Ultra-luxury SUVs are expected to be key sales players for their respective brands. Buyers not only want luxury, but also want capability, performance, and versatility all in one package. This delicate balancing act can be a difficult task for automakers to achieve. Bentley is one of these automakers looking to carve a name for itself with an SUV and while the Bentayga is still the lone player in this segment for the brand, for now, it’s still expected to do its part.
Bentley chose to showcase this with the introduction of the new Bentayga Speed which swaps out its old W12 for a smaller but just as potent twin-turbo V8.
The W12 retirement tour continues
Bentley made it clear some time ago that the W12 engine was on its way out with the 2025 Bentayga being one of the few models left that still had it available. This changes for 2026 with the Speed pitching the aging motor for a smaller twin-turbo V8. Like other models equipped with the V8, the Speed gets plenty of bite to go with its bark with the eight-cylinder under the hood producing 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. That’s 15 more hp than the old engine but it loses some torque in exchange.
The V8 also trails the brand’s PHEV-equipped models but Bentley says it can make the sprint to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a slightly higher top speed of 193 mph. The chassis has been reworked too for improved handling and the 2026 Speed brings a new suspension that helps it be the most dynamically focused Bentayga ever made. A new Sport model is a key pillar in the transformation and if buyers go for the optional carbon ceramic brakes, the SUV can also pull drifts thanks to a new ESC Dynamic setting.
The standard exhaust system makes a potent exhaust note but in the event owners feel that this isn’t enough, Bentley also offers a Titanium Akrapovic exhaust system with quad tailpipes for improved sound quality. Launch Control is also bundled in as well.
Bentayga Speed gets a nip and a tuck
With the powertrain and chassis getting the bulk of the changes for 2026, Bentley stylists kept things modest for the exterior changes. At first glance, it looks nearly identical to the outgoing model but a closer inspection reveals new 22 and 23-inch wheels, clear taillights, darkened headlights, and new ADAS sensors mounted on the front bumper. The interior also carries over mostly unchanged and it continues to be a bespoke oasis with diamond quilted leather, Speed badging, and customizable color accents with Bentley also continuing to offer its high level of customization services to buyers.
The Speed may be skipping electrification for now but look for this act of defiance to be short-lived with the next iteration of the Speed following other members of the Bentley family into electrification with the next-generation Bentayga potentially putting the Speed into the role of an all-electric model while the rest of the family being relegated to hybrid powerplants. Look for more availability information to be revealed soon.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.