As part of its new partnership with the FAT Ice Race in Zell Am See, Bentley has used this weekend’s festival to reveal a new Bentayga concept. And forget wood, leather or massage seats - the X Concept is all about proper off-roading. Bentley has hinted that it might build it, too…
Officially this Stormtrooper spec ‘explores the potential of a more focused off-road Bentley’, specifically designed ‘to stimulate feedback’. The folk in attendance this weekend will be exactly the kind that Bentley will want feedback from, too, as they’re the sort of monied enthusiasts who’d really be into a rough and ready (all things being relative) Bentayga. We live in a world of a 666hp Supersports that’s been hooned around Crewe by Travis Pastrana, don’t forget; we’d say nothing is off the cards for Bentley right now.
And from Ranger Raptor to Defender Trophy, more serious off-road vehicles are all the rage. So in addition to the standard 650hp Bentayga Speed powertrain (with Akrapovic pipes), the X gets forged 22-inch off-road Brixton wheels and some knobbly off-road tyres; the fact that the wheels aren’t super small would suggest the aim to make merely a more capable Bentayga, rather than an ultimate dune basher with tiny beadlock rims.
To that end, the tracks here are 120mm broader, meaning a nicely butch stance, and the ride height is increased by 55mm - perfect for peering down at others in traffic. Oh yes, and improving it off the beaten track, with additional ground clearance (310mm) and more than 550mm of wading depth. Again, it’s not a Defender, but it’s an improvement on the standard 500mm.
Plus, well, it looks cool, and that’s as important as anything when it comes to an off-road overhaul. The X Concept gets roof storage, spotlights (obvs), twin towing eyes up front and even a go-kart on top (for the FAT Karting league, you see). It’s all different enough to be attractive, while similar enough to be viable (the X still being underpinned by air suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride, for example.)
It’s guaranteed some attention by the frozen lake, that’s for sure. Unlike so many other luxury 4x4s, the Bentayga is notable for never really having been seen in full overlander spec - it’s hard not to be a little curious. For now, the X is a one-off, joined by a host of other Bentleys old and new in Austria this weekend. But we’ve all seen more adventurous concepts make it to reality. And it would make one heck of a twin test with a Defender OCTA. Best let Bentley know, ideally below, what you think of its idea…
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