Bentley Bentayga and Mulliner reach new peaks with the Apex Edition.
01-05-2024 08:26 - CAR NEWS
Bentley Motors is extending both the visual impact and dynamic ability of the Bentayga even further through its Mulliner bespoke division, with the launch of a global 20-car collection named the Apex Edition. Featuring ultra-strong, lightweight 22” Mulliner carbon wheels teamed with carbon ceramic brakes, it will be offered in a choice of six unique specifications curated by Mulliner's design team. All include a central painted livery stripe extending over bonnet and roof, a first for the Bentayga. Even rarer will be a specification offered only to owners of the Continental GT Le Mans Edition who will be able to commission an Apex Edition Bentayga in matching trim and livery.
With 550 PS and a specification that includes active anti roll and rear-wheel steering, the Bentayga S is the sporting flagship of Bentley's luxury SUV line-up. Now the Bentayga Apex Edition delivers even greater agility and braking performance thanks to its carbon wheels and carbon ceramic brakes, making it the most dynamic-looking and driving Bentayga ever.
The Apex Edition is based on the Bentayga S, which features Bentley's potent 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. This develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). With Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering fitted as standard, its exhilarating performance is enhanced by the sound of its free-flowing sports exhaust.
The Apex Edition is based on the Bentayga S, which features Bentley's potent 4.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine. This develops 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.4 (4.5) seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). With Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control and rear-wheel steering fitted as standard, its exhilarating performance is enhanced by the sound of its free-flowing sports exhaust.
These dynamic characteristics are further enhanced by the Apex Edition's 22” Mulliner carbon wheels, which were developed specifically for Bentayga in collaboration with specialists Bucci Composites. Together, the four wheels save 24 kg in unsprung mass. Carbon fibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to a number of fundamental benefits:
- Increased steering agility – the 6 kg weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbon fibre mean a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.
- Improved and more responsive braking - thanks to the decrease in unsprung mass.
- Increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
- Reduced tyre wear - Since the stiffer carbon rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending, it allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch thanks to a larger tyre support surface.
Every Bentayga Apex Edition is comprehensively equipped with a high degree of bespoke content. Bespoke exterior features include the Styling Specification's aerodynamic front spoiler, rear spoiler, sills and mirror caps in satin carbon fibre. Interior appointments centre around a bespoke colour split with satin carbon fibre fascia, centre console and door waistrails and the five-seat Comfort Specification, complemented by the Naim for Bentley audio system. Additional bespoke touches include Apex Edition blind seat insert embroidery with contrast Bentley emblems, the Apex Edition namestyle on the waistrails, and Apex Edition carbon fibre treadplates. Carbon fibre Apex Edition badges also feature on the exterior D-Pillar. All Apex Edition models feature the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with the inclusion of Touring specification.
- Increased steering agility – the 6 kg weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbon fibre mean a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.
- Improved and more responsive braking - thanks to the decrease in unsprung mass.
- Increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
- Reduced tyre wear - Since the stiffer carbon rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending, it allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch thanks to a larger tyre support surface.
Every Bentayga Apex Edition is comprehensively equipped with a high degree of bespoke content. Bespoke exterior features include the Styling Specification's aerodynamic front spoiler, rear spoiler, sills and mirror caps in satin carbon fibre. Interior appointments centre around a bespoke colour split with satin carbon fibre fascia, centre console and door waistrails and the five-seat Comfort Specification, complemented by the Naim for Bentley audio system. Additional bespoke touches include Apex Edition blind seat insert embroidery with contrast Bentley emblems, the Apex Edition namestyle on the waistrails, and Apex Edition carbon fibre treadplates. Carbon fibre Apex Edition badges also feature on the exterior D-Pillar. All Apex Edition models feature the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with the inclusion of Touring specification.