Bentley Motors has announced full details of the first diesel model in the British brand’s history – the Bentayga Diesel.

The new model is described as the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury diesel SUV and has an all-new triple-charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine. Developing 429 bhp and 664 lb ft of torque, the Bentayga Diesel hits a top speed of 168 mph and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds).

Bentley says its Crewe-based engineers have developed a V8 powertrain to deliver an authentic Bentley driving experience. Peak torque is available from very early in the rev range (just 1,000 rpm).

New technology gives the Bentayga Diesel the lowest CO₂ emissions of any Bentley, as well as a range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) – allowing owners to drive, for example, from London to Verbier, Bordeaux or the Scottish Highlands on a single tank.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Bentayga Diesel represents a moment of immense significance in Bentley’s history, by giving the world its fastest luxury diesel SUV. Immense power, grand touring capabilities and superb refinement – this is a true Bentley. Only Bentley could produce a car so powerful, yet so refined.”

Variable-geometry, sequential twin-scroll turbochargers are powered by the exhaust gases, while a third electric supercharger – powered by Bentley’s innovative 48V system – spools up within 30 microseconds to eliminate turbo lag. The effect is effortless, seamless power delivery across the entire engine-speed range – the quintessential Bentley driving experience.

The new model has also been made with a number of specific developments to provide peerless refinement. For example, the bespoke exhaust system has been acoustically engineered to be as quiet and refined as possible.

The addition of Selective Catalytic Reduction contributes to lower nitrous oxides.

A V8 Diesel badge is embedded on the lower front door edge, complemented by a new Bentley ‘twin-quad’ exhaust tailpipe design, which provide a further subtle reminder of the new engine specification.

Further distinctive external styling cues include a bold, black matrix grille with chrome surround and central bar, which serves as a signature for the power-train that lies behind.

Customer deliveries will begin in Europe early next year, with entry into Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan planned across the rest of 2017.