Bentley Introduces Bentayga Speed V8 Surpassing the Classic W12

Nearly a year has elapsed since Bentley produced its final W12 engine, bringing over two decades of twelve-cylinder craftsmanship to a close. Despite retiring this iconic powerplant, the ultra-luxury marque under the Volkswagen Group is confident that its successor outperforms the old standard. After all, it's unlikely they would admit it falls short. The latest Bentayga Speed swaps out the previous 6.0-liter engine for a considerably smaller 4.0-liter variant, while still utilizing a twin-turbo setup.

The new Bentayga Speed delivers an impressive 641 horsepower, which is 15 hp more than the now-discontinued W12. However, the downsized engine produces 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) less than its predecessor. This still leaves it short of the most powerful SUVs available, such as the Aston Martin DBX S, Ferrari Purosangue, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Lamborghini Urus SE, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, all of which belong to the 700-hp category. Additionally, several electric vehicles surpass this power output.

As expected, downsizing the engine has positively affected the SUV’s weight, bringing it down to 5,435 pounds (2,465 kilograms), which is approximately 95 pounds (43 kilograms) lighter than before. This engine change enhances the "Speed" designation of the Bentayga Speed, reducing the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time by half a second to 3.4 seconds.

Bentley asserts that the luxurious family SUV can achieve a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h), three mph faster than the former W12 model. Beyond the enhanced specifications, the updated model is expected to feel more agile, thanks to the incorporation of rear-wheel steering. Carbon-ceramic brakes remain optional and are available only when equipped with the substantial 23-inch Speed wheels.

Furthermore, Bentley has adjusted the Sport driving mode by stiffening the suspension dampers by 15% compared to the Bentayga V8 S. The steering response has been sharpened for a more dynamic driving experience. Bentley believes that the absence of the W12’s distinctive engine sound won’t be significantly missed, as the Bentayga Speed comes standard with a sports exhaust system. For those seeking a more aggressive auditory experience, the optional Akrapovič titanium exhaust with quad tips is available instead of the standard dual tips.

2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed

The aesthetic updates are subtle, featuring the aforementioned 23-inch alloy wheels, darker headlights and taillights, and an optional contrasting black roof available in satin or gloss finishes. Inside, standard chrome accents can be replaced with dark trims to enhance the sporty atmosphere. Additional refinements include minor changes to seat upholstery colors and quilted detailing.

Even without the W12, Bentley ensures that the brand’s signature luxury remains intact. The reduction of four cylinders was driven by increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Consequently, the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) experience is dwindling within the Crewe lineup, with the Bentayga being the sole remaining gasoline-powered model as other models transition to hybrid systems.

Looking ahead, Bentley plans to expand its portfolio with the introduction of its first electric vehicle, an SUV smaller than the Bentayga, which will completely eliminate the need for a combustion engine.