The Bentley Bentayga S occupies a strategic position between the standard Bentayga V8 model and the flagship Bentayga Speed. Designed for driving enthusiasts who desire SUV practicality without sacrificing engagement, it incorporates specific chassis and powertrain modifications that sharpen its character while maintaining Bentley’s signature luxury. The S variant answers the demand from customers who refuse to sacrifice driving pleasure, offering a compelling balance of performance and exclusivity.
The detailed overview that follows covers every aspect of what makes the Bentayga S unique.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Revised bumpers and aerodynamic elements
The Bentayga S distinguishes itself with redesigned bumpers that enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Larger front air intakes improve cooling, while an extended lower splitter increases downforce. Side sills have been reprofiled and the rear diffuser is more pronounced.
Blackline details and S-specific trim
The vehicle features extensive blackline detailing, including a dark-tinted radiator grille and gloss black surrounds for headlamps and taillights. S-specific badging with a distinctive red ‘S’ appears discreetly on the doors and tailgate.
Exhaust configuration and visual appearance
The most striking visual cue is the quad-exhaust system with four oval tailpipes in dark chrome. The S sits lower thanks to sport-tuned air suspension, with an aggressive stance accentuated by exclusive 22-inch wheels with a unique five-spoke pattern.
INTERIOR CONFIGURATION
Material selection and finishes
The cabin maintains Bentley’s legendary craftsmanship while introducing sportier elements. Alcantara upholstery appears on the steering wheel, gear lever, and seat centers. Technical carbon fiber replaces traditional wood veneers on dashboard and door inserts.
Seat design and driving position
Specially developed sports seats provide superior lateral support during dynamic driving while maintaining long-distance comfort with 16-way electric adjustment. The sports steering wheel is slightly smaller in diameter, with aluminum paddle shifters mounted to the steering column.
S model-specific interior elements
Distinctive details identify the S model, including illuminated ‘Bentayga S’ treadplates, model-specific badges, and a unique digital instrument display with red and black themes. Dark tint aluminum finishes replace bright chrome on controls.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
V8 engine characteristics and responsiveness
The Bentayga S is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. The S receives specific engine mapping for sharper throttle response and reduced turbo lag, with peak torque delivered from just 1,960 RPM. This powertrain delivers a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.
Transmission behavior and gear ratios
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission receives specific calibration for the S model. Sport mode reduces shift times by up to 30% with more aggressive downshifts and extended holding of lower gears. The transmission recognizes dynamic driving inputs and adapts accordingly.
Exhaust note and engine sound tuning
A specially developed sports exhaust system delivers a distinctive acoustic character that varies with driving mode. Active valves modulate exhaust flow and sound, opening fully in Sport mode to release the V8’s authentic voice.
SUSPENSION & HANDLING
Active anti-roll and Bentley Dynamic Ride
The Bentayga S comes standard with Bentley Dynamic Ride, a 48-volt active anti-roll system that transforms cornering capabilities by adjusting the torsional resistance of anti-roll bars in milliseconds, calibrated for sportier character with reduced body roll.
Steering setup and weight calibration
The steering system features enhanced feedback and precision, with a more direct response around the center position and progressive weighting. The steering column benefits from additional rigidity, ensuring precise translation of driver inputs.
Drive modes and chassis behavior
The S offers Bentley’s Drive Dynamics modes with S-specific calibrations. In Sport mode, the suspension lowers by 15mm, damping rates increase by up to 15%, and the all-wheel drive system sends more power to the rear axle, enhancing agility.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Ride quality on various surfaces
Despite its sportier tuning, the Bentayga S maintains an impressive balance between firmness and compliance. The air suspension absorbs impacts efficiently while quickly damping secondary motions, never becoming harsh even in Sport mode.
Cornering stability and brake response
The S exhibits remarkable poise in corners, with precise turn-in and minimal body roll. Braking performance is exceptional, with massive 400mm (15.7-inch) front discs and ten-piston calipers providing confident stopping power with minimal fade.
Cabin acoustics and overall feedback
The cabin remains well-insulated from noise, though the engineered engine sound provides a stirring soundtrack that builds with revs. Vibration control is exemplary, with just enough mechanical character allowed to enhance the driving experience.
TECHNOLOGY & INTERFACES
Infotainment system and user interface
The Bentayga S features a 10.9-inch touchscreen with a performance-oriented interface featuring red accents and additional vehicle dynamic displays. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with standard 12-speaker, 590-watt Bentley Signature Audio or optional 20-speaker, 1,780-watt Naim premium audio.
Driver assistance features
The Bentayga S features adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Touring Specification adds predictive collision warning and night vision technology. All systems are calibrated to allow more dynamic driving before intervention.
Instrument display and performance data
The fully digital instrument cluster adapts based on driving mode, displaying performance data including turbo boost pressure, g-forces, and power outputs in Sport mode.
MODEL COMPARISON
Bentayga S vs Standard V8
While sharing the same 542-horsepower V8 engine, the S offers sharper throttle mapping, sportier suspension, and a more vocal exhaust note, with blackline treatments and more aggressive styling.
Bentayga S vs Speed
Compared to the 626-horsepower W12 Speed, the S delivers a more responsive, agile driving experience due to its lighter V8 engine and better weight distribution, focusing on driver engagement over effortless grand touring.
Bentayga S vs Black Edition
The Black Edition shares identical mechanical specifications but features a more dramatic visual treatment with comprehensive dark exterior elements including, for the first time in Bentley’s history, black-tinted Bentley wings and more adventurous interior color options.
THE DRIVER’S CHOICE
The Bentayga S performs exceptionally well on country roads, touring routes, and in urban settings. Its adaptive drive modes tailor the vehicle’s behavior to each environment, while adjustable ride height and specialized settings provide genuine off-road capability.
The Bentayga S is designed primarily for those who enjoy driving. This distinguishes it from other Bentley models like the Flying Spur, where rear-seat passenger comfort takes priority. The Bentayga S is configured around the driver’s experience, with supportive sports seats, communicative steering, and responsive chassis setup defining its character.
This focus on driving enjoyment has broadened the Bentayga’s appeal to include customers who value performance alongside luxury, making the S variant a particularly popular choice among clients.
To learn more about the specifications of the Bentayga S, or explore other tailored options, contact our team for a personalised consultation.
