2022 Bentley Bentayga S Debuts With Sportier Styling, V8 Power And Plenty Of Alcantara

The Bentley Bentayga lineup is expanding as the company has introduced a new S variant that joins the existing standard V8, plug-in hybrid and W12-powered flagship models.

Designed to deliver “heightened agility and presence,” the Bentayga S features a sportier exterior with tinted lighting units, gloss black accents and a larger rear spoiler for increased aerodynamic stability at speed.

Elsewhere, there’s a free-flowing sports exhaust system that delivers “enhanced character and volume” for a “more performance-oriented feel.” It’s joined by 22-inch wheels which are available in three different finishes. They’re silver painted as standard, but gloss black and black / bright polished finishes are also available.

The sporty styling continues in the cabin as designers added “fluted” seats with embroidered S logos on the backrests. The model also boasts unique trim, illuminated treadplates and a digital instrument cluster sourced from the Bentayga Speed.

Of course, the most noticeable change is a sea of Alcantara upholstery. The stylish material can be found on the seats, steering wheel, gear selector and headliner.

Power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 542 hp (404 kW / 550 PS) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

While those specifications are shared with the Bentayga V8, the Bentayga S features an active anti-roll control system that can react in less than a second. The crossover’s torque vectoring system has also been recalibrated, while Sport mode offers “improved steering feel, greater turn-in response and further reduced body roll” thanks to a 15% increase in air suspension damping.

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