Despite swapping its mighty W12 for a V8, the latest version of the Bentley Bentayga Speed is the most powerful Bentayga yet. And it’s now available in South Africa…
- Bentayga Speed ditches W12 for V8
- Most powerful SUV from Bentley yet
- Speed-badged variant can now drift
The latest version of the Bentley Bentayga Speed has touched down in South Africa, dropping the British brand’s storied 6.0-litre W12 engine in favour of a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Despite the reduction in both displacement and cylinder count, the updated Speed debuts as the most powerful Bentley SUV yet.
While the 12-cylinder motor had produced peak outputs of 467 kW and 900 Nm, the latest V8 churns out 478 kW and 850 Nm – up 11 kW but down 50 Nm. The result is a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 290 kph (or 310 kph should you choose the optional carbon-ceramic brakes and 23-inch wheels).
So, what does the V8-powered Bentayga Speed cost in South Africa? Well, thanks to the ever-on-the-ball vehicle-information specialists over at duoporta.com , we can confirm the Speed-badged derivative is priced from R5 765 000 , with only the EWB Azure and EWB Mulliner derivatives positioned higher in the 8-strong range.
According to Bentley, the latest Bentayga Speed features “significant advances in dynamic capability”. That’s thanks to an “enhanced” Sport chassis mode (with a 15% increase in suspension damping stiffness) and a new dynamic setting (now with launch control) that “brings maximum driver involvement and the choice between enhanced road-holding or the ability to slide the car on-power”. Yes, the Bentayga Speed can now drift…
Other highlights include a sports exhaust system (with a titanium Akrapovic version listed as optional), all-wheel steering, derivative-specific headlamps (with dark tint internals and a dark tint bezel), a Speed-specific instrument cluster and the Crewe-based automaker’s new “Precision Diamond” quilt design on various of the leather-trimmed surfaces.
What does the Bentley Bentayga Speed cost in SA?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Bentley Bentayga V8 | R4 547 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga Atelier Edition | R5 137 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga EWB V8 | R5 155 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga Azure | R5 430 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga EWB Atelier Edition | R5 599 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga Speed | R5 765 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure | R5 825 000 |
| Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner | R6 731 000 |
The prices above include a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the New Bentley Bentayga Speed
Q: How can the V8 be the “most powerful” Bentayga if the W12 had more torque?
A: It’s all about the horses. While the old W12 had a slight edge in “pulling power” (900 Nm vs 850 Nm), the new high-output 4.0-litre V8 produces more peak power at 478 kW. Combined with a lighter front end, the V8 Speed is actually 0.3 seconds faster to 100 kph, completing the sprint in a blistering 3.6 seconds.
Q: Does the Bentayga Speed really have a “Drift Mode”?
A: Technically, it’s an enhanced ESC Dynamic setting within Sport mode. When paired with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, the system relaxes the stability control to allow for “on-throttle slip angles”. While it won’t turn your SUV into a Formula Drift car, it does allow the rear to step out under power for much more driver involvement than the previous, more composed W12 version.
Q: What are the main visual cues that identify this as the Speed flagship?
A: Look for the dark-tinted “Speed” headlamps and taillights, unique 22-inch (or optional 23-inch) wheels and the Precision Diamond quilting inside. Externally, the Speed is the only model to feature the elongated rear spoiler and elliptical dual-exit exhausts (or quad-exit if the titanium Akrapovič system is fitted), along with discrete “Speed” badging on the lower door edges.
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