Bentley’s most powerful SUV drops the W-12, keeps the attitude, and adds a Drift Mode. Yes, really.
- The W-12’s gone, but the twin-turbo V8 still shoves this thing to 60 in 3.4 seconds—and now it’ll hang its tail out if you’re brave enough to ask.
- Rear-wheel steering, a retuned suspension, and a new ESC mode make the Bentayga Speed feel a lot more alive than something this heavy should.
- It still weighs over two and a half tons and pampers you like a private jet, but for the first time, the big Bentley feels like it actually wants to play.
In the ultra-lux world of performance SUVs, the Bentley Bentayga Speed has always carried itself a little differently. It didn’t shout, it resonated. It wasn’t built to outshine; it was built to outlast. But for 2026, Bentley’s flagship SUV returns with sharper hardware, sportier dynamics, and—for the first time ever—a Drift Mode. This isn’t the old aristocrat anymore. It’s the one that might take the long way home just to kick the tail out.
Farewell W-12, Hello V-8
Gone is the W-12 engine that once defined Bentley’s top-tier models, …retired gracefully, just as the Batur marked the end of an era. The throne now is acquired by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, now tuned to produce 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque—figures that not only eclipse the old W-12 in output but lighten the front end in the process.
With a 0–62 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, this is still one of the fastest SUVs money can buy. And now, it wants to play. A new ESC Dynamic Mode opens the door to controlled drifts and sharper exits, allowing this nearly three-ton behemoth to behave more like a grand touring coupe when pushed.
Dynamic
Bentley has worked the chassis over. The 2026 Speed now includes rear-wheel steering—something you’ve probably heard of by now (even if it still is fancy futuristic tech). At low speeds, it turns the rear wheels opposite the fronts for tighter maneuvers; at higher speeds, they turn in sync to improve stability. Suspension damping in Sport Mode is stiffer by 15%.
A new Sport exhaust system with twin oval tailpipes gives the V8 a richer voice—less background baritone, more center-stage growl. Now if you are among those who want something even more exclusive, Bentley offers a titanium Akrapovič system with quad tailpipes, that’s light in weight and gives the Bentayga a sharper acoustic edge.
And yes, there’s now a Launch Control—a first for the Bentayga lineup, and it is a proof of the growing expectation that a Speed badge comes with real firepower, not just flair.
Style Without Noise
The exterior updates speak softly, Dark-tinted headlights, smoked taillights, and shadowline trim give the new Speed a more purposeful stance. 22-inch wheels are standard, with 23-inch options available for models equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes—a setup that shaves more than 70 pounds of unsprung weight. Brake calipers? Seven color choices. Roof finish? Gloss or satin black. Bentley may not shout, but it certainly gives you the palette to paint a statement.
Inside
The details continue: a Precision Diamond quilted pattern on the seats and door inserts, Speed badging on the dash and sills, and the option to darken the usual chrome trim. The interior is still all about feel—opulence that’s tactile, not flashy. If you equate luxury with massive screens, you might be underwhelmed here. Bentley doesn’t see big glass panels as particularly luxurious. In fact, it leans the other way.
For Bentley, true luxury is about craftsmanship—something sensory, something you touch. The tech is all there, of course, but it’s integrated quietly, in a way that doesn’t interrupt the experience.
Still a Bentley at Heart
Despite the aggression, the Bentayga Speed is whisper-quiet when you want it to be, and capable of crossing continents without a raised pulse. It still tows with confidence and cruises like a continent is its driveway. What’s changed is how willingly it breaks character when asked—and how good it is at it.
Bentley hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect a figure north of $280,000, especially once options like ceramic brakes, Akrapovič exhausts, or Mulliner personalization come into play. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year.
Final Word
The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed feels like Bentley at ease with itself—confident enough to drop the W-12 and still come out faster. Bentayga hasn’t arrived with just some styling updates either. With Drift Mode now onboard, the Bentayga steps into rare territory: a full-size luxury SUV that knows how to get attention and have fun once the road opens up.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re passionate about the latest trends in cars, motorcycles, and EV’s, make sure to follow and subscribe to Hyperdrive USA. We at Hyperdrive USA are committed to bringing you the hottest updates, so you’ll always be the first to know about the biggest stories in the automotive world. Stay ahead of the curve with us.