The 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed has arrived, offering buyers a big step up in performance compared to the old W12-powered version.
Now capable of a stunning 0-100km/h dash of just 3.4 seconds and an incredible 310km/h top speed, the new Bentley Bentayga Speed is half a second quicker than the model it replaces, as well as almost 5km/h faster.
The performance boost is all the more remarkable given the latest Bentayga Speed has dropped its 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, switching instead to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The V8 produces 478kW and 850Nm, which is 11kW more but 90Nm less than the W12.
Helping the V8 outperform its predecessor is the fact the Speed’s kerb weight has dropped by 42kg to 2466kg.
Tailoring the suspension to the new powertrain, the Speed now gets a new Sport mode that is said to increase damper stiffness by 15 per cent, while reducing the stability control’s intervention to allow “exhilarating drift angles” – polite Bentley speak for a drift mode.
Also included for the first time in the new ESC Dynamic mode is a proper Launch Control, optimising those fast starts off the line.
Other agility enhancements include standard rear-wheel steering, while a new quad-pipe Akrapovic full titanium exhaust is said to add both “drama and potency” to the proceedings.
Featuring new Speed badges on its front fenders, the Bentley Bentayga Speed comes with the option of either 22- or 23-inch alloy wheels.
Choose the bigger wheels and buyers can option a set of more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes.
Within, the Bentayga Speed comes with different graphics for its digital instrument screen, Speed badging ahead of the passenger and logos embroidered on the seats that match the new branded kickplates.
The air vents, organ stop pulls and central vents can all now be specified in a dark tinted chrome.
Specific diamond-quilted leather and two-tone hide made to reflect the Speed’s sportier nature are also available.
Built to rival super SUVs like the Aston Martin DBX S, Lamborghini Urus SE and the Range Rover Sport SV, pricing for the 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed has yet to be announced, but it’s thought the newcomer will be priced from around $500,000 plus on-roads costs.