Bentley has controversially killed off its fairly wild 12-cylinder W12 petrol engine as part of its move to an electrified future.
And, while the Continental coupe and Flying Spur sedan ranges now offer plug-in hybrid drivetrains, the Bentayga Speed SUV range retains a V8 without electrification, and it now adds the option of an epic-sounding Akrapovic exhaust.
We spent a day with the 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed across a variety of highways, city roads and even a short off-road loop in the US recently, ahead of the big and bold luxury-performance SUV’s Australian release.
The question on our minds, and probably yours, is whether it lives up to the lavish and exhilarating driving experience offered by the previous-generation W12 model.
How much does the Bentley Bentayga cost?
Pricing is yet to be announced for the Australian market but, for reference, the current model is priced from $531,500 before on-road costs and options. There’s an extensive customisation program available from Bentley, along with another via Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner.
To see how the Bentayga stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the Bentley Bentayga like on the inside?
Over the past few years Bentley has made a big shift to customisation to increase the company’s margins on bespoke products.
Most people that buy any sort of Bentley will spend money on customising it in some way. Whether it’s larger wheels or different interior trims, Bentley has billions (literally) of options available for customers to pick from.
This latest Bentayga Speed is no exception. For example, I spotted one car on the launch event that had a new stone inlay. It features a shaved layer of stone that’s inserted into the dashboard and door trims. It’s slightly cold to the touch, but it’s an epic step up over things like woodgrain or carbon, which feel dated compared to stone.
When it comes to infotainment, the system is a 10.9-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it works well for the best part, it can be laggy at times. That’s confusing given Bentley would have access to the new Porsche infotainment system in the Macan, which uses Android Automotive OS for a much faster and bespoke multimedia experience.
Outside of infotainment, the rest of the interior feels extremely high-quality and luxurious. People immediately think of Rolls-Royce when they think of luxury SUVs, but the Bentayga feels every bit as premium as a Cullinan on the inside, where there’s also plenty of scope available to customise pretty much everything.
The rest of the cabin continues the opulent trend, with ample legroom in the front and rear, and a generous boot.
There’s also an extended-wheelbase version of the Bentayga available for those who need a bit more space, but it’s not available in Speed trim.
To see how the Bentayga stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Bentley hasn’t messed about with the drivetrain. The W12’s replacement comes in the form of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 478kW of power and 850Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
| Specifications | Bentley Bentayga Speed |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 |
| Power | 478kW |
| Torque | 850Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2466kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.4s |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | TBC |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85L |
| CO2 emissions | TBC |
Bentley claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds and, even more impressively, a top speed of no less than 310km/h (impressive because of its size and near-2500kg mass). Torque is sent through a permanent all-wheel drive system with a Torsen centre differential and four-wheel steering.
If you option the Akrapovic exhaust, you have access to an extended stability control mode that allows further slip and rotation.
Fuel economy is pending type approval.
To see how the Bentayga stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Bentley Bentayga drive?
The thing I was most excited about was hearing the optional Akrapovic exhaust sing.
On startup it has a menacing snarl and then when you switch into Sport mode it fully opens up. It sounds absolutely unreal and while it may not be to the taste of every Bentayga owner, those that want a bit more menace from their Bentayga will love it. It even cracks and pops on the overrun.
Outside of the exhaust, Bentley has increased suspension firmness by 15 per cent. The Bentayga Speed was never too firm to begin with, so the increase in ride stiffness is welcome but not overly noticeable.
Each engine start engages Bentley mode, which is a hybrid between Comfort and Sport. And in conjunction with the eight-speed ZF transmission, it’s an absolute gem to drive at low speeds. There’s ample response available and it’s never sitting around napping when you want to get up and move.
There’s a degree of turbo lag if you get up it before the turbochargers are on boost, but it’s not the end of the world.
At high speeds, even on the optional 23-inch alloy wheels on our test car, the interior was silent. Bentley has done a great job of subduing cabin noise to ensure you get the right engine note required, without being drowned out by tyre noise on coarse-chip surfaces.
We eventually found some corners on our drive route, presenting the chance to flick over to Sport mode, in which the ride height lowered slightly, the suspension firmed up a little (the Bentayga rides on air suspension with adaptive damping) and the epic exhaust opened up.
The throttle also became super responsive and the vehicle felt alive. Bentley has worked to improve handling with the firmer ride, but it doesn’t feel over the top. The Lamborghini Urus becomes super firm and aggressive in Corsa mode, which you’d expect from a Lambo, but the Bentley retains a degree of the plushness you’d expect from a sporty Bentley SUV, even if there’s a bit more body roll.
The brakes feel improved, but it may just be a perception thing. Our test car had carbon ceramic brake rotors that measured 440mm in diameter up front and 370mm at the rear, gripped by 10-piston calipers up front. Previously when we have tested Bentleys, the brakes have been underwhelming, so we’ll need to wait until we get the new Speed back to our proving ground in Australia to put it through its paces.
We had the chance to test the Bentayga Speed on an off-road rally-style course that included slower and faster gravel sections. In this setting we were able to switch over to the ESC Sport mode, which allowed the rear-end to rotate further.
It’s a delicate balancing act because it’s an enormous vehicle from a mass point of view, and while you want to feel engaged and excited as a driver, there’s only so much freedom you can have before the electronics can’t defy physics to save you.
The Speed erred on the sportier side in this setting and allowed ample rear-biased torque for the vehicle to rotate. You could then lean on the throttle and keep it sliding neutrally through a sweeping bend. It was thrilling without feeling unsafe, which is the balance you want in vehicle this size.
To see how the Bentayga stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Bentley Bentayga safe?
The Bentley Bentayga hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but its Audi Q7 platform mate wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Bentley Safeguard Plus
- High-speed AEB
- Emergency Lane Change Assist
- Intersection Assist
- Head-up display
- Night vision
- Traffic assist (stop-go function)
- Park assist (semi-autonomous parking aide)
- 360-degree camera
- Pedestrian warning
- Rear cross-traffic warning
- City Safeguard
The Bentayga also comes with a suite of airbags, including dual front, curtain and side airbags for both rows of seating.
To see how the Bentayga stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Bentley Bentayga cost to run?
Like the wider Bentley range, the Bentayga is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance for the same period.
CarExpert’s Take
I was pretty surprised by the new Bentayga Speed. It delivers the kind of thrills and noises that you simply don’t expect from a Bentley. It pins you back in your seat and leaves you smiling with the optional Akrapovic exhaust.
The British brand has done a stellar job on the ride comfort and handling front as well. It’s a good balance and feels every part a Bentley.
I’m now looking forward to having a drive locally, to see whether the Bentayga Speed stacks up on Australian roads.
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MORE: Explore the Bentley Bentayga showroom
