Bentley has just come out with the newest version of its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). It’s called the Bentayga Speed and it is something. It comes with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 that now produces 626 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. And that is precisely what it needs to propel it to a top speed of 190.1 mph (306 km/h), which makes it the current fastest production SUV you can buy. It beats the Lamborghini Urus that held that title with its top speed of 189.5 mph (305 km/h).
Now I know that it’s only a difference of 0.6 mph but hey it’s a difference nevertheless. What’s more ridiculous is the fact that the title of the fastest SUV has been going back and forth between two companies that are both owned by Volkswagen. Yes, you read that right. Bentley was bought by Volkswagen in 1998 and it’s been theirs since. Lamborghini is owned by Audi, which was also acquired by Volkswagen in 1998.
This makes both Bentley and Lamborghini subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group, which is ironic. Bentley came out the original Bentayga in 2016. Back then, with 188 mph (301 km/h), it became the fastest SUV, until Lamborghini unveiled its Urus in 2018. It does seem that this is a game only Volkswagen is playing.
However, this does not mean that the new Bentayga isn’t anything short of spectacular. Being a Bentley product, the Bentaga promises great levels of luxury along with its incredible performance. Let’s have a look at its specs.
Performance
As mentioned earlier, the Bentayga Speed comes with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 that puts out 626bhp. That power is then sent to an 8-speed automatic transmission which distributes it to all 4 wheels. 0-60 mph happens in just 3.8 seconds, which is slower than that of the more powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s 3.5 seconds. However, due to its inferior aerodynamics, the Trackhawk has a lower top speed of “just” 180 mph.
That is all impressive, however, an SUV isn’t all about on-road performance. It has to be decent off the road as well. Now the category of sporty, compact SUV that the Bentayga falls in, are good for road use but mediocre off-road. However, among them, the Bentayga is the most capable. With an adjustable suspension, you can get up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance, which is pretty decent if you ask me. Pair that with a good set of off-road tires and you’ve got yourselves a fast, capable and comfortable off-roader.
Exterior
The exterior is almost the same the standard 2016 Bentayga. You get the signature Bentley headlights placed on the rounded wheel arches. From the front, it is unmistakably a Bentley. In fact, it even looks like a big brother of the Continental GT. The only difference in the front is the newer front grille. It is now blacked out with a single vertical silver trim running in between.
In the back, its the same story. You get a new rear spoiler that larger than one on the standard Bentayga. We believe it may be functional for high-speed stability though it may just be there for styling. Rest is the same. You still get the huge, oval exhaust tips and the even the rear windshield wiper. You also get various “Speed” badges to further set it apart from the base Bentayga.
Interior
The interior is the same as the regular Bentayga. You get an 8-inch infotainment unit which can be surrounded by Walnut or Carbon Fiber if you please. There are “Speed” logos scattered throughout the interior, my favorite being on the seats, where they are embroidered in the leather. Needless to say, its one of the best car interiors and is definitely a place where you would want yourself to be.
Price
The Bentayga Speed hasn’t gone up for sale yet so the exact price figure isn’t known. It is however predicted that it would start from over $260,000, considering a regular Bentayga starts at around $215,000. Even though this is still really expensive, if you do have to choose between the regular Bentayga and the Speed, go with the Speed. The difference is minimal considering you get the extra Oomph with the Speed and not to mention the bragging rights of owning the fastest SUV!