This really is the year of performance orientated luxury SUVs, and this latest incarnation of Bentley’s Bentayga model is poised to be the model to beat.
Building on a long tradition of Speed models which harks back to the Continental GT in 2007, the new Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proved by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.
This new model is based on the completely refreshed design of the new Bentayga, adopting the same Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range. Introducing the very latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin, the new model is significantly revised both inside and out.
The new Speed takes the Bentayga’s extraordinary abilities to new levels, with a 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 626 bhp. Effortless acceleration is always guaranteed thanks to 900 Nm of torque, available as a plateau from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm, and the 0-62 mph sprint is delivered in a mere 3.9 seconds.
To use this power appropriately the Bentayga Speed is equipped with four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort at one extreme, Sport at the other, and with Bentley mode, alongside a Custom mode for customers who opt to create his or her own driving setup. Uniquely for the Speed, the Sport mode was recalibrated to enhance the response from the engine and transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride. The effect is a more dynamic and engaging drive.
To match the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the Speed’s performance credentials. Dark-tint radiator and bumper grilles, a unique 22-inch wheel design available in two finishes (painted and dark tint) and Speed signature badging add to the sporting design cues. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain. Dark-tint taillights complete the Speed exterior signature.
Seventeen standard paint colours are supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges, with an additional 24 duo-tone options. Customers wanting to go beyond these 88 total options can have paintwork colour matched to any sample they provide.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim.
Setting new standards in the sector for customer technology interfaces, this Bentayga introduces a new, cutting-edge infotainment system. A bigger and brighter, high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen, with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and much improved touch functionality, now spans the entire width of the centre fascia for a more contemporary look.
The advanced navigation system features free-text, context-specific search entry, including an address or point of interest. Navigation improves with a three-dimensional building display, satellite maps, content in the driver’s next generation Head-Up Display and several other useful features. The Head-Up Display can now project traffic information, street names and distance to destination too. As well as the usual array of media sources, wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard.
The new Bentayga Speed now has a fully-digital driver’s information panel similar to the Continental GT and new Flying Spur. The display brings a contemporary look to the cockpit, that can be customized to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations.
The latest release of the My Bentley in-car and remote connected car services are available through the New Bentayga. In-car services now delivered through an embedded SIM, as with the latest Continental GT, means online services no longer require a data connection from a customer’s mobile device.
Essential features including real-time traffic information and over-the-air map updates will be available to all customers in Bentley connected car markets.
Remote services are accessible through the My Bentley app and are further improved, including the technology levels and range of features our customers have now come to expect – from ‘find my car’ and ‘lock my car’, through to car status and statistics – including integration with other functions such as the park heater when fitted.
Customers wishing to amplify the sporting look of their Bentayga Speed even further can select the Black Specification. This striking pack replaces all exterior chrome work, bright detailing and some elements of the body with gloss black or carbon fibre versions, for an impactful visual statement.
Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, Adrian Hallmark, said: “The new Bentayga has already raised the benchmark for luxury SUVs, against which all others are measured. Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid – the world’s only definitive luxury hybrid – in the coming months, it’s important that we still recognize the customer desire for absolute performance. The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world, but more that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga – the best of both worlds, the pinnacle.”
