Replacing Volkswagen Group stablemate Lamborghini’s Urus for the latter crown, the new Bentayga Speed retains the standard model’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, but revised to lift power from 447kW to 467kW with torque remaining unchanged at 900Nm.
Teamed to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, itself recalibrated for faster shifts, as well as a fettled Sport mode, improved exhaust and the new Bentley Dynamic Ride suspension that uses a 48-volt electrical system to offer less roll and better dynamics, the Speed will complete the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 3.9 seconds, 0.4 seconds slower than the Urus, and reach a top speed of 306km/h, a scant one kilometre-per-hour faster than its MLB Evo underpinned sibling. Providing better stopping power, buyers can also specify carbon ceramic brakes from the options list.
Aesthetically, the Speed differentiates itself from the W12 in that it rides as standard on model specific 10-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels available in three finishes, black, dark tint and silver, comes with body colour matching front and rear bumpers, Speed badging at the base of the front doors and a dark tint finish on the grille, bumper vents, headlights, boot spoiler, taillights and boot spoiler. A carbon fibre finish is optional.
In a first for the Bentayga, the Speed ushers-in the use of Alcantara in a split colour finish, though buyers can revert to a traditional black leather finish at no additional cost. Unique to the Speed are diamond quilted seats, illuminated Speed branded scuffplates, a metal finished Speed badge on the passenger side and the added option of having the Bentley wings logo embroidered on the front headrests.
The Speed is set to make its public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next month with sales commencing soon after.
