Bentley has announced details of the new Bentayga S, bringing extra sporting agility to the luxury SUV.

Priced from NZ$423,000 plus options, Bentley NZ says the first deliveries are expected here from April 2022.

With striking design cues and unique detailing, the Bentayga S joins the Speed, hybrid and V8 models after the SUV was launched in 2016.

The Bentayga S was created after feedback from a huge number of customers that enjoy the dynamic performance of their Bentayga on-road, according to Bentley.

Building on Bentley’s established ‘S’ brand, the new enhanced sports Bentayga provides an even more engaging drive, with Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control fitted as standard and an enhanced Sports chassis mode. A 15 percent increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a platform for a more dynamic SPORT mode ESC tune.

Bentayga S also features a revised visual presence through the distinctive addition of black details, and a more sporting soundtrack courtesy of a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust – both of which increase the Bentayga’s already imposing presence on the road.

The Bentayga S is distinguished by a range of distinctive exterior features, including new unique 22in wheels with three finishes, innovative ‘S’ badges positioned on the lower edge of the front doors, and Blackline Specification as standard. The profile has increased presence due to the larger rear spoiler, gloss black side sills and lower bumpers, front and rear. Dark tint lenses to head lamps and tail lamps, black door mirrors and black split oval tailpipes complete the striking exterior.

Inside a luxuriously refined cabin, a unique Bentayga S style can be found using new seats, unique stitching, a new colour split and Alcantara to reflect the striking exterior and increased dynamic ability.

Colour accents on the instrument panel, centre console, door pads and seat bolsters as well as Alcantara to seat cushion and back inserts, steering wheel and gear lever, give the Bentayga S a bold and contemporary style. ‘S’ badges can be found on the passenger fascia as well as new graphics in the driver’s instrument panel and illuminated treadplates, denoting the model.

The Bentayga S features Bentley’s renowned 4-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged V8 petrol engine, combining immense power with impressive fuel economy. The latest-generation engine develops 404kW of power and 770 Nm of torque, with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.

Deploying the power as effectively as possible, Bentley Dynamic Ride is fitted as standard and was the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. The system can react within 0.3s with up to 1300 Nm of torque to counteract lateral rolling forces when cornering, ensuring maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling.

Similar to the recently launched Continental GT Speed, where the boundaries of grand touring comfort versus engaging performance have been extended through chassis mode selection, the Bentayga S now offers increased capability through an enhanced SPORT mode over a standard Bentayga.