BENTAYGA X
Bentley Unleashed
Image © BENTLEY
Bentley has dropped a tantalising teaser for the ultimate go-anywhere Bentayga with the debut of the Bentayga X Concept at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. Unveiled on 30 January 2026, this rugged evolution of the marque’s flagship SUV explores a bold off-road-focused future while kicking off a multi-year partnership with FAT International, the creative force behind the festival-like ice racing event.
Built on the fire-breathing Bentayga Speed platform, the X Concept retains the potent 480 kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, permanent four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, air suspension and Bentley’s clever 48V Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system. Yet the real drama lies in its purposeful transformations. The concept features a 120 mm wider track, 55 mm extra ride height, ground clearance of nearly 310 mm, wading depth of more than 550 mm, and flared wheel arches pushed outboard by 40 mm.
Rolling on striking forged one-piece 22” wheels shod with high-aspect-ratio off-road tyres, the concept trades urban polish for expedition-ready presence. Functional additions include roof-mounted storage and four powerful spotlights for nocturnal adventures. It also retains the Akrapovič titanium sports exhaust for that signature aural drama.
Don’t expect to see this concept in a showroom soon. For now the Bentayga X serves only as a feedback-gathering study to amplify the model’s already impressive off-road credentials.
Further FAT appearances are slated for Big Sky, Montana, and a 24-hour takeover at FAT Mankei later in 2026. And who knows, If customer response ignites, the Bentayga X could well become the Crewe-built SUV conqueror that makes explorers dream.
JAGUAR ELECTRIC GT
Emerging from the Arctic Ice
Image © JAGUAR
Jaguar is forging ahead with its bold reinvention, putting prototypes of its forthcoming all-electric luxury four-door GT through punishing winter trials in the Arctic Circle. With testing centred near Arjeplog, Sweden, these camouflaged mules are braving temperatures plunging to -40 °C on frozen lakes, fine-tuning systems to ensure the car remains composed and comfortable in weather conditions that challenge electric vehicles.
This marks the latest phase in Jaguar’s most exhaustive development programme to date. 150 prototypes are racking up hundreds of thousands of kilometres across scorching deserts, sub-zero extremes, and cutting-edge virtual rigs. The goal? To birth the most technically advanced and powerful production Jaguar ever, a true grand tourer that channels instinctive Jaguar dynamics while embracing electrification.
At its heart lies a formidable tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering more than 735 kW, making this GT the most potent Jaguar road car in history. In addition, this grand tourer features state-of-the art suspension technology, including all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension, and active twin-valve dampers. Riding on 23” wheels, Intelligent Torque Vectoring ensures unflappable poise, even on the most demanding surfaces..
A standout innovation is Jaguar’s thermal management, called ThermAssist, which helps to reduce heating energy use by up to 40%, while recovering warmth for the battery or cabin even at -10 °C.
Matt Becker, Jaguar’s Vehicle Engineering Director, captures the essence: “Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different. It marks a step-change in our technical ambitions. Innovative in-house electric propulsion technologies combine with the car’s unique proportions and low centre of gravity for a luxurious grand tourer that drives like a true Jaguar.”
Set for a world premiere later in 2026, Jaguar’s electric GT hints at luxury performance with effortless power and unflinching all-weather mastery.
VOLVO x GOOGLE GEMINI AI
In Conversation with the New Volvo EX60
Image © VOLVO
In the evolving landscape of electric mobility, Volvo’s all-new all-electric EX60 stands out as a landmark in human-centric design. Revealed on 21 January 2026, this sophisticated vehicle marks the debut of Google’s Gemini AI assistant in a Volvo production car, transforming the driving experience from mere voice commands to genuine, flowing conversations.
Gemini empowers drivers to speak naturally, without rigid phrases or screen glances as the car can now handle complex requests effortlessly. You can now retrieve a hotel address from your email, verify if a recent purchase fits the boot, or request a scenic road trip itinerary, to give just a few simple examples. This integration of car and driver, developed over nearly a decade of Volvo-Google collaboration, keeps the driver’s eyes on the road, thus enhancing safety and reducing distraction in an era where connectivity is paramount.
Underpinning Gemini’s prowess is HuginCore, Volvo’s pioneering software-defined core system. Named after a mythical Norse raven that sees and thinks, HuginCore fuses in-house electrical architecture with elite hardware from NVIDIA (DRIVE AGX Orin for accelerated computing), Qualcomm (Snapdragon platforms for cockpit and connectivity), and Google. The result? Over 250 trillion operations per second, delivering lag-free infotainment, instant map rendering, and an evolving AI that learns from every kilometre as it draws on global fleet data to refine responses and anticipate needs.
Gemini evolves via over-the-air updates, growing smarter alongside the EX60, and the driver. Future enhancements promise even deeper integration, such as visual context from the car’s cameras to interpret surroundings in real time. Think of this as having an AI tour guide in the car at all times.
As Volvo’s most intelligent model yet, the EX60 transforms driving into an intuitive, reassuring, and profoundly engaging experience. Welcome to the era of driving with a thoughtful companion that anticipates, adapts, and elevates every journey.
