Based on the BMW X7 SUV,Turbocharged V8 makes 612 horsepower.Retuned suspension.
PROS Thundering acceleration Impressive array of advanced driver aids Exclusivity of the Alpina badge
CONS Not enough differentiation from the BMW X7 Interior is cluttered with buttons Ride quality can suffer on less than perfect roads
The Alpina XB7 is as fast as it is luxurious and as practical as it is well equipped. The trouble is the same is true of the closely related BMW X7 M50i, which is significantly cheaper.
PROS Hugely fast Very spacious and practical Outstanding infotainment system
CONS Too similar to an X7 M50i Much more expensive than the M50i A lot of road noise
PROS Big, refined power; understated design; Decent ride comfort, even on big wheels.
CONS Awfully big and thirsty, unsettling stability-control interventions, priced for exclusivity.
Entry level" is a relative term deep into the luxury universe where the Bentley Bentayga lives. Yet, with a starting price that's $64,100 lower and a 542-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 in place of the ultra-luxe SUV's optional 600-hp W-12 engine, that's exactly what the new-for-2019 Bentayga V8 is. (Don't worry, you can still spend crazy money on a Bentayga V8, as demonstrated by our example's $243,325 as-tested price, which included $75,600 in optional equipment.) No matter its engine, the Bentayga's mission remains the same: fending off the likes of Maserati's Levante, upper-level Range Rovers, and Rolls-Royce's Cullinan as well as upcoming pricey SUV competitors from Ferrari, Mercedes-Maybach, and others. Obviously, we were curious how much slower the Bentayga V8 might be relative to its 12-cylinder sibling. It turns out that it's barely slower at all. Even with 76 fewer horsepower and four fewer cylinders, the Bentayga V8 matched the 3.6-second zero-to-60-mph time of one of the two 12-cylinder models we've tested. A different 12-cylinder Bentayga accelerated to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Accelerating beyond 60 mph, the Bentayga V8 starts to cede ground to the more powerful W-12 model, which can reach 100 mph far more quickly. But given how rarely owners are likely to find themselves racing other Bentaygas at triple-digit speeds, we think the V-8 model's quickness up to and around highway speeds is laudable.
A new V8 variant joins the Bentayga lineup for 2019.The 2019 Bentley Bentayga comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Incredible luxury and craftsmanship Powerful engine and quick acceleration Legitimate off-road capability Optional seating for up to seven
Cons Base trim lacks a few key features, especially for the price Limited rear-seat and cargo room
