A Sporty Revelation in Bentley’s SUV Lineup
2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed marks a bold pivot toward performance without shedding its signature luxury. Replacing its W12 predecessor with a high-output 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8—churning out 650 hp and 850 Nm—claims to be the fastest, most agile Bentayga to date. With a 0–100 kph sprint time of approximately 3.4–3.6 seconds and a top speed of 310 kph, this model blends brawn with refinement.
Aggressive Edge: Design & Engineering
Externally, the Speed trim adopts subtle yet striking modifications:
- Speed badges on doors and treadplates
- Satin dark chrome accents, blackout headlamp internals, and clear tail‑lamp lenses
- 22‑inch wheels standard, with optional 23‑in carbon‑ceramic equivalents
- Red brake calipers and revised bumpers add intensity
Under the skin, the vehicle benefits from 15 % stiffer suspension, rear‑wheel steering, active anti‑roll bars, and an electronic limited‑slip differential—dialing in sharp, responsive handling despite a 2.5‑tonne curb weight (Autocar India).
Opulent Interior: Comfort Meets Speed
Inside the cabin, Bentley preserves its reputation for grandeur while flaunting subtle sporty touches:
- Custom digital driver display, including exclusive Speed presets
- Touchscreen infotainment plus tactile controls
- Optional Alcantara inserts, “Speed” embroidery, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats, plus a panoramic sunroof and powered blinds (LinkedIn, Autocar India)
Despite ditching the EWB version, the cabin feels spacious and indulgent, with top-tier materials and attention to detail—though a few plastics fall short of expectations.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
The new V8 delivers a thrilling leap in driving intensity:
- Launch control ensures explosive starts.
- In Sport mode, throttle response accelerates, gearshifts sharpen, and exhaust roar deepens—especially with the optional titanium Akrapovič system that sheds 12.5 kg and amplifies growl authenticity.
- Forging cornered levels once unseen in a heavy luxury SUV, the Bentayga Speed’s dynamics are surprisingly agile, though still slightly behind hyper-SUV rivals like the Urus SE and Cayenne Turbo S E‑hybrid.
Efficiency & Practicality
Fuel economy isn’t the headline here—in keeping with expectations for a twin‑turbo V8 SUV:
- Official WLTP efficiency figures haven’t been released, but the standard V8 achieves around 7.5 kpl, up from the previous W12’s 7.0 kpl.
- Although thirsty, the Bentayga Speed balances raw velocity with luxury cruise comfort, offering a dual personality.
Tech & Safety Features
Standard tech grade includes:
- 12‑speaker 590 W audio (optional 20‑speaker Naim system)
- Matrix LED headlights, 8 airbags, park assist, onboard Wi‑Fi
- Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and a heads‑up display
- Electronic driver aids like ADAS, rear‑wheel steer, and active suspension—all enhancing everyday usability and high‑speed poise.
Verdict: Plush Performance Perfected
Bentley’s Bentayga Speed successfully bridges the gap between ultra‑luxury and performance SUV niches. It retains limousine-level refinement yet delivers legitimate athleticism and theatrical sound, especially when equipped with the optional sports exhaust. Though it trails in outright power and efficiency compared to plug‑in hybrids, this is undeniably the most dynamically capable Bentayga ever.
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Lightning-quick acceleration (3.4–3.6 s, 0–100 kph)
- High-performance chassis and active tech
- Luxurious space with sporty atmosphere
- Dramatic exhaust note, esp. titanium option
👎 Cons
- No hybrid version—fuel consumption remains high
- Slightly behind rivals in power-to-weight and hybrid efficiency
- A few interior plastics don’t match Bentley’s best
Bentley has crafted a luxurious motorway missile in the 2025 Bentayga Speed—a luxurious barge that surprisingly loves being hustled. If you crave a high-end SUV with genuine sportscar DNA, this is the top-tier Speed that pushes the envelope of what a Bentley SUV can deliver.
