Bentley has announced the expansion of its Bentayga range to include a third derivative powered by a 4,0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

The petrol-flavoured V8 model joins the existing W12 petrol and V8 diesel variants. Of course, the Volkswagen Group engine is already used in vehicles such as the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.

Dubbed the Bentayga V8, the new model is powered by a 32-valve eight-cylinder unit (linked to all four corners via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission) featuring dual twin-scroll turbochargers located inside the “V” of the engine. Peak outputs come in at 404 kW and 770 N.m (exactly the same as the Cayenne Turbo), resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4,5 seconds (three-tenths quicker than the 320 kW Diesel and four-tenths slower than the 447 kW W12) and a top speed of 290 km/h.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 11,4 L/100 km on the combined cycle, thanks in part to a cylinder deactivation function (four of the eight shut down “in suitable conditions, without compromising the drive”).

The Crewe-based automaker says the new model features a “characteristic V8 burble”, and brings the option of carbon-ceramic brakes to the range for the first time (the discs measure 440 mm in diameter up front and 370 mm at the rear).

The model is visually set apart from its siblings thanks to its unique twin-quad exhaust pipes, red brake callipers up front (if you don’t go for the optional carbon-ceramics, that is), a black and chrome grille and fresh alloy wheel designs (measuring up to 22 inches in diameter).

Inside, a new wood-and-hide-trimmed steering wheel can be specified in the Bentayga V8, along with something Bentley calls “Cricket Ball leather”. Multi-mode air suspension and 48V electric active roll control technology come standard.