The Bentley Bentayga remains a polarizing machine. If you’ve driven one, you probably love it. However, if you’ve only seen it, maybe you hate it. The new Bentayga X Concept might just change your view of the ultra-lux SUV.
Bentley has built an off-road-ready Bentayga, and it makes its debut at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. The idea behind the X Concept is to gauge interest in a production version of an off-road-capable Bentayga.
As it currently sits, the Bentayga is an SUV best used on paved roads and the occasional graded dirt road that leads to your amazing ski chalet. Despite riding higher than the rest of Bentley’s offerings, the Bentayga is a joy to drive.
The X concept, however, aims to capture a bit of the ever-growing demand for actually capable SUVs. I’m not saying that we can expect a production version to arrive with a transfer case and rear locker. But proper tires and a slight suspension lift can go a long way when you’re off the beaten path.
The X Concept started life as a Bentayga Speed. This means you’ll find a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 under the hood, and it delivers 641 horsepower. In order to turn it into the X, however, Bentley swaps on forged 22.0-inch wheels wearing all-terrain tires. The Renegade R/T is an odd choice for a class of vehicle like this Bentley, but maybe it gets the job done.
Photo by: Bentley
This build is more than just tires, however, as the Bentayga has a wider track, increased ride height, extended wheel arches, and a ton of auxiliary lighting up top. The ground clearance rises to 12.2 inches, the wading depth is nearly two feet, and the track width has been pushed out by almost five inches.
One of the best parts? Take a look at the roof rack and spot the electric go-kart. The little rocket is the type used in the FAT Karting League. It’s Bambino-sized, meaning it’s for kids ages 5 to 17. Still, I’m not really sure how you’re getting it off the Bentayga’s roof if your kids aren’t tall enough to help.
It definitely looks cool, though. Just like the Bentayga X Concept itself.
Photo by: Bentley
Motor1’s Take: I can only assume that the wealthy folks attending the FAT Ice Race in Austria will see the X Concept and ask where they can buy one of their own. There’s been a rise in buyers asking for more capability from their SUVs. They don’t just want them to look like they could go off-road; they want to know they can set off on adventures.
The Bentayga is already a sales hit for Bentley. Adding an off-road-focused version could further round out the lineup, and sales continue to climb.
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