Just over a week ago, we wrote about the Genesis X Skorpio, a vehicle with real power, genuine on- and off-road ability, and a striking presence that feels a little like a unicorn. Now, Bentley Motors has unveiled a new concept version of its Bentayga SUV, called the Bentayga X Concept, offering a glimpse into a possible future of more serious off-road capability within the brand’s luxury SUV lineup. Bentley chose the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, as the setting for the vehicle’s debut, timed to coincide with the announcement of a multi-year partnership with event organiser FAT International. Anyone fortunate enough to have visited and driven in the Austrian Alps will recognise it as an ideal backdrop for a vehicle claiming strong on- and off-road credentials, paired with a level of luxury that suits the sublime surroundings.
Bentley described the Bentayga X Concept as a development exercise designed to gather feedback on what a more rugged version of the Bentayga could offer. The concept is derived from the Bentayga Speed, Bentley’s high-performance iteration of the SUV, retaining its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine rated at 650 PS. The drivetrain includes a permanent all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, along with Bentley’s air suspension and 48-volt active anti-roll technology, known as Bentley Dynamic Ride.
While the core mechanical setup remains familiar, the Bentayga X Concept exhibits several notable modifications intended to improve stability and ground clearance in off-pavement settings. Its track width has been increased by 120 millimeters, and the vehicle sits 55 millimeters higher than the standard Bentayga to allow for greater suspension travel. To accommodate enhanced off-road tires, the wheel arches have been repositioned outward by 40 millimeters. These changes, together with sizable off-road tyres mounted on bespoke 22-inch forged wheels created by specialist Brixton, yield a ground clearance nearing 310 millimeters and a wading depth exceeding 550 millimeters.
Externally, the Bentayga X Concept departs from typical luxury-oriented design elements in favor of features that emphasize utility. A functional roof rack system was installed, complete with storage and four auxiliary spotlights intended to support extended off-grid and low-light travel. On the demonstration vehicle exhibited at Zell am See, an electric go-kart of the type used in the FAT Karting League was mounted on the roof to illustrate additional cargo-carrying capability. The overall height of the concept, including roof attachments, measures 2.49 meters. At the rear, a titanium sports exhaust by Akrapovič remains a prominent feature, and twin towing eyes have been added at the front.
Organizers of the FAT Ice Race described their event as a celebration of automotive culture that brings together enthusiasts and participants across a range of disciplines, including racing classes such as skijöring — where vehicles tow skiers on snowy surfaces — and exhibitions of rare and exotic cars. Bentley’s participation in the event marks a strategic alignment with organizers, with plans to showcase vehicles, including the Bentayga X Concept, at future gatherings such as the FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana, and at a 24-hour event at FAT Mankei in Austria later in the year.
Alongside the Bentayga X Concept at Zell am See, Bentley displayed several other models from its current lineup. These included a Supersports example with a livery associated with motorsport personality Travis Pastrana, the newly announced Continental GTC S, and a Continental GT S appearing dynamically on ice in what Bentley described as a global debut. A regular Bentayga Speed and a Speed Six Continuation Series “Car Zero” from Bentley’s Mulliner division were also presented.
Bentley has stressed that the Bentayga X Concept is not intended as a production model, but rather a one-off concept created specifically to gauge interest and gather data that could help shape future product decisions. Whether a more off-road-focused version of the Bentayga ultimately reaches production will depend on the feedback and analysis generated by this debut and any subsequent showcases. With pricing estimated to be close to $400,000, a stock Range Rover may be the more practical choice for buyers who have the silver but not the patience to wait and see whether the Bentayga X ever makes the jump from concept to reality.
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