Bentley has revealed its first-ever diesel, and we have experienced the engine first-hand with a passenger ride. The Bentayga Diesel becomes the world’s fastest diesel SUV, but at the same time is the most efficient Bentley ever made, claiming 35.8mpg.
The model uses a version of the Audi SQ7’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, and with a power output of 429bhp it will propel the 2.4-tonne SUV from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds. A top speed of 168mph allows the British brand to claim that this Bentayga is the quickest diesel SUV in the world.
During our passenger ride on roads near Bentley’s factory in Crewe, Cheshire, we were impressed by the new engine’s refinement. At low speed and low revs, there’s no audible rattle or rumble, and even from the outside the unit sounds very smooth. There’s a faint roar at higher revs, but our driver was taking it easy – we’ll have to wait until we get behind the wheel ourselves to deliver a proper verdict.
Peak torque of 900Nm comes in at a mere 1,000rpm, so the idea is that the Bentayga Diesel will spend its life cruising along low in the rev range. To achieve this, a 48v electric supercharger spools up the first of two turbochargers. The second turbo takes over as the revs rise, with both kicking in together at the top end.
While Bentley owners won’t be too concerned about economy, the 35.8mpg figure gives a claimed range of more than 621 miles. Bentayga product manager Peter Guest told us that “filling up isn’t a premium experience”, so owners will want to avoid it.
Guest also told Auto Express that the diesel won’t suit US or China so well: “We’ll have a plug-in hybrid for those markets that haven’t taken to diesel. Our current V8 petrol won’t fit in the car, but we’re considering other options,” he added, hinting that an all-new petrol V8 version could serve American customers.
The Bentayga Diesel costs £30,000 less than the W12 model, at £135,800. UK deliveries start in January. The new car is marked out by a black radiator grille, V8 Diesel door badging and two double-tipped tailpipes at the rear. Inside, there’s a new wood veneer called Liquid Amber.
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