Top speed at 306kph: New Bentayga Speed claims spot as world’s fastest production SUV

By CARSIFU | 15 February 2019


LONDON: In a ceaseless fight for top dog status, Bentley Motors announced on Thursday the world’s fastest production SUV.

The Bentayga Speed features an enhanced 626bhp version of the renowned 6.0-litre W12 engine. Effortless acceleration is delivered thanks to 900Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to sprint from 0–100kph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is rated at 306kph.

The Bentayga Speed will make its global debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and go on sale later this year.

To match the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts and a striking tailgate spoiler hint at the SUV’s performance credentials. Dark-tint radiator and bumper grilles, a unique 22-inch wheel design available in three finishes and Speed signature badging add to the sporting design cues.

Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com


Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme. This includes elegantly crafted "swooshes" around the door and door grab, on the edge of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console; a new contrast stitching on the diamond quilting; discreet Speed badging; a Speed illuminated treadplate signature; and the use of Alcantara materials for the first time in a Bentayga.

As with all Bentaygas, the all-wheel-drive Speed is equipped with Electronic Differential Lock and up to eight Drive Dynamics modes. Bespoke engineering revisions to the Sport mode provide a more dynamic drive, while a greater exhaust character and firmer suspension tune further increase driver engagement.

Customers can personalise the Bentayga Speed to their own requirements with a range of exclusive options. Among them are carbon ceramic brakes, 22-way adjustable front seats with massage function, carbon fibre fascia panels, Bentley rear-seat entertainment (RSE) and mood lighting.

Uniquely in the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as the suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride. Bentley said the effect is a more dynamic and engaging drive.

Bentayga Speed 22

Bentayga Speed 23


Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that uses a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling.

A greater exhaust character during start up and gear downshifts combines with a firmer suspension set-up to further enhance the driver experience.

The Bentayga Speed’s ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also save more than 20kg over iron brakes.

In Speed form, the Bentayga has body coloured lower bodywork styling, body coloured front and rear bumper splitters and a striking tailgate spoiler. Discreet and elegant Speed signatures adorn the lower edges of both front doors.

The Bentayga Speed also features a body coloured screening panel underneath the lower front grille. Uniquely, the bumper and radiator grilles are a dark-tint matrix.

Bentayga Speed 1 Hero


Another signature feature of the Speed is the dark tint front and rear lamps. This is complemented by a new, 22-inch 10-spoke wheel design that is offered in three finishes – silver, dark tint or black, which is available for the customer who opts for Bentley’s contemporary Black Specification.

Bentayga Speed introduces a new colour split interior, specifically designed to highlight unique styling lines. Key to this is the use of Alcantara trim in a Bentayga for the first time.

Alcantara is a highly tactile cloth that is often the preserve of high-performance cars – it has previously been used by Bentley on models such as the Continental Supersports. According to preference, customers can revert back to leather as a no cost option on the Bentayga Speed.

The Bentayga Speed builds on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007 and pushes the boundaries of Bentayga performance further since claiming the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last year.


Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

Bentayga Speed 21

Bentayga Speed 2 Hero

Bentayga Speed 8

Bentayga Speed 20

Bentayga Speed 18

Bentayga Speed 25

Bentley Bentayga Speed Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com

Bentayga Speed 6

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