Key highlights
- New Bentayga Speed swaps the W-12 for a 641 hp twin-turbo V-8, outpunching its predecessor.
- Delivers 627 lb-ft of torque, 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph.
- Features rear-wheel steering, sport exhaust, and lighter curb weight for sharper dynamics.
Bentley has officially unveiled the 2026 Bentayga Speed, and it’s rewriting the rulebook on performance luxury SUVs. Gone is the legendary W-12 engine, and in its place is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 that delivers 641 horsepower—15 more than the outgoing twelve-cylinder brute.
This marks a bold new chapter for Bentley, proving that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading.
Performance: V-8 muscle with a modern edge
The new V-8 churns out 627 lb-ft of torque, just 37 lb-ft shy of the W-12’s output. But thanks to a 95-pound weight reduction and rear-wheel steering, the 2026 Bentayga Speed feels more agile and responsive.
Bentley claims a 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, making it the fastest Bentayga ever built. The top speed stands at 190 mph, and the new sport exhaust system ensures it sounds every bit as aggressive as it drives.
Design and dynamics
While the exterior remains unmistakably Bentayga, subtle tweaks include:
- 23-inch Speed wheels (optional)
- Carbon-ceramic brakes
- Revised suspension tuning for sharper handling
Inside, the cabin is as opulent as ever, with hand-stitched leather, real wood veneers, and a digital cockpit that blends tradition with tech.
Why No Hybrid?
Unlike the Continental GT Speed, which now features a plug-in hybrid V-8, the Bentayga Speed sticks to pure internal combustion. Bentley says this decision was driven by customer demand for unfiltered performance and sound.
Our thoughts
This is Bentley flexing its engineering muscle in the most refined way possible. The W-12 may be gone, but the new V-8 doesn’t just fill its shoes—it sprints in them. And that exhaust note? It’s like a British opera with a muscle car solo.
Also read: Mercedes-Benz India launches AMG GT 63 and GT 63 PRO