The Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition is a 20-car Mulliner collection built from the 542 bhp Bentayga S and engineered around lighter carbon wheels, carbon-silicon-carbide brakes, rear-wheel steering, and Bentley Dynamic Ride. Announced in April 2024, it did not gain more engine power than the S; instead, it reduced unsprung mass by 44 kg across the wheel-and-brake package and added a highly specific visual and interior identity. Every car received 22-inch Mulliner carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, a satin-carbon body kit, a painted center livery stripe, Touring Specification, Naim audio, and bespoke Apex Edition details. Six curated color themes were offered, with further one-off co-creation possible, so authentication requires more than recognizing a stripe or badge. This guide covers the exact technical specification, why unsprung mass changes the driving experience, how to protect the unique wheels and brakes, what documentation a genuine car should have, and how collectors should inspect, value, store, and use one of the rarest Bentayga derivatives.
Table of Contents
- Apex Edition Identity and Production
- Technical Package and Verified Data
- Carbon-Wheel and Brake Engineering
- Mulliner Design and Authentication
- Care, Storage, and Responsible Use
- Collector Buying Process and Valuation
Apex Edition Identity and Production
The Apex Edition is a globally limited, 20-example Bentayga created by Mulliner and based on the V8-powered Bentayga S. Its exclusivity comes from the complete factory package and documented commission, not from a separate engine tune or a cosmetic badge alone.
Bentley announced the collection on April 29, 2024. The company described it as the most dynamic-looking and driving Bentayga of the period, combining the S chassis with 22-inch carbon wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 remains at 550 PS, or 542 bhp, and 770 Nm. Official acceleration is 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with a 290 km/h maximum speed.
Production was limited to 20 cars worldwide, but the cars were not required to be identical. Mulliner developed six curated themes using distinct paint, center stripes, pinstripes, cabin color splits, and accent treatments. Customers could use those themes as starting points and work with Mulliner on a one-of-one commission. That means a genuine Apex can depart from press images while retaining the core factory hardware and documented identity.
A separate opportunity was offered to owners of Continental GT or GTC Le Mans Edition cars. They could commission a matching Bentayga Apex Edition in Verdant with a Moonbeam Le Mans-style stripe and a corresponding interior. Such a pairing has additional provenance value, but it does not increase the total global Bentayga Apex production beyond the stated 20-car collection.
The Apex Edition sits above an ordinary Bentayga S in rarity, material content, and collector intent. It should not be confused with a dealer-customized S wearing carbon trim, aftermarket wheels, or a painted stripe. Nor is it related to later high-output hybrid Speed models. Its defining engineering is the combination of the established 542 bhp V8 S platform with a factory-validated lightweight wheel and braking system.
Ownership therefore has two dimensions. It is a usable, very fast luxury SUV with towing and all-road ability, but it is also a numbered, bespoke Mulliner object whose originality can influence value. A replacement wheel, repaint, repaired livery, changed brake system, or missing commission file deserves the same scrutiny that would be applied to a limited-production grand tourer.
Technical Package and Verified Data
The Apex Edition is an internal-combustion V8 model with an eight-speed automatic, permanent all-wheel drive, active anti-roll control, and rear-wheel steering. Its unique performance advantage comes from reduced unsprung mass and stiffer wheel construction rather than added horsepower.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-scroll, twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline |
| Displacement | 3,996 cc |
| Maximum output | 550 PS / 404 kW / 542 bhp |
| Maximum torque | 770 Nm / 568 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.4 seconds |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 180 mph / 290 km/h |
| System | Apex Edition specification | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Wide-ratio touring and rapid multi-gear response |
| Drive | Permanent all-wheel drive | Distributes V8 torque through all four tires |
| Bentley Dynamic Ride | Standard 48-volt active anti-roll control | Resists body roll while preserving air-suspension compliance |
| Rear-wheel steering | Standard | Improves low-speed agility and high-speed stability |
| Sports exhaust | Bentayga S free-flowing system | Provides the edition’s V8 soundtrack |
| Component | Specification | Verified benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 22-inch Mulliner carbon-fiber wheels by Bucci Composites collaboration | 24 kg total saving, or 6 kg per wheel |
| Wheel behavior | Higher stiffness than a forged aluminum comparison | More consistent camber and tire contact under load |
| Brake discs | Carbon-Silicon-Carbide | More than 20 kg lighter than the iron system |
| Maximum stated brake torque | 6,000 Nm | Very high stopping capacity |
| Stated temperature capability | Up to 1,000°C | Resistance to repeated high-energy use |
| Combined unsprung-mass saving | 44 kg | Improves steering response, ride control, and braking response |
| Item | Bentayga S platform figure |
|---|---|
| Body style | Standard-wheelbase five-door luxury SUV |
| Length | Approximately 5,125 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,995 mm |
| Width across mirrors | 2,222 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 liters |
| Maximum braked towing | Up to 3,500 kg with approved equipment, though collector use may differ |
| Area | Included equipment |
|---|---|
| Exterior aero | Satin-carbon front spoiler, rear spoiler, sills, and mirror caps |
| Livery | Painted center stripe over bonnet and roof with curated pinstriping |
| Interior structure | Five-seat Comfort Specification and bespoke color split |
| Cabin surfaces | Satin-carbon fascia, center console, and door waistrails |
| Audio and assistance | Naim for Bentley and Touring Specification |
| Edition identifiers | Seat embroidery, waistrail namestyle, carbon treadplates, and D-pillar badges |
Published dimensions describe the underlying standard-wheelbase platform; commission choices and regional equipment can influence mass and minor measurements. Bentley did not claim a new acceleration figure from the lighter wheels, so the official S performance values remain the correct figures for the Apex Edition.
Carbon-Wheel and Brake Engineering
The Apex Edition’s engineering case is centered on unsprung and rotating mass. Removing 44 kg from wheels and brakes affects how quickly each corner can respond to steering, bumps, and braking forces, even though the vehicle’s headline power remains unchanged.
Unsprung mass includes components not fully supported by the springs, such as wheels, tires, hubs, and much of the brake assembly. A lighter wheel-and-brake package is easier for the damper to control as the road surface rises and falls. It can help the tire maintain contact, reduce the inertia the steering system must redirect, and make braking response feel more immediate. Because wheels rotate as well as move vertically, reducing their mass can be more noticeable than removing the same amount from a fixed cabin component.
Bentley states that the four carbon wheels save 24 kg compared with the relevant forged-aluminum alternative. Their stiffness is also important. The company explained that an aluminum wheel can lose up to one degree of camber through flex at one g of force, whereas the carbon construction provides a more stable platform. More consistent geometry can preserve the contact patch and steering precision during high lateral load.
Impact behavior is different from metal. Bentley describes the carbon weave as opening progressively after a severe impact, allowing gradual pressure loss rather than the sudden deflation associated with some damaged aluminum rims. That statement should not be interpreted as permission to continue using a struck wheel. Any pothole, curb, transport, or tire-fitting incident should trigger a specialist inspection following the approved procedure.
The carbon-silicon-carbide brake discs contribute more than 20 kg of the combined saving. They also provide very high thermal capacity and corrosion resistance compared with conventional iron discs. Their advantage is clearest during repeated high-energy stops, where heat management and fade resistance matter. In ordinary traffic, cold temperature, pad condition, surface contamination, and calibration still influence pedal feel and noise.
These components demand correct service equipment. Tire machines, bead breakers, clamping tools, wheel bolts, torque procedures, and balancing methods must be appropriate for carbon wheels. A careless fitter can damage an irreplaceable or extremely costly rim without obvious external evidence. Owners should use a workshop that has documented experience with the exact Bentley system, not merely with ordinary alloy wheels.
Brake inspection cannot rely on the visual habits used for iron discs. Chips, edge damage, surface condition, thickness or wear indicators, and heat history must be assessed according to Bentley instructions. Do not repaint, machine, or “resurface” carbon-ceramic discs using conventional methods. Replacement should be priced before purchase because a full set can materially affect the economic value of the car.
Tire selection is equally critical. The edition’s steering and load capacity were developed around approved 22-inch tires. Mixing brands, specifications, wear levels, or nonapproved constructions can undo the intended response and create all-wheel-drive rolling-circumference concerns. Record tread depth and pressure frequently, and have alignment checked after any impact.
Mulliner Design and Authentication
A genuine Apex Edition should be authenticated through its VIN-linked Mulliner commission and complete factory equipment. Visual cues support the case, but stripes, badges, carbon parts, and embroidery can be copied or replaced.
The six curated themes demonstrate why photographs alone are insufficient. They included Candy Red satin with Anthracite and Arctic White livery; Anthracite with gloss black and Mandarin accents; Orange Flame with a tonal satin stripe; Alpine Green with orange pinstriping; Pale Brodgar with Bacalar Bronze details; and Extreme Silver with Beluga and Signal Yellow. Mulliner also allowed co-creation, so an authentic car can use a unique palette outside those six examples.
Core exterior content should include the satin-carbon Styling Specification components, carbon D-pillar Apex badges, 22-inch carbon wheels, and the painted stripe over the bonnet and roof. Examine the livery under consistent light. Factory paint should show controlled edges, correct alignment across panels, and documentation for the chosen design. Repaired paint is not automatically unacceptable, but the method, reason, and effect on originality must be disclosed.
Inside, verify satin-carbon fascia, center console and waistrails; Apex Edition namestyle; carbon treadplates; unique seat embroidery; contrast Bentley emblems; the commissioned color split; five-seat Comfort Specification; Naim audio; and Touring Specification. Test all functions rather than treating the content as static decoration. Naim amplifiers, seat motors, assistance sensors, and carbon trim can each be costly.
The provenance file should contain the sales invoice, Mulliner specification, color and trim records, build or handover documentation, service history, campaign completion, and records for any transport or repair work. Retain high-resolution delivery photographs showing the original wheels, stripe, badges, interior, and accessories. For a one-off commission, written confirmation from Bentley or the supplying retailer is especially valuable.
Check component identification where Bentley provides it, but do not depend on a single label. A legitimate replacement part can have later markings, while a forged badge can imitate a visible number. Authentication is strongest when VIN records, physical content, ownership history, service systems, and documentation all agree.
The Le Mans-matching specification requires an additional layer of evidence. Confirm the connection to the qualifying Continental GT or GTC Le Mans Edition order and preserve records showing that the pairing was offered through Mulliner. A similar Verdant-and-stripe appearance created later is not the same provenance story.
Care, Storage, and Responsible Use
The Apex Edition should be maintained as both a high-performance Bentayga and a limited Mulliner commission. Mechanical inactivity, poor storage, careless tire service, and unrecorded cosmetic work can damage it more than thoughtful regular use.
Start with battery and fluid management. The 12-volt battery supports a large network of modules and should be maintained with an approved charger during extended storage. Run and drive the vehicle long enough to reach stable oil and coolant temperatures rather than performing repeated short starts. Follow time-based oil, brake-fluid, filter, and inspection intervals even when mileage is low.
Storage should be dry, ventilated, secure, and free from materials that can trap moisture against tires or brakes. Maintain normal tire pressures and move the car periodically to avoid prolonged loading of one tread area. For very long storage, follow professional guidance on tire support, fuel condition, climate control, and rodent protection. Do not leave the air suspension at an extreme height without a manufacturer-approved reason.
Clean carbon wheels only when cool, using products and tools approved for their finish. Avoid acidic cleaners, aggressive brushes, automatic conveyor contact, and pressure-washer use close to damaged edges or decals. Inspect both wheel faces after every journey on poor roads. Photograph any mark before cleaning or repair so a specialist can assess how it occurred.
Carbon-ceramic brakes can make noises under light use, particularly when cold or contaminated, but a change in vibration, pedal feel, or surface appearance requires inspection. Washing can leave moisture and residue; a careful post-wash drive with gentle braking helps dry the system. Never apply dressings or cleaning products near disc and pad surfaces.
The painted livery and satin carbon need specialist detailing. Polishing a satin stripe or matte finish can create irreversible gloss patches. Paint-protection film may be sensible, but installation should be documented and performed without cutting on the vehicle. Film edges, adhesive condition, and removal history matter during future inspection.
Driving the car is not inherently harmful. Controlled use circulates fluids, exercises seals, charges the battery, and reveals faults. Warm the V8 before high load, cool the vehicle through normal driving after sustained performance, and avoid using public roads to explore braking limits. Track use introduces heat, tire, insurance, and warranty questions that should be resolved in writing before participation.
Service providers should record wheel-removal torque, brake inspection, tire fitting, alignment values, software updates, and every replaced part. Keep original components when practical and legal. A complete chain of care can be as important to future value as low mileage.
Collector Buying Process and Valuation
Buying an Apex Edition requires simultaneous mechanical, cosmetic, and provenance due diligence. The correct car is one whose limited-edition identity is documented, whose unique hardware is intact, and whose condition justifies the premium over a Bentayga S.
Commission a Bentley retailer or recognized marque specialist to verify the VIN and factory build. Independently review the Mulliner file, ownership chain, service invoices, accident records, import status, tax position, and any lien or title concerns. For an international transaction, confirm that the vehicle can be registered and serviced in the destination market before funds move.
A physical inspection should begin with the carbon wheels and brakes because they create the edition’s engineering distinction and a large replacement risk. Remove wheels only under approved conditions. Inspect rims, tires, bolts, disc faces, edges, pads, calipers, hubs, and underbody areas. Ask whether any wheel has been refinished, repaired, dropped, transported separately, or replaced.
Then examine the livery and body. Use paint-depth readings with knowledge of the underlying materials, check stripe alignment, identify protection film, and compare the car with its delivery photographs. A high-quality documented repair may be preferable to original but damaged paint; undisclosed work is the larger concern.
The road test should include a cold start, low-speed steering, broken surfaces, motorway speed, progressive braking, and all drive modes. Listen for wheel-bearing hum, tire resonance, suspension knocks, brake vibration, and trim noise. Rear-wheel steering and Dynamic Ride should work without messages. A full diagnostic scan must cover engine, transmission, chassis, assistance, body, audio, and battery modules.
Valuation should not be reduced to mileage. Theme desirability, one-off specification, paired Le Mans provenance, geographic history, taxes, paint originality, wheel and brake condition, warranty, and completeness all matter. Because only 20 exist, public sale comparables may be sparse and influenced by asking prices rather than completed transactions. Use multiple specialist opinions and insure on an agreed-value basis where available.
Budget for stewardship after purchase. Secure storage, correct insurance, enclosed transport, approved tire service, annual maintenance, paint care, and diagnostic checks are part of ownership. A buyer seeking ordinary Bentayga practicality at the lowest cost should choose an S V8 instead. The Apex premium is justified only when its carbon hardware, Mulliner story, and rarity are valued and preserved.
Finally, create a handover inventory. Record keys, books, charging or battery-maintenance equipment, tools, covers, wheel accessories, certificates, original sales material, and digital files. Photograph the odometer, warning-light self-check, every exterior panel, each wheel, the brakes, badges, trim, and documents at transfer. That baseline protects both the new owner and the history of the car.
Insurance, Transport, and Incident Planning
An ordinary market-value policy may not reflect the cost or scarcity of a 20-car Mulliner edition. Seek an agreed-value policy that identifies the carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, one-off paint or livery, and any paired Le Mans provenance. Clarify mileage limits, approved drivers, storage requirements, track exclusions, transport coverage, and whether a damaged carbon component must be replaced through Bentley rather than repaired by a general contractor. Supply the insurer with the build sheet, valuation, photographs, and security details before a claim is ever needed.
Transport deserves the same planning. Use an enclosed carrier experienced with low-profile tires, active air suspension, carbon aero pieces, and high-value vehicles. Agree on loading mode, tie-down locations, alarm procedure, key control, and condition photographs. Wheel straps or hooks placed incorrectly can mark carbon rims, suspension parts, or painted trim. Record fuel level, mileage, ride height, and any warning messages at collection and delivery.
After even a modest curb or pothole strike, avoid judging the car by the absence of vibration alone. Photograph the impact area, check tire pressure, and arrange inspection of the wheel, tire, alignment, hub, and brake assembly. Carbon structures can require specialist evaluation beyond a surface glance. A documented precautionary inspection protects safety and future provenance, whereas an undocumented repair creates uncertainty that can follow the car for years.
References
- Bentley News 2024 : Bentayga and Mulliner reach new peaks with the Apex Edition 2024
- BENTLEY NEWSROOM : Bentayga S 2026
- BENTAYGA RANGE 2023 (Brochure)
- Bentley News 2025 : Bentley collector takes delivery of bespoke Le Mans Bentayga to complete a unique stable 2025
- Bentley News 2023 : NEW FEATURES FURTHER INCREASE DESIRABILITY OF BENTAYGA RANGE 2023
- Bentley Bentayga | History and Heritage | Bentley Motors 2026
Disclaimer
Limited-production identity, component condition, market legality, warranty, and value must be verified for the individual VIN. Carbon-wheel and carbon-ceramic-brake work requires approved procedures and qualified specialists; this guide is not a workshop manual or valuation certificate. Share it with a collector, insurer, or technician evaluating an Apex Edition so its unique hardware receives appropriate scrutiny.