Bentley Bentayga Speed facelift unveiled

Bentley has revealed the updated, range-topping Bentayga Speed SUV. The extensive facelift brings the Speed variant in line with the rest of the Bentayga range, featuring new styling, a revamped interior and efficiency-boosting powertrain technology. 

• Powered by a 635hp, 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine

• Will be sold in US, Middle East and Asia-Pacific markets 

• Rivals the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover SVAutobiography

What’s under the skin of the Bentley Bentayga Speed?

The Bentley Bentayga Speed is powered by a 6.0-litre W12 engine producing 635hp and 900Nm. It propels the Speed from 0-100kph in 3.9sec and on to a top speed of 306kph – making it the world’s fastest SUV. Retaining its W12 motor means it won’t be sold in markets like the UK and Europe, with Bentley choosing instead to send it to “regions where demand for 12-cylinder SUVs remains strong”, including the US, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. 

Although the power output remains unchanged, new cylinder-deactivation technology is claimed to bring “significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions” as well as reducing CO2 emissions. The ECU deactivates six cylinders at a time, where possible, and alternates between the two to avoid them cooling down, which would make them less efficient. 

Additionally, the SUV now offers a coasting functionality, which disconnects the engine from the gearbox at cruising speed to minimise fuel consumption. 

Four driving modes are available – Comfort, Sport, Custom and Bentley – tuned to the recommendations of Bentley’s engineers. Sport mode has been recalibrated to improve throttle response and gearshifts, which Bentley says gives “a more dynamic and engaging drive”.

Like the standard Bentayga, the Speed adopts Bentley’s new 48V electronic active roll-control system, which aims to ensure the car corners flat, with maximum contact between the tyres and the road. It works alongside a recalibrated torque-vectoring system to improve responsiveness and turn-in performance. 

A set of optional carbon-ceramic brake discs are the largest Bentley makes, giving 6,000Nm of stopping force and capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 1,000deg C. 

What else is new on the Bentley Bentayga Speed?

The Bentayga Speed’s styling has been tweaked in line with the fresh-faced V8 Bentayga, which is now more obviously related to the Flying Spur and Continental GT courtesy of elliptical light designs, a large ‘matrix’ grille and clamshell bonnet. The Speed is marked out by tinted headlights, dark trim details, a bespoke bodykit, 22-inch wheels and a larger spoiler than the standard car.

An optional Black Specification styling package replaces all chrome trim elements with chrome or carbon-fibre items, including the front splitter, side sills, wheels and rear diffuser.

The cabin is largely identical to that of the standard Bentayga, but features optional Alcantara upholstery, brightly coloured contrasting accents throughout and ‘Speed’ scripts on the seats. 

Elsewhere, the Speed adopts the Bentayga’s new 10.9-inch central touchscreen, upgraded infotainment system, smartphone compatibility and a digital instrument display. An inbuilt sim card means drivers and passengers can access an array of online services without connecting a phone.

Will it come to India?

While Bentley is expected to bring down the standard facelifted Bentayga to India, there is no official word yet from Bentley regarding the Bentayga Speed. Meanwhile, the pre-facelift Bentley Bentayga was sold in India in three variants – W12, V8 and Diesel. In terms of rivals, the Bentley Bentayga Speed competes with other high-power ultra-luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover SVAutobiography. 

Also see:

2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed image gallery

Bentley Bentayga facelift breaks cover

2021 Bentley Bentayga facelift image gallery