Report: Bentley to Update Bentayga SUV

Volkswagen AG’s Bentley unit is planning a midcycle freshening of the 4-year-old Bentayga SUV/crossover vehicle in 2020, Autocar reports.

Styling updates likely will include a redesigned grille, new bumpers and different headlights to better reflect the luxury marquee’s latest design language, according to the British enthusiast magazine. It says a fully digital instrument panel, next-generation infotainment system and new safety features are under development.

The Bentayga’s top-end 6.0-liter W-12 engine also could be reworked to improve fuel efficiency, Autocar notes. But only minor changes are expected for the 4.0-liter V-8 engine that was added last year.

Separately, Bentley plans to launch a plug-in hybrid variant of the Bentayga this year. The previously announced model, which Autocar says has been delayed slightly, teams an electric motor with a 2.9-liter V-6.

The status of the vehicle’s 4.0-liter V-8 diesel is unclear. Autocar says Bentley may be reconsidering its decision to drop the powertrain in Europe last year. The option has remained available in several other countries, including Australia, Russia and South Africa.