Bentley retired its unusual W12 engine last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from making incredibly powerful and fast vehicles. Just look at the new Bentayga Speed. Even though it’s down two cylinders compared to the outgoing Speed model, it’s both more powerful and faster.
According to Bentley, “The Bentayga Speed’s new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivers exceptional performance, with peak power of 650 PS/641 bhp/478 kW and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. These figures comprehensively surpass those of the Bentayga V8 S (4.4 seconds) as well as the 3.9 second mark set by the previous W12-engined Bentayga Speed. Peak torque of 850 Nm (627 lb.ft) is delivered between 2,250-4,500 rpm.” Flat out, the Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 193 mph (310 kph).
Bentley couples that enhanced engine with a standard sports exhaust system with either a pair of elliptical exhaust finishers or an optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust that ends in quad outlets. Torque vectoring, tweaks to the Sport drive mode, and a 15-percent stiffer suspension add up to sharper steering and better handling, which is further enhanced by all-wheel steering that turns the wheels in the same direction at low and medium speeds and turns them opposite directions at high speeds for better stability. Opting for carbon ceramic brakes unlocks a Dynamic (a.k.a. less intrusive) setting for the stability control in Sport mode, which allows for throttle-on slip angles or oversteer. Another bonus? Launch Control—a first for the Bentayga.
The new Bentayga Speed’s more obvious distinguishing characteristics are its dark-tinted headlamp internals and brightware, chrome Speed badging, and gray taillights with darkened bezels. Twenty-two-inch Speed wheels (in either silver or dark tint) are standard; selecting the carbon ceramic brakes also opens up the option of 23-inch wheels in a variety of finishes. A gloss or satin black roof is available, depending on the color of the body.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed gets a unique driver information display, special badging, Speed embroidery on the seats, and new Precision Diamond quilting. Chrome is the standard finish for the air vents and organ stops but, like the exterior trim, those can also be covered in dark tint.
Yes, the new Bentley Bentayga is more powerful than it’s ever been, but the question is: How will it fare against the 717-horsepower Aston Martin DBX S?