2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed Unleashed with 650HP V8 and Dynamic Chassis Upgrades

Keeping up with Bentley’s ever-expanding Bentayga lineup isn’t easy — from the refined Azure to limited-run Atelier Editions and the stealthy S Black Edition, there’s no shortage of choices. But when a luxury SUV is as successful as the Bentayga, Bentley is right to capitalize on that momentum. Now, the range-topping Bentayga Speed is back, reimagined as the sportiest and most performance-focused version yet, boasting a 650 hp twin-turbo V8 and the most advanced chassis the model has ever seen.

A New Heart for the Speed: 4.0-Litre Twin-Turbo V8

Replacing the beloved W12-powered Bentayga Speed, this new iteration swaps twelve cylinders for eight—but gains power in the process. Under the hood sits Bentley’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now tuned to deliver a monstrous 650 horsepower. Despite dropping four cylinders, it outguns the original 6.0-litre W12 Speed, and does so without any hybrid support.

That makes the 2025 Bentayga Speed a bit of an outlier in today’s electrifying luxury SUV segment. While rivals like the Lamborghini Urus SE and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid are leaning into electrified powertrains, the Bentayga stays old-school with pure internal combustion. Mechanically, it's more in line with the Audi RS Q8 Performance, which also uses the same V8 engine but delivers slightly less at 640 hp.

Blistering Performance Meets Grand Touring Comfort

Bentley isn’t just throwing around big horsepower numbers for show. For the first time in a Bentayga, Launch Control comes standard, propelling this high-performance SUV from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 193 mph. That’s seriously quick for a vehicle of this size and luxury level.

A new sports exhaust system enhances the engine’s character, delivering a deep, throaty note that reflects the V8’s urgency. For those seeking even more drama, Bentley offers a titanium Akrapovič exhaust upgrade with quad outlets that amplify both the volume and presence of the Bentayga’s powerplant.

Advanced Chassis for Next-Level Handling

The most significant evolution of this latest Bentayga Speed lies in its chassis. Bentley engineers have dialed in a comprehensive set of upgrades aimed at enhancing agility and responsiveness without compromising the luxury ride quality expected from the marque.

A recalibrated Sport mode now stiffens the dampers by 15%, while standard four-wheel steering sharpens handling at both low and high speeds. One standout feature is the new ESC Dynamic setting, which allows controlled oversteer and power slides—though this feature is only available if you tick the box for carbon-ceramic brakes.

Torque vectoring by braking ensures precise cornering, maintaining grip when pushing hard, or allowing for exhilarating moments of tail-out fun when conditions permit. Bentley describes this setup as a redefinition of what a luxury performance SUV can deliver in terms of cornering ability, feedback, and driver connection.

Bold Design Cues Set the Speed Apart

Visually, the new Bentayga Speed features subtle yet meaningful enhancements to signify its flagship status. Exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 23-inch wheels available if you opt for the ceramic brakes. Unique Speed badging, darkened chrome trim, and distinctive lighting elements set it apart from the rest of the range.

One particularly eye-catching option is the contrasting black roof, a feature exclusive to the Speed model. While the particular launch spec—with its GT3 race car-inspired styling—may not be to everyone’s taste, Bentley offers extensive customization through its Mulliner program to suit a range of preferences.

Inside, the cabin is infused with Speed-specific touches, including contrast stitching, bespoke badging, and premium materials throughout. It remains every bit a Bentley: luxurious, hand-crafted, and unmistakably refined.

The Ultimate Bentayga Experience

Bentley summarizes its creation succinctly: “Through careful chassis enhancements and the adoption of the new High Powered 4.0 V8, Bentley’s engineers have created the most powerful and dynamic Bentayga ever, without losing an iota of what makes a Bentley, a Bentley.” And it's hard to argue with that sentiment.

In a market saturated with high-end SUVs—think Mercedes-AMG G63, Aston Martin DBX707, and Range Rover SV—the new Bentayga Speed V8 stands tall as a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and heritage. It’s not just about being fast; it’s about being fast in a way that still feels unmistakably Bentley.

While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the previous Bentayga Speed started around £180,000 five years ago. With these upgrades and inflation in mind, expect this version to nudge past the £200,000 mark. For those seeking the pinnacle of Bentley’s SUV performance, it may well be worth every penny.