Unrelenting power, unwavering refinement, and unparalleled luxury are the hallmarks that define a Bentley's essence. The 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed embodies this very essence, setting new standards in the luxury SUV market that were previously unimaginable. It isn’t just fast; it’s ferocious. With a twin-turbocharged W12 engine unleashing 626 horses to all four wheels, the Behemoth completes a standing 60 mph feat in a comfortable 3.8 seconds. More importantly, the Bentayga Speed is capable of sprinting 190 mph, rightfully claiming the ‘fastest production SUV in the world’ title. Yet, amidst its exemplified performance lies an effortless poised grace, including an interior adorned with the finest leathers and polished wood accents. All this power and luxury, however, comes at a steep price. So, the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed commands a strong $238,425 (base price), with room for optional extras. Fair for a 5-seater family luxury SUV? Let’s find out.
In a bold move, Bentley unveiled its first-ever luxury SUV at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Immediately, it dropped jaws with its striking beauty inside out, contrasting the previously controversial concept design. The Bentayga carried over its platform from its corporate siblings, including the Audi Q7, Audi Q8, and Porsche Cayenne, but with an added flair. Yet, it was in a league of its own until, eventually, it was crowned the ‘fastest (production) SUV in the world’ title. Over the years, the Bentayga evolved, offering a range of engine options and configurations, ranging from an economical diesel V8 (Bentley’s first ever), a fuel-efficient 6-cylinder plug-in hybrid, and a performance-happy V8. Trim levels also saw a shift in tides, now including bespoke 'Mulliner,' 'Black Edition,' and 'V8 Design Series' specifications for a one-of-a-kind personalization experience. Soon, in 2020, Bentley resurfaced with the Bentayga Speed, reclaiming the ‘fastest SUV’ title yet again. The Bentayga Speed rocked a similar VW-series 6-liter W12 engine, pushing an additional 26 horsepower for a monstrous total of 626 horsepower, enough for breaking the 190-mph speed barrier.
The Bentayga Speed sources its unforgiving power from a beastly twin-turbocharged 6-liter W12 engine, now outputting a screaming 626 horsepower and 664-lb ft torques via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power is enough to spin the wheels up to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, a territory reigned by mid-ranged supercars. Even more impressive is the top speed, now boosted to a cargo-hauling 190 mph (306 km/h), the fastest for any SUV (at the time of release). Thankfully, it boasts enhanced, more finetuned suspension upgrades, including active antiroll bars and stiffer shocks, to make fast cornering in a 5,400-lb behemoth less scary. However, customizable driving modes add a touch of individualization, transforming the 'limousine of SUVs' into a relaxed, quite raised grand tourer.
Inside, the Bentley Bentayga Speed doesn't necessarily scream speed. Instead, it displays an effortless marriage of exquisite handcraftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a sporty flair. Soft-touch, premium hide leather meets the eye wherever it goes, adorning the dash, lower console, door panels, and – of course – the seats. More importantly, the Bentayga Speed benefits from a tactile Alcantara trim, wrapping the steering wheel and other cabin touchpoints. Also, diamond contrast stitching elevates the overall aesthetics. Still, 'Speed' embroidery and badges are peppered throughout the cabin, including headrests and door sills, a subtle reminder of the W12 fury underneath the hood. Continuing the ‘elegance’ theme a step further are the solid, premium felt metallic knobs and controls, adding a touch of modernity and sophistication. Meanwhile, interior mood lighting, a premium (NAIM) sound system, and a vast panoramic sunroof help make 190-mph runs more relaxed and effortless.
Outside, the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed looks no less than a raised Continental GT. A dynamic yet elegant philosophy now adopts the Speed’s exterior, amplified by the muscular stance gracing the sides and front. The signature Bentley matrix grille, now rendered in menacing black, takes center stage at the front, flanked by dark-tinted headlights and jewel-like DRLs illuminating the imposing front fascia. A prominent front splitter hints at the Speed's exceptional performance while sweeping, muscular lines caress the expansive hood. Towards the side, subtle ‘Speed’ badges coupled with massive 22-inch wheels maintain the SUV’s elegant character. Luckily, owners can spec the wheels with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes and a range of other different finishes – dark tint, black, or silver – for a personalized touch. Overlooking the back is a large roof-mounted spoiler, optimizing aerodynamics for high-speed runs. Below it is a set of snaring exhaust pipes, now finetuned to deliver greater, more aggressive downshifts and heavenly sounds.
In an attempt to prioritize occupant comfort and luxury, the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed fosters great technological prowess. These include a driver-centric (touch-sensitive) infotainment screen, offering intuitive controls over the sat-nav, entertainment, and other functions. Passengers in the rear are treated to a palm-sized tablet incorporating climate control and heated seat functionalities. More importantly, the Bentayga Speed prides itself on exhibiting technological prowess through driver assistance features designed to enhance occupant safety and performance. These include Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control (optional), heads-up display, lane departure/keeping assist, night vision, etc.
True to Bentley’s heritage, the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed carries a hefty price tag. Base models kick off at a significant $238,425, while fully optioned, Mulliner-specced versions could set you back by a head-spinning $300,000 and counting. Fast forward to 2024, well-equipped (used) Bentayga Speed models can be found listed for a manageable $150,000, with prices dropping even lower for high-mileage ones. For instance, this well-kept 34,000-mile 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed commands a strong $120,000. Intrigued by Bentley's supreme luxury and performance? Explore the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to find your perfect match.
The 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed seamlessly blends the spine-tingling speeds of a supercar with the refined comfort of an opulent drawing room, creating a captivating duality of character. Exotic Car Trader simplifies the exotic car-buying experience by highlighting an easy car-buying process and curating an impressive portfolio of exotic cars listed for sale. Also, browse through hundreds of exotic cars to find your dream ride. Still, Exotic Car Trader streamlines the car-selling process through verified and transparent sellers, offering an intuitive and secure car-selling experience. With its unbridled performance and ultimate luxury, the Bentayga Speed successfully rewrites the definition of high-performance SUVs, bridging the gap between raw power and refined elegance.
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