Bentley Motors has released details of “the pinnacle of the Bentayga family” – the new Bentayga Speed. Hand-built at Crewe, the Bentayga Speed combines the W12 powertrain and many of the model’s luxurious features as standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.
The new Bentayga Speed builds on the refreshed design of the new Bentayga, adopting the same Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range. Introducing the latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin, the new model is significantly revised both inside and out.
Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, said: “The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world, but more than that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga – the best of both worlds, the pinnacle.”
The new Bentayga Speed’s 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine delivers peak power of 635 PS (626 bhp). Effortless acceleration is always guaranteed thanks to 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, available as a plateau from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Maximum speed has increased to 306 kmph, while the 0-100 kmph sprint is delivered in 3.9 seconds. The assembly of the W12 powertrain takes the skilled engine builders approximately ten per cent of the total hours required for the manufacture of the Bentayga Speed.
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 – the balanced recommendation of Bentley’s chassis team in Crewe – alongside a Custom mode for customers who opt to create their own driving set-up.
The Sport mode – Unique to the Speed – has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride. The effect is a more dynamic and engaging drive.
Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling.
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 tail lamps complete the Speed exterior signature.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance in an unrivalled way. 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. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.
The Speed colour split also introduces Alcantara to the cabin of the Bentayga, across the seat cushions and backrest centre panels, gear lever, steering wheel, lower knee trim areas, upper pillar trim and headliner.
Setting new standards in the sector for customer technology interfaces, the new 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 is improved 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 as well.
As well as the usual array of media sources, wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard (in addition to the previous standard wired system), along with Android Auto. With a corresponding phone plugged into one of the car’s USB-C sockets, the central infotainment screen mirrors the smartphone display.
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, can be customised to the driver’s requirements and features real-time lighting effects with elegant animations.
Customers wishing to amplify the sporting look of their Bentayga Speed even further can select the Black Specification. This 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. The front bumper splitter and the side sills are recreated by hand in carbon fibre, while the rear bumper diffuser becomes gloss black.
The multi-award-winning Bentayga set the luxury SUV benchmark when it was launched in 2015, offering customers the ultimate Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions.
The Bentayga Speed is the most powerful and performance-orientated Bentayga to date, defining its position as the pinnacle of the range. Bentayga Speed will be offered for sale in those regions where demand for 12-cylinder SUVs remains strong – the USA, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions.
