The Bentley Bentayga felt buttoned up powered by the brand’s iconic W12, a powerful 12-cylinder engine. It carried the proper amount of power to scoot you out of the picture in a blur of satin paint. Enough torque to feel the thrust of the Bentayga’s engine and produce a smile, not so much, though, that you’d feel ruffled by the experience.
Bentley
With the introduction of the new Bentley Bentayga Speed, however, could a V8 produce the same power and experience, or more, with smaller machinery?
That was the question as we spent the week driving around Los Angeles in the Bentayga Speed, recently retooled and enhanced for the next era of the Bentayga, SUV, the brand’s best-selling model.
The Biggest Surprise: All-Gas Power Without An Electric Boost
Over the last couple of years Bentley has focused on getting the most power from smaller engines using plug-in hybrid technology. This is what boosts the Continental and Flying Spur to 771 hp, an astounding amount of power for these luxury cars.
It was roundly expected that when the Bentayga, priced from $260,000 and coming in at $420,265 for our Mulliner edition, was updated in 2025 it would also feature a PHEV. But that was not the case. Instead, the company went with a twin turbo V8 delivering 641 hp. The surprise is that it delivers more power than the 12 cylinder engine, quite an accomplishment. Best of all, it delivers an authentic, true engine sound for as much gurgly feedback as you’d like from one of two new exhaust system options.
The overall feel from the engine is powerful and focused; muscular in your hands but a luxurious cradle for driver and passengers, all of whom will be equally delighted surrounded in the luxury that forms Bentley’s legacy.
Scotty Reiss
The Nature of Bentley Bentayga Speed: Smaller, Tougher, Faster
Under the moniker ‘Speed’ the Bentley Bentayga thrives. Yes, it’s faster than the outgoing W12, but it’s due to much more than simply a large engine. The Bentayga Speed sits on 23” wheels and relies on the largest brakes the company has put on the Bentayga yet, available with painted discs in a choice of colors—of course; this is Bentley.
Then, the Speed sits on the Bentayga’s smaller frame for more muscularity; it’s not offered in the extended wheel base in order to keep its toned, taught feel.
The Speed also enhances performance through an adaptive air suspension system and increased damping in order to hug the road more closely. But the real joy is Sport mode. This is not your typical Bentley Sport mode.
Scotty Reiss
Drive Modes Set the Bentley Bentayga Speed Apart
The Bentayga Speed starts where you’d expect it to: in B mode which splits the difference between comfort and sport. Comfort quiets the engine sound a bit and Sport turns it up. In the Bentayga Speed, B mode is a true sport setting. Comfort dials down the performance a bit for around-town driving, though its far from quiet. Sport is another mode altogether: louder, faster and more anxious to get going. And it’s where the SUV increases all its responsiveness on the throttle and in the suspension for a true performance feel.
It’s also where you’ll hear the full growl of the car’s exhaust system. In Sport the exhaust is distinctly louder—when shifting into Sport, when stepping on the throttle and even when braking; the system delivers a nice pop-and-gurgle rev match when downshifting.
If found I needed to dial down to Comfort in the city to sit a bit under the radar, but on the highway Sport mode was welcome. In all, I was reminded to consider my drive mode every time I got behind the wheel.
Scotty Reiss
Go Ahead, Off-Road This Bentley (Sort Of)
With all that power and a more muscular suspension added to the larger wheels, all wheel drive and good ground clearance, the Bentayga is a natural for light trail riding—for those bold enough to take an ultra-luxury SUV off the safety of pavement. However, it’s not unusual to see ranch owners, beach fans or ski-house dwellers trekking to far-flung places in their Bentleys. The Bentayga makes that much more likely.
Earlier in the year I had the chance to drive the Bentayga Speed about 10 miles on a dirt trail and found it completely competent; I was able to keep up a decent speed, faster in some places and slower when necessary, so that entire cross-prairie cruise only took about 20 minutes. It is worth noting, however, this is distinctly not an off-roader so it’s prudent to look out for rocks that may damage the undercarriage or pop a tire.
Scotty Reiss
Will Bentayga Be Offered In The Same PHEV As The Continental?
Probably. Bentley still produces a six-cylinder turbo-powered hybrid that generates 456 hp, far from the 771 hp generated by its newer PHEVs. And with these new super-powered PHEVs outselling the W12 engines two-to-one according to Bentley, it would almost be silly for the company to not consider a PHEV for the next era of the Bentayga.
And that may be soon. For the Bentley Bentayga Speed, little has visibly changed in its design. The command console, multimedia screen and driver controls remain a familiar staple and the dash lacks the novel but charming rotating multimedia console found in the Continental and Flying Spur. On the outside the Bentayga retains the round crystal headlights that were updated on the Continental but not the Flying Spur. These design changes on other models indicate that we may see a new Bentayga in the future that further advances the brand’s design language and further offers what Bentley does so well: offers even more options for buyers to attain their perfect luxury car.
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This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
