The Breakdown:
- Bentley has been showing the Bentayga X Concept to dealers.
- Dealers have told the automaker to ‘bring it to market.’
- Bentley’s North American CEO said an off-road SUV would be a ‘supreme offering’ with a limited production.
Earlier this year, Bentley unveiled the Bentayga X Concept, an off-road-focused version of the luxury SUV. The automaker was clear about its intentions, admitting that it designed the concept to gauge interest in an “enhanced off-road capable Bentayga,” and there is at least one group interested in a production version: Bentley’s dealers.
Bentley has been showing the concept to dealers since early January, and according to Mike Rocco, Bentley’s North America CEO, the dealer response has been, “’Yes, we want that car, bring it to market.” Rocco, speaking to Motor1 at the 2026 New York Auto Show, added that such a model would be a “supreme offering,” limited in production like Bentley’s Supersports.
When asked if Bentley could possibly launch such an SUV in the next few years, the executive said, “I would say sooner than that, on the off-road [Bentayga]." And then after that, the automaker will develop something new.
The Bentayga X Concept
The Bentayga X Concept debuted at the end of January, featuring significant off-road upgrades. The SUV had a raised suspension, giving it 12.2 inches of ground clearance and nearly two feet of wading depth. Bentley also widened the track by five inches.
The Bentayga also had extended wheel arches that accommodate the 22-inch white wheels, a color we hope Bentley keeps for the potential production version. Powering the concept was the brand’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 641 horsepower.
It sounds like Bentley is seriously considering putting the X Concept, or a version of it, into production. It wouldn’t be alone in wanting an off-road luxury SUV. BMW, Audi, and even Lincoln are considering similar models to compete with the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which just had its best sales year ever.
Gallery: Bentley Bentayga X Concept
Motor1’s Take: Bentley would be foolish not to turn the concept into a production vehicle. Consumers continue to flock to crossovers and SUVs, and high-performance ones are no different, especially for luxury consumers. The G-Class would not be as popular as it is if people didn't love those types of vehicles.
