Limited-Run Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner Rolls Out With Carbon Wheels

For starters, the rarity. The highlight, on the other hand, comes in the form of carbon-fiber wheels. The 22-inch shoes are joined by carbon-ceramic brakes, a combo that shaves off unsprung mass by 44 kilograms (97 pounds). The weight reduction and superior braking power obviously elevate the driving experience, whereas the carbon body kit and carbon interior garnish add to the visual drama.

Developed in collaboration with Faenza-based Bucci Composites, the 22-inch wheels are stronger and stiffer than your usual alloys or forged wheels. Bentley says that a 22-inch forged aluminum wheel rim can lose a degree of camber due to flexing, therefore leading to reduced grip while cornering.

The carbon-ceramic brakes, meanwhile, result in a weight reduction of more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) over iron discs. Capable of 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) and 6,000 Nm (4,425 pound-feet) of braking torque, said brakes feature carbon-silicon-carbide discs. If the silicon-carbide part made you remember JC's review of the sonorous Porsche Carrera GT, make that two of us.

Jeremy Clarkson's review of the CGT aired on May 30, 2004, which was nearly two decades ago. Feeling old yet? Similar to the 2024 Bentley Bentayga Apex Edition by Mulliner, the V10-powered supercar uses carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide brakes. All told, Zuffenhausen's favorite son produced 1,270 units of the Carrera GT from 2004 to 2006.

Turning our attention back to the ultra-luxury sport utility vehicle, the Mulliner division has prepared six curated themes, beginning with the pictured satin Candy Red with Anthracite and Arctic White stripes, plus Arctic White pinstripes. The interior is dominated by Arctic White and Hotspur hides, whereas Arctic White also frames the carbon-fiber door waistrails and carbon-fiber dashboard fascia.

The most special of themes, however, is exclusive to owners of the Le Mans Edition Continental GT or GTC from 2023. Their specification comprises Verdant Green paint, harking back to the Bentley Speed 8 prototype racer that clocked one overall win, four class wins, one pole, and two fastest laps over no fewer than four events: the 2001, 2002, and 2003 editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the 2003 edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Matched with a Moonbeam Le Mans stripe, the Verdant Green paint is joined by Dinamica fabric seat faces and Beluga hide. The seatbelts and stitching on the seats come in Hotspur, and Hotspur stitching can also be found on the steering wheel.

As expected from the sportiest Bentayga available for model year 2024, Bentley does not offer the V6 plug-in hybrid setup. The Porsche-Audi V8 we all know and love will have to make do, a hot-vee V8 that belts out 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet (770 Nm) at full chatter. To bring the point home, the Apex Edition by Mulliner further sweetens the deal with standard rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll control, and a sports exhaust system.