Efficiency is also an important aspect of such a powerful engine; to achieve effective cylinder deactivation with the complex layout of the W12, the engine control unit deactivates one complete bank of six cylinders as required. Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensors, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits CO2 emissions but realises significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.  

Power, Performance and Agility

The new Bentayga Speed takes the Bentayga’s extraordinary abilities to new levels, utilising the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 626 bhp (635 PS). Effortless acceleration is always guaranteed thanks to 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, available as a plateau from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm. The assembly of the W12 powertrain takes the skilled engine builders approximately ten per cent of the total hours required for the manufacture of the Bentayga Speed.

With exceptional performance, comfort and handling, maximum speed is also increased to 306 km/h, while the 0-100 km/h sprint is delivered in 3.9 seconds.

In conjunction with its global launch last year, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, commented:

The new Bentayga Speed has zipped its way into the Bentley Kuala Lumpur showroom, offering Malaysians the pinnacle of the Bentayga family with its effortless performance and uncompromised luxury. Hand-built at Crewe, the Bentayga Speed combines the W12 powertrain and many of the model’s luxurious features as standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.

Building on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007, the new Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proved by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.

The new Bentayga Speed builds on the completely refreshed design of the new Bentayga, adopting the same Bentley design DNA now prevalent across the entire model range.  Introducing the very latest onboard technology and an even more cosseting cabin, the new model is significantly revised both inside and out.

Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive to drive.

The Bentayga Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight saving of more than 20 kg over iron brakes.

In 5th to 8th gears, when the driver releases the throttle (at motorway cruising speed, for example) the car will open the torque converter, dropping the engine to idle and simply allowing the car to roll or ‘sail’. When the throttle is reapplied, or the car starts going downhill and detects an increase in speed, the transmission is re-engaged.

To use this power appropriately the Bentayga Speed is equipped with four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort at one extreme, Sport at the other and with Bentley mode – the balanced recommendation of Bentley’s chassis team in Crewe – alongside a Custom mode for customers who opt to create their own driving set-up.

Uniquely in the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride. The effect is a more dynamic and engaging drive.

A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split – one to match the leather, the other in the contrast colour. Discreet metal Speed badging to the front fascia and Speed illuminated treadplates complete the signature look.

Customers wishing to amplify the sporty look of their Bentayga Speed even further can select the Black Specification. This striking pack replaces all exterior chrome work, bright detailing and some elements of the body with gloss black or carbon fibre versions, for an impactful visual statement. The front bumper splitter and the side sills are recreated by hand in carbon fibre, while the rear bumper diffuser becomes gloss black. All exterior brightware (including the roof rails) is resplendent in gloss black, as are the 22” Bentayga Speed wheels and exhaust finishers. Finally, the standard roof spoiler is replaced with a curved carbon fibre version.