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The most powerful Bentley SUV yet: Bentayga Speed

The new Bentayga Speed is the most powerful and most dynamic Bentley SUV to date. It eclipses even its acclaimed W12-engined predecessor, delivering increased power and performance along with the most dynamic chassis setup ever offered on a Bentayga -- including, for the first time, the ability to generate on-throttle slip angles in Bentley's pinnacle performance SUV.

If you've just come across that lost USB with the password to your secret crypto millions, this could be a good choice for you. The Bentayga is not just about luxury, it's also about power and performance. A Bentayga set the production-SUV record at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

At the Bentayga Speed's heart is a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 hp and 850 Nm of torque. This new powertrain is capable of accelerating Bentley's SUV performance flagship from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 sec and delivers a top speed of 193 mph. These figures surpass those of the Bentayga V8 S (4.4 sec) as well as the 3.9-sec mark set by the previous W12-engined Bentayga Speed. Peak torque is delivered between 2,250 to 4,500 rpm, with the characteristic Bentley "torque plateau" delivering the effortless wave of acceleration that's a constant of Bentley performance. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic.

The full-size SUV also features significant advances in dynamic capability, with an enhanced SPORT chassis mode and a new ESC Dynamic setting that brings maximum driver involvement and the choice between enhanced road-holding or the ability to slide the car on-power. The new chassis setup and powerful engine aim to confirm the Bentayga Speed's position as a new performance pinnacle for the luxury SUV market.

The engine isn't just more powerful than its predecessors; it also has more character. As standard, the Bentayga Speed is fitted with a Sports exhaust system that delivers a rich, powerful engine note. This exhaust can be distinguished externally by two elliptical tailpipes emerging through the rear diffuser. For an even more thrilling soundtrack, the optional Titanium Akrapovic Exhaust accentuates the drama with an aural expression that awaits the merest flex of throttle. This system features quad tailpipes.

Of the three driving modes available to drivers of the new Bentayga Speed, both COMFORT and BENTLEY modes remain unchanged in calibration compared with other Bentayga models to retain exceptional day-to-day and grand-touring competency. SPORT mode, however, is significantly improved, delivering increased steering response, road-holding, and driver connection, and enhanced by a 15% increase in suspension damping stiffness. Enhanced SPORT mode enables the driver to exploit the power of the V8 engine more fully when cornering and to experience the exceptionally agile turn-in capabilities of brake torque vectoring.

For the ultimate in braking capability and driver engagement, optional carbon ceramic brakes allow the selection of electronic stability control (ESC) Dynamic in SPORT mode, which relaxes ESC intervention to permit exhilarating drift angles or power-on oversteer where appropriate. Torque vectoring by brake allows for a sharper turn-in and more power to be put to the road during corner exit, with improved driver confidence going hand in hand with the extra agility. Also included in ESC Dynamic programming is Launch Control, a first for any Bentayga model.

The Bentayga Speed also now includes all-wheel steering. At low and medium speeds, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of agility and reducing the turning circle. The steering feels sharper, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides greater driver confidence. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front to improve stability.

Distinctive exterior features of the new Bentayga Speed include dark tint brightware, bright chrome Speed badges on the leading edge of the front doors, and 22-in. Speed wheels in either dark tint or silver (the latter being a no-cost option). Unique Speed headlamps feature dark tint internals and a dark tint bezel, while tail lamps are grey, again with a dark tint bezel. For the first time in Bentley's history, a 23-in. Speed wheel is optionally available when carbon ceramic brakes are specified, and these come in a choice of grey satin, black, or black and bright machined finishes. Painted calipers in a choice of seven striking colors are also available with standard brakes and when choosing the carbon ceramic brake option.

Another option offered exclusively for the Bentayga Speed is the Speed black roof, which is finished in either gloss or satin, depending on the chosen body finish. The black roof, which includes the lower section of the tailgate spoiler, makes an assertive visual impact.

The interior design of the Bentayga Speed reflects its singular performance focus. Standard features include the Speed-specific driver information display, Speed badging on the passenger fascia and treadplates, and Speed embroidered emblem on the seat uppers.

The familiar Bentley "bullseye" air vents, organ stops, and central air vents can be finished in dark tint as well as the standard chrome. Seat shoulder panels, door inners, and backboard (four-seat models) all feature a new Precision Diamond quilt design. For the upholstery, the Speed color split features a darker secondary hide as the predominant color, relieved by flashes of the main hide color on seat outers, door, and the instrument panel side cheeks.

The new Bentayga Speed should be available in the fourth quarter of this year. Pricing has not been released, but we expect it to start around $225,000+ and quickly climb from there. Learn more at bentleymotors.com/en/models/bentayga.html.

Source: Bentley Motors

Published June 2025

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