A lifted Bentley with a go-kart on the roof? The Bentley Bentayga X concept is an ultra-fancy off-roader that has been cranked up for clearance, beefed up for strength, and then had the strangest cargo we’ve seen in a long time added to the roof. All this was revealed at one of the coolest ice race events in the world.
A Bentley Speed Model for Off-Pavement Use
When it comes to on-road performance, Bentley has things covered. From its Continental GT and Bentayga Speed models to the hilarious “lightweight” Supersports, there are plenty of half-million–dollar options. If you want to leave the pavement, Bentley’s SUV has more capability than you’d expect from a living room on wheels. But it’s nothing like what the Speed can do on tarmac.
The Bentley Bentayga X Concept starts with the Bentayga Speed and its 641 horsepower with 627 pound-feet of torque from a 4.0L twin-turbo V8. It also gets Bentley’s height and damping-adjustable air suspension, and the active anti-roll bar system that can loosen or tighten the effect of the bar on the move.
More Clearance, More Tire, More Fender Flare
Bentley jacked up the concept by a little over 2 inches of off-road clearance. That gives it the ability to run through 22 inches of water and offers up 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
New 22-inch wheels come from Brixton Wheels. They’re forged for strength and fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires from a company called Radar. These tires are wider than standard, and they’re pushed out 4.7 inches versus stock. The wider fender flares help keep the tires covered up.
On the roof, Bentley has fitted four spotlights and a big roof platform. On top of that platform, there is an electric Bambino-sized Go Kart. The kid-sized kart is the same as those used in the FAT Karting League, a youth series where kids as young as 5 can get behind the wheel and potentially win a fully funded F4 series drive.
Could the Bentley Bentayga X Concept Become Real?
Bentley revealed this snow-roader at the FAT Ice Race, held annually at the Austrian ski resort Zell am See. The annual event sees automakers bring out some amazing machinery, with ex-Le Mans cars, WRC cars, and even a few Bugatti Bolides all coming out to play.
Will it build one? The company says it “explores the potential of a more focused off-road Bentley,” but that’s not a confirmation.
Off-roaders are hot right now, though, with more and more customers wanting their lifestyle vehicles with much more luxury inside. Just look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for the best example of that effect
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