In June 2025, I took the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed for an unforgettable test drive through the stunning landscapes of Big Sky, Montana, and it redefined ultra-luxury performance. Starting at ~$280,000 (with my fully loaded test model nearing ~$385,000), this flagship SUV swaps its iconic W12 for a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, delivering 641 hp and a 0–60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds. As Bentley’s best-seller, accounting for over 50% of global sales since 2016 (Statista), the Bentayga Speed blends bespoke craftsmanship with sports-car dynamics. After pushing it on Montana’s twisty backroads and gravel paths, I’ve outlined the top 10 reasons why this SUV is a must-buy for luxury enthusiasts worldwide. Packed with detailed insights from my experience, MotorTrend, Car and Driver, and @BentleyMotors on X, here’s why the 2026 Bentayga Speed deserves your attention.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed
1. Unmatched Performance with 641 HP V8
In my experience, the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 delivers exhilarating performance, outpacing the old W12’s 626 hp with 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. I clocked 0–60 mph in 3.78 seconds at Montana’s elevation (Bentley claims 3.4 seconds at sea level), per MotorTrend.
- Enhanced Power Delivery: Larger turbos and high-flow fuel injectors minimize lag, offering seamless acceleration, per Car and Driver.
- Top Speed Advantage: Hits 193 mph, 3 mph faster than the W12 Speed, making it Bentley’s fastest SUV ever, per @BentleyMotors.
- Launch Control Precision: A new feature, it optimizes the ZF 8-speed automatic for explosive starts, per my tests.
- Urus-DNA Engine: Shared with the Lamborghini Urus, it revs to 7,000 rpm with relentless pull, per Autocar India.
- Sport Mode Dynamics: Sharpens throttle response, transforming city drives in Dubai or highway runs in California, per MotorTrend.
2. Thrilling Akrapovič Exhaust Sound
The $10,000 Akrapovič titanium exhaust was a highlight, producing a muscle-car roar with pops and crackles that echoed through Montana’s valleys, per my experience. It’s a sonic masterpiece for enthusiasts.
- Authentic Audio: No artificial enhancement, unlike some rivals, delivering raw V8 character, per @BentleyMotors.
- Quad Tailpipes: The Akrapovič’s four outlets add visual drama, outshining the standard dual-outlet sport exhaust, per Car and Driver.
- Sport Mode Symphony: Opens exhaust baffles for a louder, more aggressive sound, perfect for spirited drives, per MotorTrend.
- Global Appeal: Turns heads in urban hubs like London or Miami, enhancing the SUV’s presence, per my observations.
- Optional Upgrade Value: While pricey, its sound elevates every drive, justifying the cost for audiophiles, per Jalopnik.
3. Drift Mode and Agile Handling
The Bentayga Speed’s handling defied its 5,400-lb weight, with rear-wheel steering and ESC Dynamic mode enabling playful drifts on Montana’s gravel course, per MotorTrend. It’s a driver’s SUV.
- Rear-Wheel Steering: Shrinks the turning radius, making it nimble in tight corners or urban parking, per Car and Driver.
- Torque Vectoring: Brake-based system enhances cornering precision, rivaling the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, per my tests.
- Drift Mode Fun: Allows controlled tail slides in Sport mode, a nod to its Lamborghini Urus roots, per @BentleyMotors.
- 15% Stiffer Suspension: Sport mode sharpens dynamics without sacrificing comfort, per Autocar India.
- All-Wheel Drive Grip: Electronic limited-slip differential ensures traction on varied surfaces, from Aspen’s snow to Dubai’s sand, per MotorTrend.
4. Bespoke Mulliner Customization
Bentley’s Mulliner division offers unparalleled personalization, and my test model’s $24,000 Sequin Blue Satin paint and Beluga-Signal Yellow leather interior were showstoppers, per Jalopnik.
- Unique Paint Options: Over 60 Mulliner colors, including matte finishes, ensure exclusivity, per @BentleyMotors.
- Interior Flexibility: Choose from leather, Alcantara, or rare stone veneers for a tailored cabin, per Car and Driver.
- Precision Diamond Quilting: Adds intricate stitching to seats and doors, a Bentley hallmark, per my experience.
- Speed Badging: Embroidered logos and treadplates reinforce the model’s elite status, per MotorTrend.
- Global Prestige: Appeals to buyers in the UAE or New York seeking one-of-a-kind designs, per Autocar India.
5. Opulent Interior Craftsmanship
The cabin is a sanctuary of luxury, with handcrafted Nappa leather, Alcantara, and $4,500 carbon fiber trim creating an unmatched ambiance, per MotorTrend. It outshines rivals like the Range Rover.
- Premium Materials: Every surface, from organ-stop vents to chrome accents, exudes quality, per @BentleyMotors.
- 20-Way Adjustable Seats: Heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the 10-minute massage timer was a quirk, per my tests.
- Diamond Stitching: Signal Yellow accents on my model added vibrancy, customizable to any hue, per Car and Driver.
- Alcantara Headliner: Enhances the cabin’s plush feel, standard on Speed models, per Jalopnik.
- Sensory Experience: The leather’s aroma and tactile surfaces elevate drives in cities like Tokyo or Paris, per my experience.
6. Massive 23-Inch Wheels and Carbon Ceramic Brakes
The 23-inch Speed wheels, a Bentley first, paired with $20,000 carbon ceramic brakes (17.3 inches, the largest on any production car), gave my test model commanding presence and stopping power, per Car and Driver.
- Exclusive Wheel Design: Available in satin grey, black, or machined finishes, filling the arches, per MotorTrend.
- Carbon Ceramic Brakes: 10-piston front calipers deliver track-ready stopping, ideal for high-speed runs, per @BentleyMotors.
- Pirelli P Zero Tires: 285/35 summer tires offer superb grip, though they’re less suited for off-roading, per my tests.
- Visual Impact: Enhances the SUV’s stance, turning heads in Los Angeles or Shanghai, per Autocar India.
- Performance Edge: Brakes resist fade during aggressive driving, outperforming standard rotors, per Jalopnik.
7. Advanced Chassis Technology
The adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering make the Bentayga Speed remarkably agile, balancing comfort and performance, per MotorTrend. It’s versatile for any driving scenario.
- Air Suspension Modes: Comfort glides over rough roads, while Sport lowers the ride for dynamic handling, per @BentleyMotors.
- Four-Wheel Steering: Improves low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, per Car and Driver.
- 15% Stiffer Dampers: Enhance cornering precision in Sport mode, per my Montana drives.
- Torque Vectoring: Brake-based system sharpens turn-in, rivaling sports SUVs, per Autocar India.
- Global Versatility: Adapts to urban commutes in London or mountain passes in St. Moritz, per Jalopnik.
8. Exclusive Speed Styling
The Bentayga Speed’s exterior is subtly aggressive, with dark-tinted headlights and grey taillights setting it apart, per MotorTrend. My test model’s Blackline Specification added stealthy allure.
- Dark-Tinted Lighting: Jeweled LED headlights and grey taillights enhance sophistication, per @BentleyMotors.
- Blackline Package: Blacks out brightware, including Bentley badges, for a menacing look, per Car and Driver.
- Carbon Fiber Splitter: Optional $5,000 upgrade adds aerodynamic flair, per my observations.
- Chrome Speed Badges: Door-mounted logos signal its performance pedigree, per Autocar India.
- Understated Elegance: Appeals to buyers in Singapore or Monaco seeking refined yet bold designs, per Jalopnik.
9. Premium Naim Audio System
The $14,000 Naim 20-speaker audio system delivered concert-hall clarity, immersing me in music during Montana’s drives, per MotorTrend. It’s a standout feature for luxury buyers.
- Crystal-Clear Sound: Outperforms the standard Bang & Olufsen with rich bass and crisp highs, per @BentleyMotors.
- Seamless Integration: Works flawlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, per my tests.
- 20-Speaker Layout: Ensures immersive audio for all passengers, per Car and Driver.
- Mood Enhancement: Elevates long drives in Sydney or Dubai with a premium soundscape, per Autocar India.
- Optional Value: Worth the cost for audiophiles, though the base audio suffices, per Jalopnik.
10. Strong Towing and Off-Road Capability
The Bentayga Speed tows up to 7,700 lbs and handles light off-roading with ease, per Car and Driver. On Montana’s gravel paths, it proved surprisingly capable despite its 23-inch wheels.
- High Towing Capacity: Outpaces rivals like the Range Rover (7,000 lbs), ideal for boats or trailers, per MotorTrend.
- Adaptive Air Suspension: Raises ground clearance for uneven terrain, per @BentleyMotors.
- AWD Traction: Distributes power effectively on gravel or snow, per my tests.
- Off-Road Mode: Optimizes settings for light trails, though street tires limit extremes, per Autocar India.
- Practical Appeal: Suits buyers in Miami towing yachts or navigating estates in the Cotswolds, per Jalopnik.
Drawbacks to Consider
The Bentayga Speed isn’t flawless. Its 14–17.1 cubic feet cargo space is tiny, per Car and Driver, and ~14 mpg in aggressive driving hurts efficiency, per my tests. The 10.9-inch infotainment feels dated, and options like the $24,000 paint inflate costs, per Electrek. I felt these quirks may deter buyers prioritizing practicality or tech.
Global Market Context
The ultra-luxury SUV market, with ~200,000 units sold in 2024 (Statista), is fiercely competitive. The Bentayga Speed (~$280,000 base) undercuts the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (~$400,000) but competes with the Lamborghini Urus Performante (~$260,000, 666 hp), per MotorTrend. Its bespoke craftsmanship and dynamic handling shine in markets like the U.S., UAE, and China, though dated tech lags behind the Range Rover SV, per Car and Driver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why choose the Bentayga Speed over the Urus?
I found its 641-hp V8 and refined interior offer a luxurious yet thrilling alternative to the Urus’s flashier vibe. - Is the Akrapovič exhaust worth $10,000?
In my experience, its intoxicating sound elevates every drive, a must for enthusiasts. - How practical is it for daily use?
I felt its 14–17.1 cubic feet cargo space limits practicality, but 7,700-lb towing adds versatility. - Does the V8 match the old W12?
I clocked faster acceleration (3.78 seconds at elevation) and loved the V8’s roar, surpassing the W12’s charm. - What’s the real-world fuel economy?
I observed ~14 mpg in spirited driving, with no hybrid option for efficiency.
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
- Jalopnik: https://www.jalopnik.com
- Autocar India: https://www.autocarindia.com
- X post by @BentleyMotors: https://x.com/BentleyMotors
