2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed: My In-Depth Review of This Ultra-Luxury SUV

In June 2025, I took the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed for a thrilling test drive through the stunning landscapes of Big Sky, Montana, and it left an indelible mark. Priced at a base of ~$280,000 (with my test model nearing ~$385,000), this ultra-luxury SUV swaps its iconic W12 for a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 shared with the Lamborghini Urus, delivering 641 hp and a 0–60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds. As Bentley’s best-seller, with over 50% of global sales since its 2016 debut (Statista), the Bentayga Speed aims to blend opulence with sports-car dynamics. After tackling Montana’s backroads and gravel paths, I’m sharing my unfiltered take on its exterior, performance, interior, practicality, and quirks. Is this the ultimate luxury SUV for driving enthusiasts worldwide? Here’s what I found, informed by my experience, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and @BentleyMotors on X.

Exterior Design: Bold Yet Familiar

In my experience, the Bentayga Speed’s exterior is a striking blend of elegance and aggression, though its design feels evolutionary rather than revolutionary. My test model, finished in Sequin Blue Satin (a $24,000 Mulliner option), shimmered under Montana’s sun, paired with the Blackline Specification for a stealthy vibe.

• Signature Bentley Styling: The twin LED headlights with a “jeweled” crystal effect and dark-tinted chrome exuded sophistication, per MotorTrend. The blacked-out grille and Bentley badges screamed exclusivity.
• Aggressive Speed Cues: A pronounced front splitter (optional carbon fiber) and quad-outlet exhaust (with a $10,000 Akrapovič option) hinted at its performance, unlike the standard Bentayga, per Car and Driver.
• Massive 23-Inch Wheels: The largest wheels Bentley has ever offered, these satin-black alloys with 285/35 Pirelli P Zero tires filled the arches, though they collected dirt on Montana’s gravel roads.
• Subtle Updates: The 2021 facelift’s oval taillights (now dark gray-tinted) and spelled-out Bentley badge carry over, but I felt a full redesign is overdue for a decade-old platform, per @BentleyMotors.
• Imposing Presence: At 202 inches long, it dwarfed an Audi Q7 by ~3 inches, yet Bentley’s craftsmanship hid its MLB Evo roots, making it a head-turner in cities like Dubai or New York.

Despite its allure, the matte paint ($24,000) was a dust magnet, and non-functional side vents felt like a missed opportunity. I felt the design is stunning but plays it safe, lacking the boldness of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Performance: A Lamborghini Heart in Bentley Clothing

The Bentayga Speed’s performance blew me away, with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (641 hp, 627 lb-ft) delivering Urus-like thrills. In Montana, at a mile above sea level, I clocked a 0–60 mph in 3.78 seconds (Bentley claims 3.4 seconds at sea level), per my tests.

• Explosive Acceleration: Larger turbos and fuel pumps unleashed relentless power, outpacing the W12’s 626 hp and hitting 193 mph, 3 mph faster than the old Speed, per Car and Driver.
• Akrapovič Exhaust: The $10,000 titanium exhaust produced intoxicating pops and crackles in Sport mode, sounding like a muscle car—authentic, with no fake audio, per @BentleyMotors.
• Drift Mode Fun: In Sport mode, the all-wheel drive with an electronic limited-slip rear differential let the tail slide on gravel, a playful nod to its Lamborghini roots, per MotorTrend.
• Refined Dynamics: Rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension made this 5,400-lb SUV feel agile, though it’s no Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT in corners, per my experience.
• Launch Control: A new feature, it delivered seamless power through the ZF 8-speed automatic, shifting with telepathic precision, unlike jerkier dual-clutch setups.

However, the 14 mpg I observed during aggressive driving was abysmal, and the absence of a plug-in hybrid (unlike the 771-hp Continental GT) felt like a missed chance for efficiency, per Electrek. I felt the V8 is a worthy W12 successor, but fuel economy stings.

Interior: Opulent but Tech-Dated

Stepping into the Bentayga Speed’s cabin was like entering a bespoke lounge, with my test model’s Beluga and Signal Yellow Nappa leather (with ultra-suede and diamond stitching) screaming extravagance. Yet, the tech felt a step behind rivals.

• Luxurious Materials: Leather, Alcantara, and $4,500 carbon fiber trim adorned every surface, with Signal Yellow stitching and Speed badges adding flair, per MotorTrend.
• Comfortable Seating: The 20-way adjustable front seats (heated, ventilated, massaging) were plush, but the 10-minute massage timer annoyed me, per my experience.
• Audi-Derived Tech: The 10.9-inch infotainment (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) was snappy but small and dated compared to a Range Rover’s 13.1-inch screen, per Car and Driver.
• Premium Audio: The $14,000 Naim 20-speaker system was crystal-clear, though I felt the standard Bang & Olufsen would suffice for most, per @BentleyMotors.
• Rear Seat Comfort: The $10,000 captain’s chairs (heated, ventilated, 14-way adjustable) were luxurious, but 40 inches of legroom felt tight for a $385,000 SUV, especially for taller passengers, per Electrek.

The absence of auto-closing doors (available on the EWB) and plastic vents (unlike Rolls-Royce’s metal ones) were surprising at this price. I felt the interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship but needs a tech overhaul.

Practicality: A Luxury Compromise

For an SUV, the Bentayga Speed’s practicality disappointed me, with limited cargo space and compromises tied to its luxury focus. It can tow 7,700 lbs, but daily usability lagged behind competitors.

• Tiny Cargo Space: With captain’s chairs, it offered just 14 cubic feet (17.1 with a bench), smaller than many compact sedans, per Car and Driver. Folding seats (not on my model) yields ~50 cubic feet, still modest.
• Limited Storage: The center console and glovebox were cramped, though underfloor storage and a 12V outlet added some utility, per my tests.
• Off-Road Capability: The adaptive air suspension and AWD handled Montana’s gravel course well, but 23-inch wheels and street tires limited serious off-roading, per MotorTrend.
• Chauffeur Appeal: The non-EWB model lacks the legroom of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, making it less ideal for chauffeured use, per @BentleyMotors.
• Customization: Mulliner options (e.g., $24,000 paint, $10,000 exhaust) let buyers personalize, but they inflate costs without boosting practicality, per Electrek.

I felt the Bentayga Speed prioritizes luxury over utility, forcing buyers to own a second vehicle for hauling needs, unlike a Range Rover.

Pros and Cons: My Verdict

• Pros:
  • Explosive 641-hp V8 with a thrilling Akrapovič exhaust.
  • Agile handling with drift mode and rear-wheel steering.
  • Opulent interior with bespoke Mulliner customization.
  • Impressive 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds and 193 mph top speed.
  • Strong towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.
• Cons:
  • Tiny 14–17.1 cubic feet cargo space.
  • Dated 10.9-inch infotainment and average tech.
  • Poor fuel economy (~14 mpg in aggressive driving).
  • No plug-in hybrid option for efficiency.
  • Exorbitant options inflate price to ~$385,000.

Global Market Context: A Niche Contender

The ultra-luxury SUV market is booming, with ~200,000 units sold globally in 2024 (Statista). The Bentayga Speed (~$280,000 base) competes with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (~$400,000) and Lamborghini Urus Performante (~$260,000). Its 641 hp and 193 mph top speed edge out the Cullinan but trail the Urus’s 666 hp, per Car and Driver. While Bentley’s bespoke craftsmanship appeals in markets like the U.S. and UAE, its dated tech and limited practicality hurt against tech-heavy rivals like the Range Rover SV, per MotorTrend.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About the Author

Redline Reviews formally known as 2theRedline produces detailed and honest videos on all things automotive with special attention placed toward actual in-market consumers looking to purchase their next new vehicle.

Sources

• Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com
• MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com
• Electrek: https://electrek.co
• Statista: https://www.statista.com
• X post by @BentleyMotors: https://x.com/BentleyMotors