Up to Speed: More details known about the world's fastest SUV

MANILA: Bentley Motors confirmed on August 12 the full features of the new 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed, considered to be the core of the Bentayga family, thanks to its effortless performance and incomparable luxury.

Bentley said that the acclaimed Bentayga established the luxury SUV standard when it it debuted in 2015 — providing customers the ultimate grand touring experience that is not limited by any condition or terrain.

Handcrafted at the Crewe facility, the Bentayga Speed establishes on a long history of Speed models that emerged with the Bentley Continental GT in 2007.

The new Bentayga Speed retains the performance qualifications that its predecessor has established, and calls to mind the production record of the SUV at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The new Bentayga Speed builds on the fully refurbished design of the new Bentayga. It embraces the same Bentley design DNA that is now is evident throughout the entire model lineup. Adopting the newest onboard technology and a more luxurious cabin, the current model is essentially updated on both its exterior and interior.

 

To complement the high standards of performance, the Bentayga Speed boasts of a meaningful exterior appeal. A remarkable, elongated tailgate spoiler, distinct rear and front bumpers, body-colored side skirts, and dark-tinted headlights complement the performance credentials of the Speed.

The Speed iconic emblem, an exceptional 22-inch wheel design that is present in dark or painted tint, and dark-tinted bumper and radiator grilles contribute to the sporting design cues of the vehicle.

At the rear, the exhaust finishers are currently the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain. Dark-tinted taillights also completes the Speed's exterior.

The new Bentayga Speed takes the exceptional capabilities of the Bentayga to higher levels through the 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbocharged engine that produces a power output of 626hp and torque of 900Nm.

To attain efficient cylinder deactivation with the multifaceted configuration of the W12, the engine control unit subjects a single complete bank of cylinders to deactivation as needed. This is not just advantageous for CO2 emissions but also actualizes essential economic benefits under part-throttle cruising circumstances.

To utilize this power properly, the Bentayga Speed is fitted with four on-road Drive Dynamics settings, namely: Comfort, Sport Mode, Bentley Mode (which is the balanced proposal of the Bentley Chassis Team in Crewe), and Custom Mode for customers who choose to establish their driving setup.

Bentley Dynamic Ride is the first electric active roll control technology worldwide that uses an unmatched 48V system. The mechanism directly counterbalances lateral rolling forces while cornering and makes sure that there is optimized tire contact to guarantee superb handling, ride comfort, and class-leading cabin stability.

In terms of its interior, the new Bentayga Speed presents a remarkable design concept that sets a balance between efficiency and luxury in an incomparable approach.

The distinct Speed color split is attained through the utilization of dark colors that are improved through primary hide accents that run the interior trim and seats.

The Speed color split also lays down the Alcantara trim to the Bentayga cabin, across the headliner, upper pillar trim, lower knee trim areas, steering wheel, gear lever, backrest center panels, and seat cushions.

A noble contrast stitching design in terms of the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification comes as standard and is exclusive to the Speed. This is due to the splitting of the stitch lines running the length of the quilting.

“Speed” seat embroidery on the seat backrests comes as a standard, and as a free option, customers can opt for the replacement of the “Speed” embroidery with the Bentley badge.

Establishing new standards in the industry for customer technology interfaces, the new Bentayga unveils a new state-of-the-art infotainment system.

A brighter and more massive, high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen features anti-glare coating, anti-reflection, and enhanced touch functionality. It also extends throughout the whole width of the center fascia for a more modern appeal.

The innovative navigation system includes a point of interest or address, contact-specific search entry, and free-text. Navigation is enhanced through content in the new-generation head-up display, satellite maps, and a three-dimensional building display, along with numerous useful features.

The head-up display can now determine the distance to destination, street names, and real-time traffic information. Over-the-air map updates are also available for customers in Bentley connected vehicle markets.

Along with the typical roster of media sources, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included as standard. The newest release of the My Bentley remote and in-vehicle connected car services is also available in the new Bentayga Speed.

New connected features include local hazard information, enhanced remote services, and green traffic light prediction, which will be present based on regional market availability.

The Bentley Bentayga Speed has a top rate of 305kph and can reach zero to 100kph in less than four seconds.

The new Bentayga Speed will be on sale in regions where the demand for the 12-cylinder SUVs is strong such as the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The new Bentayga family will also reach completion soon due to the global debut of the new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid.

Photos from Bentley

Also read: Revised Bentley Bentayga boasts complement of tech, design upgrades