It’s been nearly a year since Bentley assembled its final W-12 engine, concluding more than 20 years of producing twelve-cylinder cars. Although the venerable powertrain is gone, the Volkswagen Group’s ultra-luxury brand is confident its replacement is better. I mean, they weren’t going to say it’s worse, right? The new Bentayga Speed replaces the old 6.0-liter unit with a significantly smaller 4.0-liter engine, still featuring a twin-turbo setup.
The latest Bentayga Speed packs 641 horsepower, or 15 hp more than the now-defunct W-12. However, the downsized engine generates “only” 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque, which is 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) less than the previous model. It’s still not the most potent SUV out there, considering the Aston Martin DBX S, Ferrari Purosangue, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Lamborghini Urus SE, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid are all part of the 700-hp club. A few EVs are even more powerful.
Photo by: Bentley
As you can imagine, removing the chunky engine has had a positive impact on the SUV’s curb weight. It now weighs 5,435 pounds (2,465 kilograms), making it approximately 95 pounds (43 kilograms) lighter than before. The engine transplant puts the “Speed” in Bentayga Speed, cutting the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time by half a second to 3.4 seconds.
Bentley claims the posh family hauler reaches 193 mph (310 km/h), three mph faster than the old W-12. Beyond the improved spec sheet, the updated model should feel a bit more agile, thanks to the addition of rear-wheel steering. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, but only if the vehicle is ordered with the massive 23-inch Speed wheels.
Bentley also tweaked the Sport driving mode, stiffening the suspension dampers by 15% compared to the Bentayga V8 S. The steering response has been quickened for a more engaging drive. Bentley believes you won’t miss the W-12’s soundtrack too much, as the new Speed features a standard sports exhaust system. For an even meaner noise, buyers can splurge on the optional Akrapovič titanium exhaust with quad tips instead of just two.
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Source: Bentley
Styling changes are discreet. In addition to the 23-inch alloys mentioned earlier, the Bentayga Speed gets darker headlights and taillights, along with an optional contrasting black roof available in either satin or gloss finish. Inside, the standard chrome accents can be replaced with a dark tint to enhance the sporty vibe. Rounding out the updates are subtle changes to the seat upholstery colors and quilted design.
Even without the W-12, you’re not “losing an iota of what makes a Bentley, a Bentley.” Those extra four cylinders were cut due to stricter emissions regulations. For the same reasons, time is running out for the pure ICE experience in a model from Crewe. The Bentayga is the sole-surviving gas model as the other members of the lineup are hybrid.
The upcoming addition to the portfolio will skip the combustion engine altogether by becoming the company’s first EV. It’ll take the shape of an SUV smaller than the Bentayga.
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