At first glance, the Bentayga X Concept looks like Bentley’s attempt to cash in on the Safari trend. Given the Land Rover Defender Octa has recently launched to widespread critical acclaim, it's a logical move. But Crewe is playing this one more conservatively than the styling might suggest. The X Concept is a feedback exercise – Bentley wants to know whether a properly capable off-road Bentayga deserves to exist before committing, and they've built something to find out.

Based on the Bentayga Speed, the X Concept carries over the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 650PS, permanent four-wheel drive, and ZF8 automatic transmission. The only conspicuous flourish here is an Akrapovic titanium exhaust.

The standard air suspension and 48V active anti-roll system also stay in situ. However, the ride height is up 55mm, track width swells by 120mm, and the wheel arches have moved outboard by 40mm to accommodate forged single-piece 22-inch Brixton rims on large aspect ratio off-road tyres. Bentley claims the X Concept offers 310mm of ground clearance at the belly, and wading depth exceeds 550mm.

The styling is equally pumped up, but treads a line closer to Group B than Dakar. The black and white colour scheme, white alloys and sponsorship decals along the flanks put the X Concept more at home in the special stages of Finland than crawling up Saharan dunes. Up top there's roof-mounted storage – in this case transporting a Bambino go-kart from the FAT Karting League – alongside a quartet of rally spotlights, plus twin towing eyes at the front. No doubt it will all come in handy navigating the narrow, leafy lanes of Cheshire.

Impishness aside, the Bentayga range already splits its efforts across two distinct directions based on where its owner prefers to sit. The Speed chases dynamics and outright pace; the Extended Wheelbase prioritises rear-seat refinement. The X Concept would add a third pillar. Given the Safari cars have garnered a cult following in recent years for their ability to soak up punishment and, lower, more playful dynamic limits, a production version could become the most engaging Bentayga to drive – should it happen.