First Look Bentley Bentayga Takes Things to the Extreme

It’s not only one of the most versatile models in the British marque’s line-up, with the addition of the new Speed package, the Bentley Bentayga becomes one of the fastest and most powerful. Here’s a first look on Headlight.News.

It seemed like a big risk when Bentley launched its first SUV a decade ago. Today, the Bentayga has become the British automaker’s single most popular product. So, it would seem appropriate that the big utility vehicle offer the same sort of performance offered by the rest of the line-up.

Buyers will get that option with the upcoming launch of the Bentley Bentayga Speed.

Billed as the “new performance flagship of the Bentayga line-up,” the Speed package gets an upgraded twin-turbo V-8 making 641 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to launch the luxurious SUV from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 193 mph.

What’s new

The new Bentley Bentayga Speed is, according to the automaker, “faster and more agile than the preceding W-12-powered Bentayga Speed.”

It adds

• Optional 23-inch wheels only partially concealing new carbon ceramic brakes;
• A Sport Mode for better high-speed handling;
• Dynamic ESC mode allows the big rig to be drifted through corners;
• Enhanced torque vectoring;
• Launch Mode for the first time on a Bentayga; and
• An optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust.

Powertrain

Until now, Bentley has relied on a 6.0-liter W-12 to push the Bentayga to its performance limits. Violating the traditional mantra that “there’s no replacement for displacement,” the new Speed package downsizes to a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8.

An upgraded version of the engine found in the more mainstream Bentayga, it gains 15 more ponies, at 641 hp, but sacrifices 37 lb-ft of torque, the V-8 rated 627.

Some luxury SUV fans might turn their noses up at those numbers. A number of high-performance SUVs now deliver 700+ horsepower, including not only exotics like the Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus SE, but even the comparatively plebian Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. The Purosangue, to put things into perspective, can hit 60 in 3.2 seconds. It takes the Bentayga Speed an extra 0.2 seconds to get there, according to the Bentley factory’s own numbers.

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Improved handling

The Brits have taken a number of steps to ensure the Bentayga Speed is more than just a straight line sled. To the traditional driver-adjustable mode controls, Bentley adds a new Sport setting that increases steering response and, among other things, boosts suspension damping stiffness by 15%. It also increases the turn-in capabilities of the SUV’s torque vectoring.

With the optional carbon ceramic brakes, Speed adds ESC Dynamic which “relaxes” the electronic stability control system to allow a driver to drift and use power-oversteer.

The system also integrates Launch Control for the first time on a Bentayga. The system helps a driver find the sweet spot while revving up so the Speed model can achieve its fastest 0-60 times.

All-wheel steering is another new feature on the Bentley Bentayga Speed. At low and medium speeds the rear wheels turn slightly to the opposite direction of those up front, making it easier to park or make tight turns. At higher speeds, the wheels all turn in the same direction to improve cornering stability.

Updated design

As with other Bentley Speed models, the Bentayga package gets a number of design tweaks.

That starts with 22-inch Speed wheels in either dark tint or silver, with a 23-inch alternative available for those who go with the optional carbon ceramic brakes. The brakes calipers can be ordered in any of seven different colors.

There are new Speed badges and other brightware, along with an optional Speed black roof finished either in gloss or satin. It integrates the lower section of the tailgate spoiler.

Inside, standard features include a Speed-specific gauge cluster, unique badging and “Speed” embroidered emblems on the seatbacks. There are unique materials, as well, including two-tone seats.

Pricing and availability

Bentley has yet to reveal precise timing for the new Bentayga Speed though we expect it to reach showrooms in the U.S. before year-end.

As for pricing, that number also is yet to follow. The good news is that the UK recently reached a trade agreement with the U.S. which means the performance SUV won’t be subject to any of the Trump import auto tariffs.

That said, while the old W-12-powered Speed started at $267,000 when it was discontinued in 2023, we expect to see some sort of increase on the new package pushing it closer to the $300,000 mark.