The 12-cylinder Bentayga Speed is a dreaded SUV, but it lacks the drama of a sibling with insufficient power.
The redesigned Bentayga is still not pretty, but it looks much better than before.
With a time of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, a top speed of 190 mph and a price tag of $247,725, the Bentayga Speed is the fastest and most expensive version of Bentley's best-selling car. As a result, Bentley called Speed the "pinnacle" of bentayga's lineup. I? I'm not sure.
2021 Bentayga Speed
Suggested retail price
USD 245,000
merit
Very fast and fast
Soft ride quality
Cabin technology has been greatly improved
shortcoming
More features should be standard
The W12 engine was thirsty
Super expensive
There's no doubt the Speed's specifications are explosives: its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine delivers 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, and the entire low-speed thrust starts at 1,500 rpm. The rear end crouched down, the bow gracefully lifted, unconsciously, booming, warped at speed. The release of Bentayga Speed was not the barbaric act of being rear-ended by freight trains. For this super SUV, it's all in a day. With the Bentayga W12 no longer part of the series, Speed is the only way to get 12-cylinder power in a Bentley SUV.
This effortless acceleration is very important for Bentley, but I really wish there were more visceral drama. Press the throttle in the V8-powered Bentayga and you'll hear a roar as the SUV accelerates rapidly. The W12, on the other hand, sounds like it: two stuffy V6 engines mixed together. Bentayga Speed needed some auditory shock to support those crazy fast launches.
On the road, Bentayga's handling is best described as elegant. The steering is on the lighter side, and the body is gently tilted when turning. The eight-speed automatic transmission unknowingly began to work in the background, even though an unsatisfactory pair of paddle shifters was just around the corner. The large 15.7-inch front wheels and 15.0-inch steel brakes are enough to stop the 5,529-pound Bentayga with absolutely no drama. And if that's not enough, Bentley offers huge 17.3-inch front wheels and 14.6-inch rear-wheel carbon-ceramic brakes, which are normal if you imagine the braking force.
All in all, Speed never forgets that its core mission is to pamper comfortably. Its standard self-leveling air suspension and adaptive dampers are constantly adjusting to eliminate unwanted screeching, and the 22-inch wheels slide on different pavements. The big Bentayga is a very flexible thing, and despite its size and weight, if the winding road is part of your regular route, be sure to buy bentley dynamic ride 48 volt anti-roll bars that make this big boy flat like a pancake in the corner.
There are not many 12-cylinder cars left these days.
However, despite its speed, the speed is not the most sporty Bentayga. Yes, it's a lot of fun to step on the throttle and sprint forward, but not once have I been reluctant to drive the lighter, more agile Bentayga V8. In fact, the recently released Bentayga S seems to be the best option, as its damper stiffness is increased by 15%, and the aforementioned 48-volt anti-roll technology is standard. The S is also equipped with a standard free-flowing sports exhaust, which, combined with the burly V8, should create a great soundtrack.
Plus, no matter what's under the hood, Bentayga offers excellent accommodation. From the basic V8 to plug-in hybrids to top Speed, all Bentaygas can be chosen to your liking, with a perfect attention to detail and a pervasive aroma of opulence – the signature Bentley signature. In 2021, Bentayga unveiled some new highlights, including a 3D leather design on the doors and a new diamond-shaped quilting pattern on the seats. There are a million and one ways to specify your dream Bentayga, and assure me that you will do something more interesting than the painfully dull and predictable red-and-black color scheme depicted here.
Rear seat passengers have 4 inches more legroom than the old Bentaygas, and there's a movable tablet on the back of the center console with climate and infotainment controls. Behind the rear seats, you'll find 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which isn't a ton, but luckily the loading holes are wide and low, thanks largely to the great-looking new clamshell hatch design, especially the 2021 Bentayga's beautiful new oval taillights.
Better cabin technology is making Bentayga more livable.
Speaking of fancy, check out Bentayga's new cabin technology. The 10.9-inch touchscreen runs the redesigned Version of the Audi MIB3 software with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. This infotainment interface is very easy to use, with color graphics and fast response to input. Bentayga also has a fully digital dashboard, though it's not as flashy as Audi's virtual cockpit.
Bentley offers a lot of driver assistance technology, although what puzzles me is that many of these features are not standard. You must add the $8,555 Touring Specification for features such as adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and lane keeping assist. Don't mind that some of these things are standard on the Honda Civic.
At this point, it's shocking how much extra detail a nearly $250,000 SUV would require. The company's awesome Naim stereo — a defining part of the Bentley experience — was optional. The same goes for tinted rear glass, hands-free lift doors, and indoor ambient lighting. Bentley should make all of this stuff standard and charge an extra $15,000 at the bottom end: I guarantee $15,000 is just a drop in the bucket for those willing to pay $250,000 for a car.
The larger rear spoiler is a distinct speed feature.
I won't mention that either, and while Bentayga Speed is a powerful engine, it's not the only game in town. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S's E-Mix is faster, more powerful, and offers some usable range of electricity thanks to its plug-in powertrain. Cayenne is also about $80,000 cheaper. Of course, Porsche is not Bentley. That Flying B badge is worth its gold weight.
The Bentayga Speed is a delicate machine, and few other SUVs can reach its level of luxury. But while it topped the list in terms of power, price, and prestige, it wasn't the best Bentayga. Please make my S with a Naim stereo.