Last summer, Bentley stopped producing W12 engines and, accordingly, all cars with such engines. The Bentley Bentayga Speed crossover, which also had a 12-cylinder engine under the hood, was also cut. But now the Speed version is back in service, becoming even more powerful, faster and more extreme. And under the hood it has a V8 biturbo engine without any hybrid add-ons!
For the Bentayga Speed version, the already familiar V8 4.0 twin-turbo engine was tuned to 650 hp and 850 Nm, which is noticeably more than the regular Bentayga (550 hp, 770 Nm). In terms of power, this engine really surpasses the previous giant W12 6.0 (635 hp), but in terms of torque it is still inferior to it: that engine produced 900 Nm already at 1500 rpm, and the new “eight” reaches the maximum 850 Nm only at 2250 rpm. But the new Bentayga Speed is 42 kg lighter than its predecessor (now 2466 kg) and has a more favorable weight distribution between the axles. An eight-speed automatic and permanent all-wheel drive are standard. The acceleration time to 100 km/h has been reduced from 3.9 to 3.4 s, the maximum speed has increased from 306 to 310 km/h. The Speed version has also become much louder than its counterparts thanks to a sports exhaust system with two oval pipes. For those who find this too “quiet babble”, there is a titanium Akrapovic exhaust with four pipes.
The revived Bentley Bentayga Speed crossover has acquired a fully controlled chassis, previously available only for long-wheelbase versions: the rear steering wheels significantly sharpen the steering wheel response. The standard Comfort and Bentley driving modes have been supplemented with a Sport preset. When activated, the suspension becomes 15% stiffer and the steering wheel heavier. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optionally available. The stabilization system now has a separate Dynamic mode, which allows deep skidding. In Dynamic mode, you can also activate full launch control – a first for the Bentayga.
On the outside, the Speed version stands out with darkened headlights and taillights, as well as dark body trim. The obligatory Speed badges are present, and the roof can be painted black. 22-inch wheels are installed as standard, while the brake mechanisms can be painted in one of seven colors to choose from. However, when ordering carbon-ceramic brakes, 23-inch wheels are available in three coating options (gray, black and two-tone).
The Speed version’s interior is decorated with diamond-shaped stitching, which is used on the seats and doors. The special edition emblems are featured on the dashboard, sills and headrests. The interior trim also includes bright and contrasting accents, the color of which is chosen by the customer. You can order decorative inserts with a darkened finish or leave the usual chrome. The instrument display has acquired a special Speed display mode.
The Bentley Bentayga Speed crossovers are now available to order, starting from £219,000. And this is far from the most expensive version in the range, as the long-wheelbase Bentayga Mulliner EWB costs at least £259,000.
