Bentley integrates air suspension with all-wheel drive (AWD) systems using adaptive dampers, torque vectoring, and real-time terrain sensors. This synergy adjusts ride height, weight distribution, and power delivery to individual wheels, ensuring maximum grip on diverse surfaces. The system prioritizes stability and responsiveness, enhancing both performance and safety in models like the Bentayga and Continental GT.
What Role Does Torque Vectoring Play in Bentley’s AWD System?
Bentley’s AWD uses torque vectoring via electronically controlled differentials to send power precisely to wheels with the most grip. Combined with air suspension’s load-leveling, this minimizes understeer and oversteer. For example, in icy conditions, the system shifts torque to wheels on dry pavement while the suspension stiffens to reduce body roll, ensuring balanced power application.
Torque vectoring operates through a network of hydraulic clutches and multi-plate differentials that can redirect up to 1,750 Nm of torque between axles in milliseconds. During cornering, the system applies braking force to the inner wheels while channeling extra power to the outer wheels, countering centrifugal force. This coordination with air suspension is particularly evident in the Continental GT: when entering a high-speed turn, the suspension lowers by 15mm to reduce roll, while torque vectoring adjusts the rear axle’s power split by up to 85% to maintain trajectory. Engineers achieve this precision through a dual-path communication system where the suspension control module shares data with the AWD ECU 100 times per second.
| Scenario | Torque Distribution | Suspension Response |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Cornering | 70% Rear, 30% Front | Dampers stiffen by 40% |
| Off-Road Ascent | 50:50 Split | Ride height +45mm |
| Wet Surface Braking | Dynamic Rear Bias | Instant nose-dive compensation |
How Do Bentley’s Terrain Response Modes Enhance AWD Performance?
Bentley offers selectable drive modes (e.g., Snow, Wet Grass, Dirt) that recalibrate air suspension and AWD behavior. In Snow mode, the suspension raises by 15mm, and the AWD prioritizes low-end torque to prevent slippage. Simultaneously, throttle mapping becomes less aggressive, and stability control intervenes earlier, creating a safety net for low-grip scenarios.
The Terrain Response system utilizes 12 ultrasonic sensors and a forward-facing camera to automatically adjust parameters. For instance, in Sand mode, the Bentayga maintains 50:50 torque distribution but allows 20% wheel slip for optimal momentum. The air suspension cycles through three height positions every 2 seconds to “walk” the vehicle out of loose terrain. Bentley’s engineers programmed these modes using data from 1,200 hours of off-road testing across four continents. Customization extends to the Driver Dynamics Panel, where users can manually lock the center differential or limit suspension travel to 25mm increments for specialized challenges like rock crawling.
“Bentley’s integration of air suspension with AWD is a masterclass in chassis dynamics. The secret lies in its predictive algorithms—using GPS and camera data to preload the suspension before encountering potholes or inclines. For example, if the nose lifts under acceleration, the system instantly softens rear dampers to keep all wheels grounded. This isn’t just reactive; it’s anticipatory engineering.” — Automotive Dynamics Engineer
FAQs
- Does Bentley’s air suspension require special maintenance?
- Yes. Air springs may develop leaks over time, and compressors need periodic inspection. Bentley recommends bi-annual checks to ensure seals and sensors function correctly, preventing AWD miscalculations.
- How does the system perform in heavy rain?
- The AWD detects hydroplaning via wheel-speed discrepancies. The suspension stiffens to improve water dispersion, while torque vectoring redirects power to wheels with traction, maintaining control.
- Can I disable traction control for off-roading?
- Partial disable is possible via Bentley’s Off-Road mode, which allows controlled wheel slip in mud/sand. However, core stability systems remain active to prevent rollovers.
- Is the system available in all Bentley models?
- Currently, the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur offer this integration. Base models may lack terrain response but include standard adaptive suspension.