Bentley’s Bentayga Speed debuts to keep raw V8 power alive

Bentley’s Bentayga Speed debuts to keep raw V8 power alive

Bentley’s formidable 6.0-litre W12 engine took its final bow in 2024 as the marque felt it wasn’t aligning with its sustainability and emissions goals. With the brand’s sights set on becoming fully electric by 2030, the W12 no longer fits the vision. Fair enough… but still, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of sadness saying goodbye to such a masterpiece.

So what takes its place? Well, this is where things get interesting. Bentley didn’t just downsize, it reinvented the whole thing. Enter the new Bentayga Speed, which employs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with a staggering 478kW and 850Nm of torque. That’s 11kW more than the W12 managed, with just a slight drop in torque and proof that the old saying ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’ is starting to feel a bit dated.

And the numbers back that up. The large SUV launches from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, half a second faster than the W12 version it replaces. It doesn’t stop there either. It’ll continue accelerating to 310km/h, and for a vehicle of its size and the luxury it packs, that’s nothing short of staggering.

What also looks interesting, though, is that Bentley says the engine is more characterful, thanks to a standard fitment of a sports exhaust system that should, well, upset some friendly neighbours. If that’s not noisy enough, the marque offers an optional Titanium Akrapovič exhaust. The Sport mode has also been tweaked for increased steering response, roadholding and driver connection.

What’s also quite exciting, especially if you enjoy a bit of theatre with your throttle, is that Bentley says this new V8 is actually more characterful than the W12. That’s largely thanks to the aforementioned exhaust system, which promises to add some serious drama to your daily drive… Also, Bentley has tweaked the Sport mode for sharper steering, better road-holding, and more of that elusive feeling we all chase, true driver engagement. There’s also a new dynamic ESC mode that allows full launch control for the first time.

On the outside, the changes are more subtle, but if you pay attention to detail, you’ll spot them. There’s a fresh set of 23-inch alloy wheels that house carbon ceramic brakes, darker headlight and taillight clusters, and an optional contrasting black roof in either satin or gloss. As expected, the interior remains classic but with a few modern touches. Chrome accents come standard, but if you prefer a more understated design, like yours truly, you can opt for a dark-tint finish instead. Yes, please.

The W12 may be gone, but the new V8 proves that Bentley hasn’t lost its touch with the real world. The new Bentayga Speed is poised to deliver a great blend of power, presence, and elegance that the brand has always been known for, and that alone is a promising sign of what’s to come in Bentley’s electric future.

As for local availability, we’re still waiting on the official word. But for now, the Bentayga stands as Bentley’s last remaining ICE-powered model, keeping the fire of unfiltered raw power alive while the rest of the range has shifted to hybrid power.