Bentley launches V8-powered Bentayga Speed with 641 hp

The SUV is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that is more powerful than its predecessor’s W12 engine.

Bentley Bentayga Speed driving — *The Bentley Bentayga Speed is powered by a twin-turbo V8. – Bentley Motors photo*

Bentley has launched the latest flagship model in its Bentayga SUV lineup, with the latest version dropping a whole bunch of cylinders from its engine but gaining power.

The new Bentley Bentayga Speed is powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 641 hp and 627 lb.-ft. of torque.

Unlike other recent Speed models in the Bentley lineup, the Bentayga doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain.

The automaker points out the SUV is more powerful and more agile than its predecessor, which was powered by a 6-litre W12 engine. Horsepower is up, but torque is down actually. The W12-powered Bentayga Speed had figures of 626 hp and 664 lb.-ft. of torque.

Bentley Bentayga Speed side — *The new Bentley Bentayga Speed is faster and quicker than its predecessor despite having an engine with fewer cylinders. – Bentley Motors photo*

Performance improvements

The new Bentayga Speed can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, compared to the previous model’s 3.9 seconds.

The top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph), compared to 306 km/h (190 mph) for the former W12 model.

The new Bentayga Speed also gets a more dynamic chassis setup.

The new Sport chassis mode and a new dynamic electronic stability control (ESC) give the driver more choice between improved road holding or the ability to power slide.

The new Bentayga Speed gets a sports exhaust system with two elliptical tailpipes that deliver a powerful engine note, the automaker said. There’s also an optional quad-tailpipe Titanium Akrapovic exhaust for buyers who need even an even more expressive exhaust.

Bentley Bentayga Speed rear — *Bentley improved the dynamics of its Bentayga Speed. – Bentley Motors photo*

Dynamics

Besides the above-mentioned Sport mode, drivers can select Comfort and Bentley modes for what the automaker calls day-to-day and grand touring competency.

Switch over to Sport mode, and the steering response, road-holding and driver connection become enhanced with a 15 per cent increase in suspension damping stiffness.

Bentley said the Sport mode relaxes ESC intervention to allow the vehicle to drift or oversteer. Additionally, the vehicle’s torque vectoring by brake improves turn-in and allows more power to be put down at corner exits.

The SUV also gets launch control, which is a first for a Bentayga model.

Buyers can also select carbon ceramic brakes for improved braking performance.

There’s also all-wheel steering, which helps to add to the vehicle’s road manners.

Bentley Bentayga Speed front — *The Bentley Bentayga Speed gets some dark exterior touches. – Bentley Motors photo*

Design

The Speed model gets some unique touches compared to other Bentayga models, including dark tint brightware, bring chrome Speed badges, 22-inch Speed wheels in dark tint or silver, unique headlamps with dark tint internals and a dark tint bezel and grey tail lamps with a dark tint bezel.

When the carbon ceramic brakes are selected, the SUV gains 23-inch wheels, which are available in grey satin, black or black and bright machined finishes.

Brake calipers can be painted in a choice of seven colours.

Interior

Bentley said the Bentayga Speed gets a performance-focused interior with a Speed-specific driver information display, Speed badging and a Speed emblem embroidered on the seat uppers and more.

Seat shoulder panels, door inners and backboard on four-seat models get new precision diamond quilting.

The upholstery gets a Speed colour split with a darker secondary hide as the predominant colour.