On the pitch, a split second creates an opening. On the track, a split second can transform a lap. Success is built on the accumulation of small gains, earned through precision, consistency and confidence.
At Dunsfold, Cody Gakpo traded instinct on the football pitch for instinct behind the wheel. Guided by Bentley's performance driving experts and harnessing the performance of the Bentayga Speed, every lap became a lesson in precision, confidence and control.
The stopwatch reflected that progress. But the numbers only told part of the story.
The real reward came from finding a rhythm, building confidence, and discovering the satisfaction that comes when driver and machine begin to work as one. With every lap, another lesson emerged. With every lap, the pace increased. Because elite performance is never defined by a single moment. It's the result of countless refinements, each one bringing you closer to what's possible.
he real reward came from finding a rhythm and strengthening the connection between driver and machine. Because elite performance is shaped by the pursuit of improvement.
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In this review we take a closer look at the new 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed to find out whether a luxury SUV can still deliver serious performance. We drive it on real roads to test acceleration, handling and everyday usability, while also exploring what makes the Speed badge different from the standard Bentayga.
Inside, we examine the interior design, materials and technology to see how Bentley balances craftsmanship with modern luxury. Comfort, refinement and practicality are all put to the test, along with the question every fast Bentley has to answer. Can something this large still feel genuinely exciting to drive?
A big part of that experience comes from the optional Akrapovič exhaust system, and we spend time listening to how it changes the character of the Bentayga Speed, from relaxed cruising to full performance mode. If you are considering a high performance luxury SUV, or simply want to know how the fastest Bentayga fits into Bentley’s modern lineup, this review covers everything you need to know.
The Bentley Bentayga for 2026 introduces a high-performance Speed variant featuring a twin-turbo V8 that replaces the discontinued W12 engine, alongside standard V8 and plug-in hybrid options. Pricing starts at approximately CA$325,100 ($310,000–$342,000 USD base range) and reaches upwards of CA$547,026 for heavily optioned Speed builds.
Engine PerformanceBentayga Speed V8: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 641 hp (650 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h).Standard Hybrid Trims: Base/S V8 models make 542 hp, while the hybrid pairs a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for 456 hp and 25 miles of EV range.Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard across the lineup.Key Features; UpdatesHandling: Standard all-wheel steering and a revised Sport mode that stiffens suspension damping by 15 percent.Design: Dark-tinted head and taillights, exclusive Speed badging, Precision Diamond quilted interior stitching, and 22-inch or optional 23-inch wheels.Options: Available carbon-ceramic brakes and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.Engine PerformanceBentayga Speed V8:
4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 641 hp (650 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h).
Standard Hybrid Trims: Base/S V8 models make 542 hp, while the hybrid pairs a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for 456 hp and 25 miles of EV range.
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard across the lineup.
Key Features Updates Handling: Standard all-wheel steering and a revised Sport mode that stiffens suspension damping by 15 percent.
Design: Dark-tinted head and taillights, exclusive Speed badging, Precision Diamond quilted interior stitching, and 22-inch or optional 23-inch wheels.Options: Available carbon-ceramic brakes and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.
If you'd like to proceed, please let me know:Are you looking into the Plug-in Hybrid, the Standard V8, or the Speed?Would you like details on specific Mulliner customization options or financing/leasing availability?
We’re putting this all-new, luxurious SUV to the test to see if it can still hold its own against the flashiest rivals on the planet, such as the Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, or the ultra-opulent Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
While the Urus is a track-focused weapon and the Cullinan is a literal palace on wheels, the Bentayga Speed tries to occupy the sweet spot in the middle. But does it offer enough for you to choose it over its rivals? Let's take a closer look...
At first glance, you might think not much has changed because it shares the same iconic body, grille, and bonnet as the previous model. However, the Speed hallmarks appear upon closer inspection. To differentiate it from the standard V8, Bentley has swapped out the traditional chrome for a sleek, blacked-out trim across the exterior. This model also marks the first time you can spec massive 23” alloy wheels that fill the arches perfectly. Our test car even features the optional carbon fibre side skirts, a chunky roof spoiler, and a vocal Akrapovič exhaust system!
Bentley continues to set the bar for cabin quality, and every single element you touch feels expensive - we couldn't even find any wonky stitching! The cabin is a masterclass in textures, blending high-end Leather and Alcantara with stunning wood trim. While the digital dials look great and modern, Bentley has wisely kept physical dials for the climate control, making it far easier to use on the move than its touch-screen-only rivals. The infotainment system is also intuitive enough to ensure the tech never gets in the way of the luxury.
The biggest news for the new Bentayga Speed is under the bonnet, where the legendary 6-litre W12 has been replaced by a downsized 4-litre V8. Interestingly, Bentley has avoided adding any hybrid power here, keeping it as a pure internal combustion engine producing 650hp and 850Nm of torque. Even though it has lost four cylinders, it has not lost its punch. It is now lighter over the front end, making it feel more agile than ever, while the Akrapovič exhaust ensures it sounds just as mean as the old twelve-cylinder.
All of this luxury comes with a high price tag. While the standard Bentayga starts at £172,600, the Speed model featured in this video comes in at a cool £290,295 thanks to a staggering £70,000 worth of options! But is it the smart choice over its close rivals? Stick around and see for yourself!
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- Looking through the latest Bentley SUV videos to see what was being tested out of the factory in Crewe yesterday afternoon it wasn’t a Bentayga size but closer to a Porsche Macan ? Guess it’ll become clearer later once they take it out of camo mode- Basically the same as the Cayenne GT. I guess those who want a luxe GT SUV will go for the Bentayga, but those more sportily inclined, will go for the Cayenne GT. And save themselves nearly 100,000 pounds.
- Again the 1% get to murder the planet for fun, while the 99% plebs get told they're evil for murdering the planet and told they have to drive electric and hybrid shit shows. Nice, thanks for reminding us of where we belong.
- Never had a second thought about Bentley until one parked next to me at BM of all places. Not usually where Bentayga’s frequent. Without being stereotypical, the couple that got out looked like characters from Snatch. I had a quick look through the side window and was blown away by the interior. I really did take a fancy to it. Maybe one day, with a couple of dags in the back.
- I know we can be happy to see automakers still making awesome-sounding V8 performance cars, but Bentley's luxury SUV would be actually better suited to be fully electric or just ordinary, not an overpowered plug-in hybrid for wafting along the roads! Bentley has Continental for their performance model, and that's the car they should go all out on performance :) Rory, we need to get you behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Specter and Cadillac Celestiq
Call me crazy but what happened to the days manufacturers used to actually make their own cars and not just sell reskinned models from the parent group. Hold on to your pitchforks a minute folks let me finish I know very well just as you do the benefits of such a business model and platform sharing to the car world and how it is enabling company A to fund crazy projects and company B to keep making big engine cars and company C to keep the lights on etc etc but a long time ago there was a bit of competition yunno a bit of individuality……..now we’re ending up with 3/4/5 rebadged retuned reskinned examples of the same car…..I’m not complaining but I’m just sad that car manufactures have stopped being forced to push innovation and creativity to the highest level due to wanting to beat the completion resulting in some mind blowing cars in the past to now where everything just feels almost the same partly because 50% of it is and yes I do think this Bentley is very nice
- It’s wonderful how they get to convince and provide normal daily workers / employees Hybrids and EVs while the riches get v8-w16, private jets, (I know minority are rich) still not fair to blame it on people who made them rich in the first place! Well done humanity 🥂
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