Tell us what you think of Bentley, and you’re probably thinking about ultra-luxury cars with a sporting edge versus Rolls-Royce. Sure, sportiness and dynamism are part of the Bentley driving signature, but what you’re about to see is something you still probably didn’t expect. Say hello to the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed, ditching the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 in favor of a high-strung 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and a lot of attitude.
That’s because, yes, while you may be able to cruise in luxury and comfort, as you would expect in a Bentley, the Bentayga Speed adds a lot of additional power as its V8 now produces 641 horsepower, a 15-horsepower gain, but at 850 Nm of torque, this is 50 Nm less than the previous W12. However, don’t dismiss the new V8 as this lets the Bentayga Speed sprint from 0-100 kph in just 3.6 seconds, three-tenths faster than the W12.
Now, as for that added dose of attitude, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed has been given the most dynamic chassis setup ever for a Bentayga. This is centered around the new Sport mode, in which the adaptive air suspension delivers 15 percent stiffer damping and a new electric power steering that offers a sharper response.
Add the optional carbon ceramic brakes with the largest discs ever fitted to a Bentley, and you’re also given the benefit of a new setting for the stability control called ESC Dynamic. What this allows you to do, and this is in Bentley’s words, is that you can execute “exhilarating drift angles or power-on oversteer”. Furthermore, the Bentayga Speed also comes with Launch Control, because why not, along with rear-wheel steering, and an optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust replacing the integrated elliptical exhausts for even more noise and sound.
As for the vehicle’s design, the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed looks similar to the W12-powered model it replaces, but with mild updates to make it look even more aggressive. These include new 22- and, as shown here, 23-inch wheels, dark-tinted headlights, clear-lens taillights, and Speed-specific badges finished in chrome to contrast with the rest of the car’s dark exterior trims. Lastly, you can also opt for a gloss or matte black roof for an added layer of sportiness.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed has remained largely unchanged from the outgoing model, though you get new interior color and upholstery choices. In this case, there’s plenty of Speed stitching and badges around the cabin, along with diamond-quilted leather upholstery. As ever with a Bentley, the interior space is going to be heavily bespoke and curated to the customer’s wants.
The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed is now on sale in Europe and the United States, while a Philippine debut through its distributor, PGA Cars, will most likely happen in late 2025 or early 2026.
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