Bentley introduced the Bentayga, its first-ever SUV, as far back as 2015, so an update is perhaps due at this point. Furthermore, a whole number of luxury SUVs have cropped up over the years, including the Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. With the Ferrari Purosangue joining them soon, one cannot afford to be complacent.
Judging by these spy photos, Bentley realizes it well. In its 2020 implementation, the SUV gets new headlights designed similarly to those of the Flying Spur sedan/saloon, reshaped bumpers, and new exhaust tips. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and new infotainment system are both likely additions.
The current-gen Bentayga ships with a range of high-end gasoline and diesel engines (V8 and W12, from 550 hp / 410 kW to 635 hp / 474 kW). It is also available with a hybrid drivetrain that involves a three-liter, six-cylinder gasoline engine, a 17.3-kWh battery, and around 40 km (25 miles) of electric range.
Industry pros tend to agree that Bentley will attempt to optimize its existing W12 mill to be more fuel-efficient and perhaps also tune the V8 to deliver more power. The Lamborghini Urus, for example, extracts 650 hp (485 kW) along with 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque from its twin-turbo V8.
A high-end hybrid version is also possible: the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, for instance, packs a V8 hybrid system rated at 670 hp (500 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft).
We will learn more when the 2020 Bentayga makes its official debut next year.