2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed First Look: More Power Despite Fewer Cylinders

The Bentley Bentayga Speed was once the pinnacle of SUV performance and luxury, powered by its formidable W-12 engine. Delivering an impressive 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, this opulent powerhouse sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds at 120.7 mph during our tests. However, with Bentley in Crewe discontinuing the W-12, the Bentayga’s most powerful variant has lost four cylinders—and along with them, some of its fierce edge.

The Speed name has returned—and it’s more thrilling than ever. Meet the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed, now equipped with a redesigned 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 delivering an impressive 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial increase—99 more horsepower and 96 additional lb-ft compared to the V-8 S, and notably surpassing the output of the previous W-12—cementing its status as the most powerful Bentayga to date under the iconic Bentley badge.

Drift Your Bentayga…?

Making its comeback, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed now stands proudly as the top-tier model in the Bentayga lineup. Beneath it, the rest of the range continues with either the 542-horsepower, 568 lb-ft twin-turbo V-8 or the 3.0-liter V-6 plug-in hybrid, which offers a solid 456 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

 

To tame all that power, the Bentayga Speed offers massive carbon-ceramic brakes paired with newly designed 23-inch wheels—the largest ever fitted on a Bentley.

The Bentayga Speed isn’t just fast—it sounds fierce as well. Its standard sport exhaust system delivers a richer, more aggressive V-8 growl, exiting through dual tailpipes integrated into the rear diffuser. For enthusiasts seeking an even bolder and more intense soundtrack, Bentley offers an optional titanium Akrapovič exhaust featuring signature quad tailpipes.

To fully unleash that aggressive exhaust note, the new Sport mode steps up the game—firming the suspension by 15 percent compared to Comfort and Bentley modes. According to Bentley, it also enhances steering responsiveness and intensifies the driver’s engagement, making this large SUV feel more precise and dynamic than ever before.

Drifting might not be the first image that pops into your head when you think of a Bentayga—but the Speed could shift that perception. Bentley says that by switching the ESC to Dynamic and activating Sport mode, this hefty SUV can unleash “exhilarating drift angles” and power-on oversteer. Torque vectoring sharpens turn-in and delivers more power on corner exits, boosting agility. We’ll have to test it out ourselves soon—purely for scientific purposes, of course.

Completing the mechanical enhancements, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed now includes four-wheel steering—a valuable upgrade that improves low-speed handling and reduces the turning radius, helping this large SUV feel much more agile in confined areas.

Spot the Differences

On the outside, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed opts for a subtle yet sophisticated look. Attentive fans will spot the dark-tinted headlights and smoked gray taillights, while the Speed chrome badges along the sides boldly signify its status as the lineup’s flagship. The most eye-catching detail is the contrasting pinstriping along the lower body, which can be customized to match the color of the carbon-ceramic brakes, adding an extra touch of style.

Inside, the changes are understated but elegant. Speed badges adorn the seat backs, and the interior trim can be tailored to complement the exterior pinstriping for a cohesive, stylish look. Luxurious quilted leather envelops the cabin, generously covering both the seats and door panels.