Bentley Bentayga Speed: world’s fastest SUV gets a new look

The luxurious new model can reach a top speed of 190mph

Bentley Bentayga Speed
(Image credit: Bentley Motors)

Speed by name, speedy in all senses - the world’s fastest SUV is racing into 2021 with an updated look.

Powered by a 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 626bhp, the new Bentley Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 190mph and complete a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds.

The newcomer is equipped with four on-road drive dynamics modes - Comfort, Sport, Bentley and Custom - and adopts the completely refreshed design of all the 2021 Bentaygas.

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Inside, the Speed balances performance and luxury, with a cutting-edge infotainment system. Spanning the entire width of the centre fascia, this smart new system features a high-resolution 10.9in touchscreen with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and improved touch functionality.

Described by the British luxury car brand as the “most powerful and performance orientated Bentayga to date”, the Speed will go on sale early next year in the Americas, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, with an expected price tag of around $245,000 (£188,000).

The Bentayga family will be welcoming another addition too, reports Automotive World.

Bentley’s chair and chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: “Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid - the world’s only definitive luxury hybrid - in the coming months, it’s important that we still recognise the customer desire for absolute performance.

“The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world, but more that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga - the best of both worlds, the pinnacle.”

What the critics think

Alex Kierstein, MotorTrend

“With the carry-over mechanicals, the Speed’s engine output and performance figures are unchanged, but still monumentally impressive. Bentley claimed the fastest production SUV title with the current Bentayga Speed, and provided no competitor throws down a Connolly hide gauntlet, that bragging right shouldn’t change for the new one.”

Ollie Kew, Top Gear

“The Bentley Bentayga Speed isn’t Speedier than the old one. But with 626bhp and a ridiculous top speed of 190mph, did it really need to be?”

Dan Heyman, Motor Illustrated

“The new look is a good fit for the Bentayga, which has always looked a little more futuristic than its posh price tag suggests it should. This one is just that much more purposeful, and that’s a very good thing.”

The Bentley Bentayga Speed in pictures

Bentley Bentayga Speed

Bentley Bentayga Speed

Bentley Bentayga Speed

Bentley Bentayga Speed

Bentley Bentayga Speed

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.