BENTLEY UNVEILS BENTAYGA X CONCEPT AT FAT ICE RACE, HINTING AT A COOLER SIDE OF LUXURY
Bentley Motors has revealed the Bentayga X Concept at the legendary FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, presenting a rad new interpretation of its luxury SUV that leans harder into off-road adventure. More than a showpiece (snowpiece?), the Bentayga X Concept has been created to spark conversation and gather feedback on the potential for a more off-road-focused Bentayga, while also marking the beginning of a new multi-year partnership between Bentley and FAT International. The Bentayga range is already known for its remarkable breadth of ability. The standard Bentayga blends performance, refinement and genuine all-terrain capability. Bentayga Speed sharpens the focus on outright pace and dynamic ability, while the Extended Wheelbase version elevates rear-seat luxury to limousine levels. With the Bentayga X Concept, Bentley explores the third dimension of the model’s character, pushing deeper into the realm of serious off-road capability.
Underneath, the concept is based on the Bentayga Speed and retains its formidable 478 kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, paired with permanent four-wheel drive and an 8-speed transmission. Air suspension is in play by Bentley Dynamic Ride, the brand’s 48V electric active anti-roll control system, ensuring that comfort and control remain intact even as the terrain gets challenging.
Visually and physically, however, the Bentayga X Concept adopts a far more assertive stance. It rides on forged single-piece 22-inch wheels developed by Brixton, wrapped in high-profile off-road tyres. Track width has been increased by 120 mm to enhance stability, while ride height rises by 55 mm to maximise suspension travel and ground clearance. To house the wider footprint, the wheel arches have been pushed outwards by 40 mm. The result is a ground clearance just shy of 310 mm and a wading depth exceeding 550 mm, numbers that place the Bentayga X Concept firmly in serious off-road territory.
Function drives the exterior design. Roof-mounted storage and four auxiliary spotlights hint at extended adventures beyond the beaten path. In true FAT Ice Race fashion, the concept even carries an electric Bambino-size go-kart on its roof, a nod to the FAT Karting League and a demonstration of the vehicle’s added cargo capability. These additions bring the overall height of the Bentayga X Concept to 2.49 metres. At the rear, the Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust remains a focal point, while twin front towing eyes reinforce the car’s capabilities away from tarmac.
The FAT Ice Race is a celebration of automotive culture in its broadest sense, blending motorsport, design and lifestyle in a frozen alpine setting. Bentley’s prominent presence at Zell am See signals the start of a multi-year partnership with FAT International, which will extend to the upcoming FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana, later in February, as well as a 24-hour takeover of FAT Mankei in Austria later this year. Alongside the Bentayga X Concept, Bentley is showcasing a diverse and high-impact line-up. Fresh from its Supersports: FULL SEND debut in Dubai, Travis Pastrana’s uniquely liveried Supersports will be on display, joined by the newly announced Continental GTC S. The Continental GT S coupe will make its global dynamic debut on the ice, supported by a Bentayga Speed and the Speed Six Continuation Series Car Zero from Mulliner.
On the ice, the action is just as compelling. Car culture icon and broadcaster Chris Harris will take the wheel of a Bentayga Speed in the Skijöring event, towing Norwegian freestyle skier Hedvig Wessel. The Continental GT S will be driven by French racing driver Laura Villars, while the Speed Six Continuation will be piloted by Mike Sayer, Head of Bentley’s Heritage Collection.
Take a look at the YouTube video hosted by the crew at DPC Cars that shows off this awesome luxury SUV that's been tailored to tame the harsh ice and snow conditions - you know, for when Alaskan billionaires need to fetch firewood: Bentley Bentayga X Concept Takes Luxury Off Road in a Wild New Direction | DPCcars
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