Bentayga Speed – Bentley’s most powerful SUV

Bentley has added a new Bentayga Speed which takes the position of flagship of the SUV range. The credentials which make it the top Bentayga are that it is the most powerful Bentley SUV yet, with engine output and performance exceeding that of the W12-engined predecessor.

At its heart of the new Bentayga Speed is a new twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine that produces 650 ps/850 Nm and can send the SUV from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 310 km/h.

The new Bentayga Speed also features significant advances in dynamic capability – with an enhanced SPORT chassis mode and a new ESC Dynamic setting that brings maximum driver involvement and the choice between enhanced road-holding or the ability to slide the car on-power.

However, the engine isn’t just more powerful than its predecessors – it’s also more characterful. As standard, the Bentayga Speed is fitted with a Sports exhaust system, which delivers a rich, powerful engine note that complements the eager character of the powerful V8 and promotes a deep sense of driver engagement. This exhaust can be distinguished externally by two elliptical tailpipes emerging through the rear diffuser.

For an even more emotive soundtrack, customers can choose the optional Titanium Akrapovic Exhaust which accentuates the power, drama and potency of the V8, with its aural expression of the performance that awaits at the merest flex of the throttle. This system features quad tailpipes.

Enhanced dynamic capabilities
Of the 3 driving modes available to drivers, both COMFORT and BENTLEY modes remain unchanged in calibration compared with other Bentayga models. SPORT mode, however, is significantly enhanced, delivering increased steering response, complemented by a 15% increase in suspension damping stiffness.

Enhanced SPORT mode enables the driver to exploit the power of the V8 engine more fully when cornering and to experience the exceptionally agile turn-in capabilities of brake torque vectoring.

For the ultimate in braking capability and driver engagement, optional carbon ceramic brakes allow the selection of ESC Dynamic in SPORT mode, which relaxes ESC intervention to permit more dramatic drift angles or power-on oversteer where appropriate.

Torque vectoring by brake allows for a sharper turn-in, and more power to be put to the road during corner exit – with improved driver confidence going hand-in-hand with the extra agility. Also included in ESC Dynamic programming is Launch Control, a first for any Bentayga model.

The Bentayga Speed now includes all-wheel steering. At low and medium speeds, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of agility and reducing the turning circle. The steering feels sharper, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides greater driver confidence. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability.

Powerful design statement
Distinctive exterior features of the new model include dark tint brightware, bright chrome Speed badges on the leading edge of the front doors, and 22-inch Speed wheels in either dark tint or silver. Unique Speed headlamps feature dark tint internals and a dark tint bezel, while tail lamps are grey, again with a dark tint bezel.

For the first time in Bentley’s history, a 23”-inch Speed wheel is optionally available when carbon ceramic brakes are specified, and these come in a choice of grey satin, black or black and bright machined finishes. Painted calipers in a choice of 7 striking colours are also available standard brakes and when choosing the carbon ceramic brake option.

Another option offered exclusively for the Bentayga Speed is the Speed black roof, which is finished in either gloss or satin, depending on the chosen body finish. The black roof, which includes the lower section of the tailgate spoiler, makes a powerful visual impact.

Performance-focused interior
The interior design of the Bentayga Speed reflects its singular performance focus. Standard features include the Speed-specific driver information display, Speed badging to the passenger fascia and treadplates, and Speed embroidered emblem on the seat uppers.

The familiar Bentley ‘bullseye’ air vents, organ stops, and central air vents can be finished in dark tint as well as the standard chrome. Seat shoulder panels, door inners and backboard all feature a new Precision Diamond quilt design. For the upholstery, the Speed colour split features a darker secondary hide as the predominant colour, relieved by flashes of the main hide colour on seat outers, door and the instrument panel side cheeks.

Only Bentley Bentayga Umbra in SE Asia is for Malaysia