2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed First Drive: Thrilling Performance Without the W-12

The 12-cylinder era might be fading, but Bentley isn’t slowing down the excitement. After bidding farewell to its iconic W-12 engine, Bentley set out to reclaim—and surpass—that powerhouse status. While some models embraced plug-in hybrid V-8s, mixing electric power with combustion, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed takes a bold, no-compromise path. This powerhouse SUV delivers even more horsepower than the legendary W-12, relying solely on pure, unfiltered gasoline—no electrification involved. It’s raw performance, Bentley style.

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed doesn’t just squeeze every horsepower from its V-8—it cranks up the soundtrack as well. Equipped with a new exhaust system, this SUV doesn’t settle for subtlety; it roars with pure muscle car swagger. Start it up, and you’re greeted by a growl that snarls and crackles like it just thundered off a dragstrip. This fiery symphony of combustion amps up the drama, making every press of the accelerator feel even more thrilling.

To put the revamped V-8 through its paces, we took the 2026 Bentayga Speed out on Montana’s open, scenic roads—where the views are as expansive as the throttle itself. Our goal? To find out if this new powertrain could truly live up to the legacy left by the retired W-12. Naturally, we couldn’t help but push the limits a bit. Yes, we even got the nearly three-ton luxury SUV to slide—because honestly, who doesn’t love drifting a heavyweight Bentley just for the pure thrill?

641 HP on Tap

Bentley didn’t bring back the Bentayga Speed just to make a statement—they answered the call from customers craving more muscle. Under the hood sits an upgraded 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that churns out a fierce 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. That’s 15 horsepower more than before and only 37 lb-ft shy of the legendary W-12 it replaced. On the road, the slight torque difference is hardly noticeable, but the surge of power every time you floor the accelerator is unmistakable.

Fire up the engine, and you might just convince the whole neighborhood a Corvette has pulled up next door. The Bentayga’s roar is deep, thunderous, and guaranteed to put a grin on your face. Bentley wasn’t kidding when it promised the Sport exhaust would turn heads. Our test model, cloaked in stealthy Gravity Grey, featured the Akrapovič exhaust system with quad tailpipes that take the sound to another level. Honestly, we didn’t expect it to sound this good—not because we doubted Bentley’s prowess, but because blending the Bentayga’s refined luxury with a muscle car’s growl feels totally unexpected—and absolutely thrilling.

Put the Bentayga Speed into drive, switch to Sport mode, and buckle up tight. Press and hold the brake while giving the throttle some gas—then release. After a brief pause, the V-8 bursts to life, the exhaust howls inside the cabin, and the revs soar. You’re slammed back into the seat, grinning ear to ear, as the eight-speed transmission snaps through gears with razor-sharp precision. It’s loud, it’s fierce, and downright exhilarating—the kind of rush that makes you want to hit the reset button and go again immediately.

Feeling Good, Too

Sure, there’s a touch of turbo lag that briefly holds things back—something we wish Bentley could erase entirely. But once the Bentayga Speed shakes it off, it rockets forward with serious determination, hitting 60 mph in just about three seconds, according to Bentley. Not bad for a nearly 2.5-ton luxury SUV. Yet, despite its size, it never feels cumbersome. Much of that magic comes from the steering. It’s light and effortless around town but firms up noticeably in Sport mode, delivering just enough feedback to make you forget you’re behind the wheel of a tall SUV. Bentley earns serious kudos here—the steering is sharp, responsive, and confidence-inspiring whether you’re cruising the highway or carving tight switchbacks.

Bentley says the suspension stiffens by 15 percent in Sport mode, and after some seat time, we’re convinced. Just like the transmission and steering, the dampers firm up noticeably, delivering a more planted and responsive feel when you push hard. Switch over to Comfort mode, and the Bentayga transforms into a plush cruiser, effortlessly soaking up bumps like a true grand tourer. Want something in between? Bentley mode strikes the perfect balance—offering a luxuriously soft ride that glides smoothly over cracked pavement and even loose gravel. Yes, we took it off-road—unpaved trails and all—and watched the suspension work its magic. The dampers and air suspension teamed up to smooth out rough terrain so well, you’d swear the road had been freshly paved.

Enhanced Interior

The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed isn’t just thrilling behind the wheel—it pampers every passenger lucky enough to ride inside. True to Bentley’s reputation, the interior is a masterclass in luxury, with every surface thoughtfully crafted and unmistakably premium. The leather seats perfectly balance supple comfort with sporty support, their side bolsters keeping you snug when the road gets twisty. Glance upward, and the Alcantara headliner adds a subtle touch of sophistication. Personalization remains at the forefront, too—whether it’s bold contrast stitching that injects personality or the sleek, stealthy elegance of dark chrome trim, there are countless ways to tailor the cabin to your style.

New diamond-quilted stitching on the seats and door panels adds a sporty yet sumptuous touch to the cabin. And just in case you need a reminder of what you’re behind the wheel of, Speed emblems are proudly displayed throughout—from the passenger-side dashboard to the seat backs—reinforcing the SUV’s performance pedigree at every glance.

Bentley offers the Bentayga Speed exclusively in a short-wheelbase configuration, underscoring its sportier focus. That decision does come with a minor trade-off: rear legroom isn’t exactly generous—don’t expect limousine-level stretches of space back there. It’s comfortable enough for shorter rides, but let’s be honest: this isn’t the Bentayga you buy to be chauffeured in. It’s the one you buy to drive. Still, Bentley hasn’t overlooked rear passengers. Nestled in the back of the center console is a sleek, smartphone-style control panel that lets rear occupants adjust everything from the radio and climate settings to the window blinds with ease.

On Sale and Cost

Bentley is keeping pricing details under wraps for now. The company has committed to maintaining current prices through July but isn’t planning to flood the market with new inventory anytime soon. For the moment, customers can only purchase from existing stock as Bentley waits for clarity on upcoming tariff changes—especially the looming 10 percent tariff on British-built vehicles. Once the regulatory dust settles, Bentley will reveal official pricing for the 2026 Bentayga Speed. That said, we expect the price to hover just below the $300,000 mark.

As for availability, Bentley expects the first 2026 Bentayga Speeds to start arriving in the fourth quarter of this year—just in time to inject some serious horsepower into your holiday season.

 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed Specifications