New Bentley Bentayga Speed: 4 Cylinders Less, 15 HP More, and a Drift Mode

Bentley has introduced an updated version of the Bentayga Speed crossover: the 6.0-liter W12, discontinued last year, has been replaced by a 4.0-liter V8, but Bentley has made every effort to ensure that its clients do not feel the loss of cylinders and displacement.

Bentley has "killed" the legendary 6.0-liter W12 for environmental reasons, greatly upsetting many clients — last year, Bentley's global sales dropped by 21.5% to 10,600 vehicles. The update of the most driver-oriented Speed version is linked to the departure of the W12 and its replacement by the Volkswagen-wide 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine — it appeared in younger versions of the Bentayga back in 2018, and now in a boosted form, is also used by the Speed version.

As reported by the Auto30 editorial office, the V8 engine in the Bentayga Speed produces 650 hp and 850 Nm, while the W12 in the Speed version produced 635 hp and 900 Nm. Since the new engine is lighter than its predecessor, the acceleration time to 100 km/h has decreased from 3.9 to 3.4 seconds, the top speed has increased from 306 to 310 km/h, and the curb weight is now less than 3.5 tons, specifically at 2470 kg. Those who find the standard exhaust note lacking in nobility can order a titanium system from Akrapovic instead of the standard sports exhaust system — it "sings" better and has four exhaust pipes instead of two.

The Bentayga Speed's suspension has been retuned; in Sport mode, it is 15% stiffer. All-wheel steering is included as standard equipment, while carbon-ceramic brakes are offered as an extra, and they come with 23-inch wheels instead of the standard 22-inch ones. The new Dynamic ESC driving mode allows the heavy crossover to slide and drift elegantly in parking lots — maneuvers like these are evidently intended to attract new customers to the Bentley brand.

Distinctive visual features of the Speed version, aside from the namesake badges outside and inside the bodywork, include black gloss trim instead of chrome and colored brake calipers (seven paint options are available), with a black roof offered as an option. The interior upholstery of the Speed version includes a special Precision Diamond pattern, formed by stitching on the leather.

Orders for the updated Bentley Bentayga Speed are already being accepted: in the UK, this crossover is priced from £219,000, and in Germany, from €268,800, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of this year.