This is the best Bentley Bentayga ever built

The Bentley Bentayga remains a polarizing machine. If you’ve driven one, you probably love it. However, if you’ve only seen it, you might hate it. The new Bentayga X Concept might just change your view of the ultra-luxury SUV.

Bentley has built an off-road-ready Bentayga, which will make its debut at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. The idea behind the X Concept is to gauge interest in a production version of an off-road capable Bentayga.

As it currently stands, the Bentayga is an SUV that is best used on paved roads and the occasional dirt road that leads to your awesome ski chalet. Despite riding higher than the rest of Bentley’s lineup, the Bentayga is a pleasure to drive.

However, the X concept is intended to capture some of the ever-growing demand for it Actually capable SUVs. I’m not saying we can expect a production version with a transfer case and rear locker. But good tires and light suspension can make a big difference when you’re off the beaten track.

The X Concept started life as a Bentayga Speed. This means you’ll find a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood, delivering 641 horsepower. However, to turn it into an X, Bentley replaces 22.0-inch forged wheels with all-terrain tires. The Renegade R/T is an odd choice for a vehicle class like this Bentley, but maybe it will work out.

Photo by: Bentley

This build is more than just tires, though, as the Bentayga has a wider track, a taller ride height, extended wheel arches and a ton of extra overhead lighting. The ground clearance increases to 30 cm, the wading depth is almost 60 cm and the track width has been increased by almost 15 cm.

One of the best parts? View the roof rack and spot the electric go-kart. The small rocket is of the type used in the FAT Karting League. It is the size of Bambino, which means it is suitable for children from 5 to 17 years old. Still, I’m not sure how you get it off the roof of the Bentayga if your kids aren’t big enough to help.

It sure looks cool though. Just like the Bentayga X Concept itself.

Photo by: Bentley

Engine1 takes: I can only assume that the rich people attending the FAT Ice Race in Austria will see the X Concept and ask where they can buy one for themselves. There has been an increase in buyers demanding more capabilities from their SUVs. They don’t just want that Look as if they could go off-road; they want know they can go on an adventure.

The Bentayga is already a sales hit for Bentley. Adding an off-road focused version could further round out the range and sales continue to rise.