Bentley Motors has officially unveiled the Bentayga X Concept at the renowned FAT Ice Race 2026 in Zell am See, Austria. This striking new concept was developed to explore and gather feedback for a highly focused, off-road capable Bentayga, while concurrently celebrating the dawn of a multi-year brand partnership with lifestyle and motorsport brand, FAT International.
A New Frontier Unveiled on the Ice
The core Bentayga lineage is globally recognized for its breadth of abilities, seamlessly blending incredible performance, refined comfort, and robust off-road capability. While the Bentayga Speed pushes the boundaries of dynamic agility and the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) redefines rear-seat sanctuary, the new Bentayga X Concept delves into the third pillar of the model’s DNA: unlocking an unprecedented, extreme off-road experience.
Engineered for the Ultimate Adventure
Built upon the formidable foundation of the Bentayga Speed, the X Concept is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing a massive 650 PS. This power is expertly managed through an eight-speed transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The sophisticated air suspension is elevated further by Bentley Dynamic Ride, the marque’s pioneering 48V electric active anti-roll control system.
Visually and mechanically, the concept’s stance has been radically transformed. It sits on bespoke, forged single-piece 22-inch wheels crafted by specialists Brixton, wrapped in high-aspect-ratio off-road tires. To ensure absolute stability on unforgiving terrain, the track width has been increased by 120 mm. Furthermore, the ride height has been lifted by 55 mm to maximize suspension travel and ground clearance, necessitating custom wheel arches that extend outboard by 40 mm. These aggressive modifications result in a ground clearance of just under 310 mm and a wading depth exceeding 550 mm.
Functional Aesthetics Meets Unyielding Presence
The exterior design of the Bentayga X Concept prioritizes rugged functionality without compromising Bentley’s signature elegance. Roof-mounted storage and a bank of four powerful spotlights have been integrated to facilitate extended off-road expeditions. Demonstrating its cargo versatility at the event, the concept carried an electric Bambino-size Go-Kart—the same specification used in the FAT Karting League. With these additions, the vehicle’s total height reaches an imposing 2.49 meters.
At the rear, the titanium sports exhaust system by Akrapovic maintains a prominent presence, providing a thrilling acoustic signature, while twin towing eyes at the front signify the vehicle’s readiness for extreme recovery situations.
A Dynamic Partnership and an Exhibition of Heritage
The FAT Ice Race is a premier festival that unites automotive purists, celebrating both the history and the future of car culture. FAT International, a brand with a storied motorsport legacy—highlighted by its 1994 overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Dauer 962 LM—is now revolutionizing grassroots racing through its FAT Karting League and curated lifestyle events.
Bentley’s formidable presence in Zell am See extends beyond the X Concept. The exhibition featured an impressive roster of Bentley’s boldest creations, including Travis Pastrana’s uniquely liveried Supersports (straight from the FULL SEND launch in Dubai) and the newly announced Continental GTC S.
The ice track itself witnessed a spectacular global debut as the Continental GT S, piloted by French racing driver Laura Villars, showcased its dynamic prowess. Meanwhile, automotive broadcaster Chris Harris took the wheel of a Bentayga Speed for the thrilling Skijöring event, towing Norwegian freestyle skier Hedvig Wessel. Rounding off the heritage showcase, Mike Sayer, Head of Bentley’s Heritage Collection, drove the magnificent Speed Six Continuation Series Car Zero by Mulliner.
The Bentayga X Concept represents a daring and exciting vision for the future of luxury exploration. The automotive world will undoubtedly watch closely to see how this bold concept influences Bentley’s future off-road endeavors.
