Bentley Bentayga Speed’s New Non-Hybrid V8 Is More Powerful Than The Old W12

Bentley has introduced a new version of its Bentayga Speed, one that eschews the traditional W12 engine in favor of a V8. However, the drop in cylinder count didn’t come with a loss in performance as the V8 is actually more powerful than the W12 in the outgoing Bentayga Speed, and it didn’t have to rely on hybrid technology to achieve it.

Bentley’s other models like the Continental GT Speed and Flying Spur Speed have adopted the automaker’s new V8-based Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, rated at 771 horsepower combined, as the replacement for their former W12 engines (the W12 actually ceased production in 2024), but the Bentayga Speed only houses a regular twin-turbo V8 under the hood.

New V8 Delivers 15 HP More Than Former W12

The new V8 engine is similar to the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 found in other Bentley models, but tuned here to deliver 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the outgoing Bentayga Speed with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12, power is up by 15 hp while torque is down by 37 lb-ft.

A sports exhaust system with a pair of oval tips is fitted as standard, but buyers wanting a throatier sound can opt for a titanium design from performance exhaust specialist Akrapovič, which is distinguished by four round tips.

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Performance figures include a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds using a new Launch Control feature, which is a whole second faster compared to the Bentayga V8 S and half a second faster than the outgoing Bentayga Speed with the W12. The top speed is 193 mph, though unlocking this requires the addition of the Bentayga Speed’s available carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

A Bentley Designed To Drift

Bentley engineers also tuned the chassis to enable drivers to make the most of the new V8’s performance. For vehicles with the carbon-ceramic rotors, selecting a new ESC Dynamic setting when the vehicle is in Sport mode will relax the electronic stability control’s intervention to enable the vehicle to perform drifts when the driver turns the wheels and puts the power down.

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The brake-based torque vectoring in Sport mode has also been enhanced for sharper turn-in during hard cornering, and more power to be delivered when exiting the corner, Bentley said. Also adding to the extra agility is rear-wheel steering.

The Sport mode also benefits from a 15 percent increase in suspension damping stiffness, which should also help handling at the limit.

Unique Design Details Inside And Out

Bentley has also added some unique design details inside and out to help distinguish the Bentayga Speed from other models in the Bentley SUV lineup. The list includes a dark finish for the typical chrome parts on the exterior, as well as smoked headlights and taillights. There are also new 22-inch wheels as standard, while buyers opting for the carbon-ceramic rotors can pair them with an available 23-inch wheel design – the largest ever offered by Bentley.

Inside, the Bentayga Speed’s cabin reflects its performance-driven character with unique visual cues and premium finishes. A Speed-specific driver display and badging on the passenger fascia, treadplates, and seats signify the model as the performance flagship in the Bentayga lineup. The dark tints of the exterior also carry into the cabin and are joined by Bentley’s diamond quilting pattern on the seats and doors.

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More Hybrid Options For Bentayga Likely On The Way

For buyers looking for an electrified Bentayga, Bentley offers the Bentayga Hybrid. This model’s hybrid system relies on a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and produces a peak 456 hp. It also enables a short pure electric range.

Bentley hasn’t indicated whether the Bentayga will receive the automaker’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain or the slightly less powerful High Performance Hybrid version, rated at 670 hp, that has already made its way into the Continental GT and Flying Spur lines. However, it is likely only a matter of time as Bentley is committed to fully electrifying its lineup. The automaker is also working on its first electric vehicle, an SUV smaller than the Bentayga, due to arrive next year.