Bentley Bentayga Speed is world’s fastest SUV

The Bentley Bentayga Speed has set a record as the world’s fastest SUV, beating the Lamborghini Urus’s top speed by just 0.5mph.

The Bentayga Speed, the performance variant of the Crewe-based firm’s luxury SUV, has a claimed top speed of 190mph (305 kph), while the Urus’s figure is 189.5mph (Rs 304 kph). However, the Urus achieves the 0-62mph (0-100 kph) sprint in 3.6sec, while the Speed takes 3.9sec. 

The Speed, which will make its debut at Geneva motor show in March, uses a more highly tuned version of the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine as the standard Bentayga, raising power from 600bhp to 626bhp. Torque remains the same at 664lb ft (900 Nm).

Compared with the standard W12 Bentayga, the Speed is 0.2sec faster from 0-62mph (0-100 kph), while its top speed is 3mph (4.8 kph) higher. 

Sport mode, one of four on-road driving modes, has received engineering tweaks in the Speed, intended to provide a more dynamic drive. The mode has been recalibrated to “enhance response” from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride, the firm’s electric active roll control technology.

There is also a louder exhaust note and firmer suspension to “further increase driver engagement”, said Bentley.

Design changes include dark-tinted headlights, body-coloured side skirts and a prominent tailgate spoiler. The Speed also features dark-tinted front air intake grilles and 22in alloy wheels, available in a choice of three finishes.

Inside, the Speed gets new contrast stitching, Speed badging, an illuminated 'Speed' treadplate and, for the first time in a Bentayga, Alcantara upholstery.

Exclusive options include carbon-ceramic brakes, 22-way adjustable front seats and mood lighting.

The Bentayga Speed, which was first scooped by Autocar UK in June last year, will go on sale this summer and cost around £185,000 – £200,000 (Rs 1.6 crore to Rs 1.8 crore) more than the regular W12.

It is the latest in a succession of Speed variants of Bentley models, dating back to 2007. The unveiling of the Bentayga Speed comes in the wake of the carmaker claiming the production SUV record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US last year. 

It is the fourth Bentayga variant to go on sale, following the diesel, V8 and W12. The Bentayga plug-in hybrid, revealed at last year’s Geneva show, is yet to go on sale due to delays caused by WLTP fuel economy testing.