LONDON: Bentley presented yesterday the new Bentayga Speed, its most potent SUV yet, outperforming its W12-engined predecessor by offering enhanced power, handling and dynamic capability.
It is fitted with a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that generates 650 PS/641hp and 850Nm of torque.
The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 310kph. Peak torque is available between 2,250rpm and 4,500rpm, delivering a broad “torque plateau” that ensures smooth and effortless acceleration at all times.
Standard equipment includes a Sports exhaust system that produces a rich and resonant engine note, identifiable externally by two elliptical tailpipes integrated into the rear diffuser.
For those wishing for a more dramatic aural presence, Bentley offers an optional Titanium Akrapovic exhaust, which features four tailpipes and accentuates the V8’s sound further.
The Bentayga Speed’s chassis and handling have also been significantly enhanced. Three driving modes remain available: Comfort and Bentley modes retain their existing calibrations to ensure refined day-to-day and grand touring performance. Sport mode has been tuned with a 15 percent increase in suspension damping stiffness, sharper steering response and improved roadholding.
Brake torque vectoring further refines turn-in agility, allowing the driver to exploit the V8’s power fully when cornering.
Optional carbon-ceramic brakes unlock an ESC Dynamic setting within Sport mode.
This setting relaxes electronic stability control interventions, permitting controlled oversteer or on-throttle slip angles where desired.
ESC Dynamic also introduces Launch Control for the first time in any Bentayga model, providing optimised traction for rapid starts.
All-wheel steering is now standard: at low to medium speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning circle and enhance agility; at higher speeds, they steer in concert to improve straight-line stability and driver confidence.
Exterior additions specific to the Bentayga Speed include dark-tinted brightware, chrome Speed badges on the front doors and 22-inch Speed wheels in either dark tint or silver finishes.
Customers who select the carbon-ceramic brake option can opt for optional 23-inch Speed wheels, available in grey satin, black or a black-and-bright-machined finish.
Painted brake calipers can be specified in one of seven colours, and buyers may choose the exclusive Speed black roof—available in gloss or satin—which extends to the lower section of the tailgate spoiler, making a distinctive visual statement.
Inside, the cabin emphasises the model’s performance credentials. A Speed-specific driver information display appears on the instrument cluster, while Speed badging is present on the passenger-facing fascia and door treadplates.
Seats feature an embroidered Speed emblem on the uppers, and the familiar Bentley “bullseye” air vents, organ stop controls and central vents can be finished in dark tint rather than standard chrome.
New Precision Diamond quilted patterns adorn seat shoulder panels, door inner panels and rear backboards in four-seat configurations. The upholstery follows a two-tone scheme, with a darker secondary hide forming the predominant surface and flashes of contrasting main-hide colour on seat outers, door panels and the sides of the instrument panel.
With its new high-powered V8 engine, enhanced Sport-mode calibrations, ESC Dynamic capability and all-wheel steering, the Bentayga Speed sets a new benchmark in luxury SUV performance.
Comprising elevated power and agility without compromising Bentley’s signature refinement and comfort, the new model redefines expectations of what a high-performance luxury SUV can deliver.
