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust – both of which increase the Bentayga’s already imposing presence on the road.
The Bentayga S is distinguished by a range of distinctive exterior features, including new unique 22” wheels with three finishes, innovative ‘S’ badges positioned on the lower edge of the front doors, and Blackline Specification as standard. The profile has increased presence due to the larger rear spoiler, gloss black side sills and lower bumpers, front and rear. Dark tint lenses to head lamps and tail lamps, black door mirrors and black split oval tailpipes complete the striking exterior.
Inside a luxuriously refined cabin, a unique Bentayga S style can be found using new seats, unique stitching, a new colour split and Alcantara® to reflect the striking exterior and increased dynamic ability. Colour accents on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters as well as Alcantara® to seat cushion and back inserts, steering wheel and gear lever, give the Bentayga S a bold and contemporary style. ‘S’ badges can be found on the passenger fascia as well as new graphics in the driver’s instrument panel and illuminated treadplates, denoting the model.
Bentley’s sector-defining and market-leading luxury SUV is available in four, five or seven seat configurations, and since it entered the market in 2016, more than 25,000 customers have taken delivery of a Bentayga. The fourth model in the Bentayga range joins the efficient plug-in Hybrid, the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and the powerful 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder Speed.
Sublime Power and Performance
The Bentayga S features Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). This class-leading performance is complemented by a range of 406 miles (654 km), with CO2 emissions of 294 g/km.
Deploying the power as effectively as possible, Bentley Dynamic Ride is fitted as standard and was the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. The system can react within 0.3s with up to 1,300 Nm of torque to counteract lateral rolling forces when cornering, ensuring maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling.
Similar to the recently launched Continental GT Speed, where the boundaries of grand touring comfort versus engaging performance have been extended through chassis mode selection, the Bentayga S now offers increased capability through an enhanced SPORT mode over a standard Bentayga.
In SPORT, 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 unique Electronic Stability Control and Bentley Dynamic Ride tune.
Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga S even more responsive to drive.
A new sports exhaust is included as standard, with free-flowing primary and secondary pipes improving flow and combining with reduced perforations in the muffler to deliver enhanced character and volume, giving a more performance-oriented feel.
The Bentayga’s comprehensive off-road abilities remain, with the optional All-Terrain Specification bringing four dedicated off-road modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) along with a 500 mm wading depth.
Bentayga ‘S’ – True Road Presence
The youthful, muscular exterior design of the new Bentayga S reflects a truly dynamic driving experience. Stylish and purposeful in equal measure, the sporting nature of the Bentayga S is clearly visible from every angle, and made more dramatic with a suite of changes that change the character of the car both inside and out.
The Bentayga’s already striking road presence is amplified still further on the ‘S’ with black treatment to all exterior brightware, matched with black door mirrors and black-painted side sills. These features are enhanced by dark tint treatment to the headlamps and elliptical tail lamps, together with new high gloss black on the lower bumper grilles. A larger rear spoiler on the Bentayga S that both extends the roofline in profile and provides increased aerodynamic stability at speed is complemented by black painted, split oval, sport exhaust tailpipes, and unique exterior badging.
The new unique 22” wheel style is dramatic and mirrored from the centre line of the vehicle, ensuring that the spokes (appearing like ‘scythes’), point in the same direction on both sides of the vehicle. Available in three finishes, silver painted is standard, with full gloss black or black and bright polished being optional. The black and bright polished wheel is highly labour intensive – firstly the rim is ceramic polished, before the bright areas are masked off to allow for gloss black paint to be applied, ahead of a final finish – polished by hand.
A Unique Cabin – Luxuriously Equipped
The ‘S’ colour split introduces Alcantara® to the cabin of the V8-powered Bentayga, across the seat cushions and back rest centre panels, gear lever, steering wheel, upper trim and headlining creating a performance-focused yet luxurious interior.
A new fluted seat design is available in four, five and seven seat configurations. The introduction of a new, unique and modern seat design provides a more sporting aesthetic with clean simple stitch lines through the shoulder areas. The new stitching design defines the fluting, available to match either primary or secondary hide colour, and combines with the Alcantara® elements to complete the new aesthetic. The seat backrests are finished with an embroidered ‘S’ motif.
A unique and elegant fascia badge adorns the dashboard in front of the passenger, with a similarly themed Bentayga S treadplate that illuminates when stepping in or out of the vehicle. The Bentayga S shares a fully digital driver’s information panel with the Bentayga Speed, with pronounced dial graphics that take influence from high-end chronographs. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations.
The high-resolution screen can be viewed in either Classic or Expanded format. In Classic, the display shows the traditional two-dial design of the speedometer and tachometer. In Expanded, the right dial is replaced with an area for maps and media information.
The Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Convertible – Bentley’s most powerful grand tourers yet – elevate performance above all. The unique Speed calibration puts unprecedented power in the driver’s hands, and switching into Sport driving mode unleashes this GT’s true character. The engine responds incredibly rapidly to deliver speeds of up to 208 mph (335 km/h), while the responsive transmission shifting provides the ultimate feeling of control.
An innovative suite of technologies enhance the exhilarating drive even further. Breathtaking levels of agility are made possible by the introduction of Electronic All-Wheel Steering alongside Torque Vectoring by electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). To ensure complete control, these combine with the Bentley Dynamic Ride active roll control system to provide stability, while the optional lightweight, high-performance Carbon Ceramic brakes offer incredible stopping power.
The Continental GT’s exhilarating design has been reimagined for the Speed, meaning the purposeful exterior look creates an even more striking impression. A Dark Tint Grille, Speed Outer Sill and forged Speed 22” wheels – available in a choice of a Silver Painted, Black Painted or Dark Tint finish – create a thrilling and aggressive look.
Inside, the Continental GT Speed has a dramatic design theme, with the use of Alcantara materials and a unique Speed colour split combining to complete the contemporary design. Other exclusive details include embroidered Speed headrests, Speed badging and, with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, extra touches such as diamond-in-diamond quilting providing luxury at every touch.
My Bentley Connected Car services* ensure the excitement enjoyed with the Continental GT Speed is enhanced even further. The in-car and remote features can be accessed easily using the My Bentley app, bringing information and control to the owner even when they are away from the car.
