Bentley Bentayga Adds Diesel Option

Volkswagen AG’s Bentley unit is introducing a diesel version of its Bentayga crossover/SUV, marking the first use of a compression-ignition engine in the luxury brand’s 97-year history.

The 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which was launched earlier this year in the Audi SQ7 SUV, teams two conventional turbochargers with an electrically driven compressor. The combination generates 429 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

The variable-geometry turbochargers are configured in a sequential layout with the electric compressor positioned downstream of the intercooler. The design increases boost pressure at low revs while the turbochargers are spooling up, allowing peak torque at just 1,000 rpm.

Mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine propels the Bentayga from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is listed at 168 mph, which Bentley says makes the all-wheel-drive Bentayga the world’s fastest diesel-powered SUV. The standard Bentayga with a 600-hp 6.0-liter W-12 gasoline engine holds the title as the fastest SUV at 187 mph.

The Bentayga diesel has the lowest carbon emissions of any Bentley at 210 g/km. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 35.8 mpg on the European driving cycle.

Sales of the diesel Bentayga will start early next year in Europe, followed by launches in Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. There are no plans to offer the diesel option in the U.S.