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
New model for 2019.Part of the first Urus generation introduced for 2019.The 2019 Lamborghini Urus comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Ability to share the Lamborghini ethos with up to four passengers Powerful turbocharged V8 engine and responsive powertrain Impressive on- and off-road performance
Cons Large exterior footprint for limited cargo space Absolute disregard for rear visibility Not for the introverted
It was quite possibly the first successful river crossing in a Lamborghini in decades. Not that others haven't tried. Plenty of curious things, we imagine, have happened in Lambo's road cars. And certainly someone forded a river in an LM002, back when the Rambo Lambo was fresh. But this was different. This Lamborghini, the Urus, isn't a devoted exotic. And it isn't a sworn off-roader. It's neither, and yet it's both. We went to Iceland to get familiar with the brand's second-ever SUV and to see if Lamborghini's carbuilding talents extend beyond its glittering wedges of decadent speed.
Pros Enormous spectrum of capability, exclusive blend of German temperament and Italian flair, Lambo quick.
Cons Complex, heavy, Lambo price tag.
