2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed debuts as a W12 behemoth

The most powerful version of the Bentayga product line gets a makeover both inside and out. However, it carries over the mammoth W12 motor from its predecessor without any changes.

Hot on the heels of the new 2021 Bentayga V8, Bentley has now pulled the wraps off the new range-topping Bentayga Speed. This time, the Bentayga Speed will be the only W12-powered Bentayga model in the line-up, as the base model will remain V8-powered. This means the end of the road for the erstwhile 600bhp/900Nm W12 Bentayga.

The 2021 Bentayga Speed, as predicted, builds on the latest design language introduced on the new-gen V8 model a while back. The updated exterior design incorporates new elliptical LED headlamps, oval taillamp units inspired by the Continental GT, a full-width tailgate, and redone bumpers (with larger air intakes at the front). While the Bentayga Speed will be offered in the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, customers can further customise their car with the Black Specification pack.

To set it apart from the base model, the Bentayga Speed does get some bespoke styling additions, such as the 'Speed' badging, a new design for the 22-inch wheels, body-coloured side skirts, chrome garnish on the doors and bumpers, a dark-tint on the headlights, taillamps, radiator & bumper grilles, an elongated tailgate spoiler, and oval exhaust tips to signify the Bentayga Speed's W12 powertrain.

In terms of the powertrain, the 2021 Bentayga Speed carries over the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine with the eight-speed automatic gearbox from its predecessor, without any changes. The power & torque figures remain unchanged at 626bhp & 900Nm. There's also the cylinder deactivation tech, thanks to which, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) deactivates one complete bank of six cylinders, as required. The Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 306km/h while dismissing the 100km/h mark (from a standstill) in 3.9 seconds.

Features and driving aids on offer with the 2021 Bentayga Speed include multiple drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Bentley, & Custom), Bentley Dynamic Ride (active air suspension with 48V electric assist), a Torque Vectoring by Brake system, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which offer a weight saving of more than 20kg over iron brakes.

Inside, the 2021 Bentayga Speed inherits the new V8 model's larger 10.9-inch touchscreen and a fully-digital instrument cluster. The new command centre comes with a new navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and embedded eSIM for My Bentley in-car connected services. New USB Type-C ports and a wireless phone charger are part of the standard kit as well.