Introducing the Bentley Bentayga X Concept: The Ultimate Off-Road Luxury SUV for 2026
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The Bentley Bentayga has been a leader in the luxury SUV segment, known for its exceptional performance, refined comfort, and off-road prowess. While the Bentayga Speed focuses on top-tier performance and the Bentayga EWB emphasizes rear-seat comfort, the Bentayga X Concept pushes the boundaries of off-road capability, offering an extreme adventure experience with superior terrain-conquering abilities.
At the iconic FAT Ice Race 2026, a celebration of automotive culture and motorsport, Bentley unveiled both the Bentayga X Concept and the new Continental GT S to a global audience. This event kicked off a multi-year partnership between Bentley Motors and FAT International, aimed at showcasing the Bentley brand through various innovative programs.
The Bentayga X Concept builds upon the Bentayga Speed platform, featuring a potent V8 4.0L twin-turbo engine producing 650 horsepower. It retains the standard Bentayga Speed’s all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic transmission, while also incorporating air suspension and Bentley’s advanced 48V electronic anti-roll control system, Bentley Dynamic Ride.
Despite its Bentayga Speed underpinnings, the X Concept boasts significant exterior modifications. It rides on 22-inch forged single-piece wheels by Brixton, wrapped in larger off-road tires. The track width has been increased by 120 mm for enhanced stability, while the ride height has been raised by 55 mm to improve suspension travel and ground clearance. To accommodate these changes, the wheel arches have been extended by 40 mm. These modifications result in an impressive 550 mm water fording capability and a ground clearance of 310 mm.
The Bentayga X Concept is designed for extended off-road expeditions, featuring a roof-mounted cargo box with four auxiliary lights. To demonstrate its utility, the concept vehicle carries an electric go-kart used in the FAT Kart League. With the roof box, the Bentayga X Concept stands at an imposing 2,490 mm tall. The rear showcases an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust system, while the front is equipped with two additional tow hooks.
Bentley and FAT International’s partnership made a strong first impression at the FAT Ice Race 2026. The event, held at Zell am See Airport, featured an impressive display of seven Bentley vehicles.
Alongside the Bentayga X Concept, Bentley debuted the new Continental GT S and GTC S models. Also on display was “Mildred,” a specially modified Supersports used in the filming of “Supersports: FULL SEND,” a collaboration with extreme sports athlete Travis Pastrana.
The lineup included special livery versions of the new Continental GT S and Bentayga Speed, as well as the prototype (Car Zero) of the Speed Six Continuation Series, which took to the ice track to showcase Bentley’s racing heritage.
The new Continental GT S, making its public debut, demonstrated its dynamic capabilities on the snowy course. Inspired by limited-edition super sports cars, this driver-focused model boasts a robust 680-horsepower powertrain. It features the Bentley Performance Active Chassis, similar to the Continental GT Speed, which proved its worth on the challenging ice track.
In a unique Skijoring class exclusive to the FAT Ice Race, renowned automotive journalist and racing driver Chris Harris piloted a Bentayga Speed, towing Norwegian freestyle skiing champion Hedvig Wessel across the ice.
Bentley Motors created a bespoke “Green House” lounge for the event, hosting over 250 VIP guests. The venue featured live DJ sets using a custom sound system under the “Bentley Broadcast” theme, complemented by a coffee and cocktail bar. Attendees received an exclusive event-inspired vinyl soundtrack as a memento.
Bentley’s creative director, Mai Izukawa, unveiled a limited-edition Bentley x FAT International jacket specially designed for the occasion. Only 125 of these jackets, featuring Bentley’s iconic green hue, will be produced to commemorate the new partnership.
FAT International, the FAT Ice Race organizer, is a European fashion logistics firm that has expanded into global motorsports marketing and events, initially to promote its express delivery services.
Bentley Motors’ partnership with FAT International aims to redefine the brand’s role in automotive culture and broaden its appeal. Bentley plans to participate in a new ice race in Big Sky, Montana, in late February, followed by a special summer event at the FAT Mankei facility on Austria’s Großglockner Alpine Road.
Ben Whattam, Bentley’s marketing director, explained, “Our collaboration with FAT International is part of our strategy to evolve Bentley’s position in global automotive culture. The FAT Ice Race provided an excellent platform to showcase the Bentley brand’s versatility, including the debut of the Bentayga X Concept. Throughout the year, we’ll continue to offer unique automotive experiences to our customers, partners, and enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting what Bentley does best.”
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