Taking a victory lap down Bentley lane, we see the British brand’s commitment to shattering automotive limitations by creating powerful, quite refined cars for those who appreciate both exhilarating performance and a touch of elegance. From snatching gold at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to setting production SUV speed records, Bentley’s legacy is filled with triumphs. The 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed embodies this very legacy. With an updated 6-liter W12 engine underneath the hood, it reaches speeds of 190 mph effortlessly, the fastest for any SUV ever. Of course, being a Bentley, the Bentayga Speed does it in unparalleled style – and sheer comfort. So, behind a refreshed, quite regal exterior lies a leather-cocooned interior closely followed by a feast of technological marvels helping elevate the driving experience to new heights. However, with a base MSRP just shy of $250,000 (excluding options), the Bentayga Speed may burn a hole in your pocket, but in the most glorious way possible.
Bentley’s legacy of speed stretches back to the roaring 20s when the legendary Bentley boys dominated racing. Still, the 2007 Continental GT would help lay the foundation of Bentley's 'Speed' renaissance. Upon making its first public appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Bentayga embodied the true Bentley DNA, coupling a breathtaking aesthetic (inside and out) and exhilarating performance. In fact, its VW-sourced 6-liter biturbo W12 engine propelled it to a staggering 187 mph (301 km/h), securing the title of the world’s fastest production SUV. Soon though, several Bentayga trims and configurations followed pursuit, including budget-friendly-ish twin-turbo V8s and fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids that coupled bespoke 'Black Line,' 'Mulliner Edition,' and 'V8 Design Series' trims for a tailored experience. Eventually, in 2018, Bentley went all stakes in, introducing the Bentayga Speed – their fastest, most powerful 'Speed' variant. Yet again, high-speed runs were just another walk in the park for the Bentayga Speed, which now treaded the 190-mph mark, becoming the first SUV ever to do so. By 2020, however, all Bentayga variants, including the Speed trim, underwent a much-needed mid-cycle update, including thorough interior and exterior changes and other tech for a refined evolution.
The secret behind the Bentayga Speed’s performance lies under its hood, now packing an updated 6-liter bi-turbo W12 engine, outputting a screaming 626 brake-horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque available from the get-go. A snappy 8-speed automatic transmission helps channel the power to all four wheels, propelling the 5,500-pound SUV from 0 – 60 mph in a staggering 3.9 seconds and achieving a record-breaking top speed of 190 mph. Yet, the Bentayga Speed offers a multifaceted driving experience, now equipping various driving modes. These features range from leisure-oriented Comfort and agile Sport modes to the well-rounded Bentley and tailored Custom modes, creating an effortless display of dynamic versatility. Also, despite its considerable mass, the Bentayga Speed zips through corners with surprising grace, courtesy of an unparalleled electric 48-volt Dynamic Ride and an advanced Torque Vectoring System. Together, they ensure laser-sharp precision and confidence-inspiring stability, setting the Bentayga apart as a true performance luxury SUV.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed strikes a perfect balance between luxury and performance, shouting sophistication in lowercase with its elegantly crafted lines and exquisite craftsmanship. So, premium hide leather cloaks every touchable surface, closely followed by supple Alcantara carpeting the headliner, seat cushions, and the steering wheel for a luxury-governed aesthetic. Complementing the sumptuous leather are the authentic, quite solid metal knobs and controls, solidifying the classic Bentley character. Meanwhile, 'Speed' embroidered badges couple with dark-accented trims, a subtle reminder of the Bentley's unrelenting W12 fury. Tech-wise, a new, cutting-edge 10.9-inch infotainment system now takes center place, displaying sat-nav and other multimedia controls for a seamless user experience. The first-class treatment continues to the second-row occupants, who are pampered with separate climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and an (optional) entertainment package to complete the essentials for a first-class ride. Regardless, all occupants get to gaze at nightly skies through a massive panoramic sunroof, a must-have feature alongside the Bentayga’s multi-colored interior ambient lighting.
Proud of its dual personality, the Bentayga Speed's outside echoes the inside. And so, it seamlessly culminates performance with subtle signs of deep-coated elegance. Firstly, the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed gets the latest Bentley makeover following the mid-cycle update in 2020. This includes a redesigned front and rear end and slight cosmetic changes, summing up the exterior in a neat, sleek, and bold character. Still, dark-tinted headlights and 22-inch wheels set the tone, while a longer roof-mounted spoiler and sportier front and rear bumpers hint at the Speed's hidden power. The front end screams typical Bentley, fostering a majestic Bentley matrix grille and crystal-like LED DRLs that light up the stage. The rear completes the picture by flaunting a new seat of 3-D elliptical taillights now round in shape for a sleek and sophisticated rear profile.
A celebration of cutting-edge technology works behind the scenes to maintain the Bentayga Speed’s poise and composure. For 2021, the Bentayga receives important updates with respect to efficiency, now incorporating active cylinder deactivation that decouples cylinders to maximize fuel economy gains. Also groundbreaking is Bentley’s electric 48-volt anti-roll technology that couples Bentley’s advanced Torque Vectoring system to provide unwavering stability and confidence. Meanwhile, an endless list of active safety features ensures a protective shield around occupants. These include auto emergency braking and intelligent stop/go, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane departure/keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, night vision, and more.
With a starting price just shy of $245,000, the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed makes you question the very essence of luxury and performance. The optional extras, however, are where the prices truly soar. These include an $8,500 Touring Specification kit that adds the must-have adaptive cruise control, night vision, and other safety tech. Other enticing options include a $8,900 NAIM 20-speaker sound system, detailed contrast stitching worth $3,600, and – of course – picnic tables that cost a whopping $2,300. Dream of having your very own land-sized yacht on wheels? Explore the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader today to drive home your slice of automotive opulence.
The 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed is the British marque’s artful culmination of speed and performance that offers blissful comfort at one end and exhilarating performance at the other. Exotic Car Trader utilizes an online platform to curate an impressive collection of exotic cars, passionately awaiting discerning owners like you. Learn more about our hassle-free car-buying process to ensure an effortless car-buying journey. Alternatively, users may sell us their exotic cars and utilize our robust fraud-detection tools to guarantee a safe and secure car-selling experience. With its supreme luxury and electrifying performance, the Bentayga Speed has set the benchmark for high-performance luxury SUVs.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
