Bentley has revealed a go-faster version of its first SUV, the Bentayga Speed, which now claims the title of the world’s fastest SUV, edging ahead of the previous title holder, Lamborghini’s Urus, by a meager 1kph. The Bentley Bentayga Speed will make its debut at Geneva motor show in March.
The Crewe-based firm’s performance SUV has a claimed top speed of 306kph, while Lamborghini claims a 305kph top speed for the Urus. However, the Italian is quicker than the British SUV to 100kph, taking 3.6 seconds compared to the Bentayga Speed’s 3.9 seconds.
Powered by a highly tuned version of the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine as the standard Bentayga, the Bentayga Speed’s output is about 27hp from 608hp to 635hp. Peak torque remains the same at 900Nm. These figures help the Speed post a 0-100kph time that is 0.2 seconds faster than the Bentayga W12, and a 5kph higher top whack.
The Bentayga Speed’s driving modes, particularly the Sport mode, has been recalibrated to improve response from the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, along with tweaks to the suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride (electric active roll control technology). The exhaust note on the Speed is also louder to increase driver engagement.
Styling changes include tinted headlamps, body-coloured side skirts and a prominent tailgate spoiler. The Bentayga Speed also sports tinted front air intake grilles and 22-inch alloy wheels that are available in three finishes.
The cabin of the Speed gets new contrast stitching, Speed badging, an illuminated 'Speed' treadplate and – for the first time in a Bentayga – alcantara upholstery.
Exclusive options for this performance SUV include carbon-ceramic brakes, 22-way adjustable front seats and mood lighting.
Bentley has been making go-faster Speed models since 2007 and the Bentayga Speed follows the brand claiming the production SUV record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US last year.
In India, Bentley has the Bentayga W12 (Rs 4.02 crore) and V8 (Rs 3.78 crore) on sale, with a hybrid variant expected to arrive in the future. The brand has not yet announced plans to bring the Bentayga Speed to our market.
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