Bentley is testing the waters of the off-road luxury segment with a dramatic new concept based on the Bentayga Speed. Officially called the Bentley X concept, the lifted SUV was developed to stimulate customer feedback and gauge interest in a more rugged, off-road-focused Bentley that could eventually reach production.
Bentley Experiments With Off-Road Luxury
Off-road-focused vehicles are more popular than ever, and even ultra-luxury brands are taking notice. Bentley’s X concept signals that the brand is seriously evaluating whether there is room in its lineup for a more adventurous Bentayga variant. Rather than committing outright to production, Bentley is using this concept as a conversation starter with customers and enthusiasts.
The X concept was created specifically for the FAT Ice Race in Austria, an event known for showcasing extreme and unconventional vehicles in icy conditions. This setting allowed Bentley to demonstrate the concept’s capabilities while collecting real-world reactions.
Based On The Bentayga Speed
Underneath its rugged exterior, the Bentley X concept is rooted in the Bentayga Speed, which is powered by a 641 HP W-12 engine. Bentley has not disclosed any powertrain changes, suggesting the focus here is on chassis and suspension modifications rather than outright performance.
The track width has been increased by nearly 5 INCHES, giving the SUV a wider and more planted stance. Ride height has been raised by over 2 INCHES, resulting in more than 12 INCHES of ground clearance. Despite these changes, the concept retains the production Bentayga’s air suspension system and anti-roll bars, highlighting Bentley’s intent to balance off-road ability with on-road comfort.
Suspension, Wheels & Off-Road Capability
The X concept features increased suspension travel compared to the standard Bentayga, allowing it to better absorb rough terrain. Bentley fitted the SUV with forged 22-INCH wheels from Brixton, wrapped in aggressive all-terrain tires designed for snow, ice, and loose surfaces.
These upgrades improve the Bentayga’s maximum wading depth to 21.7 INCHES. While that figure is impressive for a luxury SUV, it still trails hardcore off-roaders such as the Land Rover Defender, which offers 35.4 INCHES, and the Mercedes-Benz G550 with 27.6 INCHES. This suggests that a future production version would be more of a high-speed luxury off-roader than a rock-crawling specialist.
Visual Changes & Ice Race Details
Visually, the Bentley X concept stands apart from the standard Bentayga. The exterior is covered in partnership decals prepared specifically for the FAT Ice Race, giving it a motorsport-inspired appearance. The wider stance and raised ride height dramatically alter the Bentayga’s proportions, making it look closer to a rally raid vehicle than a luxury SUV.
The roof-mounted setup is where the concept leans fully into its playful side. It includes additional storage, auxiliary spotlights, and even an electric go-kart mounted on top, reinforcing that this is a concept designed to spark discussion rather than a finalized production preview.
Could This Lead To A Production Model?
Bentley has made it clear that the X concept exists to gather feedback, not to confirm a production vehicle. However, the level of engineering involved suggests more than a simple design exercise. Bentley has a history of turning well-received concepts into reality, and the growing popularity of luxury off-roaders could make a rugged Bentayga a logical addition.
If approved, a production version would likely slot above the standard Bentayga in price and exclusivity, possibly positioned as a limited-run or Mulliner-enhanced model with bespoke off-road tuning.
Prices In The Middle East
Bentley has not announced pricing for any off-road Bentayga variant, as the X concept remains a non-production vehicle. For reference, the current Bentley Bentayga Speed is priced in the Middle East at approximately AED 1,200,000 depending on specification and market. An off-road-focused version with unique hardware and limited availability would likely command a premium above this figure.
What This Means For Bentley
The Bentley X concept shows that the brand is willing to experiment beyond traditional luxury boundaries. By exploring an off-road Bentayga, Bentley is acknowledging changing customer tastes while staying true to its core values of performance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Whether or not this concept leads to a production model, it offers a clear glimpse into how Bentley could approach luxury off-roading in the future.
