I’m sure Bentley’s 5500-pound Bentyaga SUV won’t come to your mind if I mention a track-focused machine with a racing stripe and gobs of carbon fiber. However, the British luxury automaker felt like there was a need to create a special edition version of its luxury SUV that was meant to go faster on race tracks. Meet the new Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner, a lighter, performance-oriented SUV that’s based on the manufacturer’s Bentayga S. Described by Bentley as its “most dynamic Bentayga ever,” the Apex Edition is 97 pounds lighter than the Bentayga S thanks to several weight-saving measures.
In addition to featuring a bespoke bodykit for improved aerodynamics, the limited edition focuses on reducing unsprung weight. It comes fitted with ultra-lightweight 10-spoke 22-inch carbon-fiber wheels, which are accompanied by a new set of performance-oriented carbon-ceramic brake rotors for further weight reduction. The powertrain under the hood is unchanged. The Apex Edition is powered by Bentley’s twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 542hp. As a result, the track-focused Bentayga can sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds on the way to reach a top speed of 180mph. Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering are fitted as standard equipment.
In terms of aesthetics, Mulliner has created six curated liveries for the special edition, although buyers have endless personalization options. Only 20 examples of the Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner will be built for sale worldwide. There’s no word on the pricing, but it’s going to be substantially more than the V8 Bentayga S’s $243,025 starting price.
