2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed Initial Drive Review: As Comfortable as Seat 1A on a Flight to Paris

      Chris Tsui

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      A recent report highlighted that Lamborghini and Bentley contribute to 60% of Audi Group profits while representing only 1% of its sales. This illustrates a business model similar to airlines, where a significant portion of operating costs is recovered from the profit-heavy first eight rows of seating. Official U.S. pricing for the 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed will be announced next month, but a card found in the glove compartment suggested a base price in Europe of 225,882 euros, roughly translating to $260,000 at current exchange rates. Is the new Bentayga Speed worth $260,000? Clearly, it is not. In fact, one might argue that nothing in this category truly justifies such an expense.

      However, this probably matters little to potential buyers in this market segment. Much like opting for first-class airfare, the Speed is a purchase made out of capability, a sense of accustomed luxury, and often, it will be categorized as a business expense at the end of the day.

      Chris Tsui

      Additionally, this model is the most powerful and dynamic Bentayga produced in Crewe, a fact that will surely secure its place on allocation lists well into 2027, considering its affluent and status-driven clientele. If you fall into this category, the new Speed Bentley SUV successfully serves as a Bentayga that is marginally faster, swifter, and more refined than the one you currently own (and notably, compared to your neighbor's); you might as well provide your dealer with that blank check—pricing is merely a bothersome detail that your finance manager is more than equipped to handle.

      If I could offer one suggestion, I would highly recommend including the optional Akrapovič exhaust on your order form. It enhances the vehicle’s character.

      Bentley

      The Basics

      The Bentayga Speed can be visually distinguished from more common Bentley SUVs by its darker trim, enhanced headlights, premium Altezza taillights, an optional colored pinstripe along the lower body, and my personal favorite: new 23-inch wheels. Inside, the air vents and “organ stop” controls can be finished in a darker tint, and there is a new quilt pattern for the seats and door panels, accompanied by Speed-specific gauge displays and badging.

      As expected from Bentley, the interior quality is impressive, with all controls, including those on the touchscreen, providing a satisfying click. The screen is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, boasting an abundance of buttons and knobs, contradicting the trend started by a designer around 2014 that envisioned iPads as the pinnacle of modern car interior design.

      Bentley

      Driving Experience

      Under the hood, the previous Speed’s W12 has been replaced with the standard Bentayga’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now upgraded. Larger turbos with reduced lag, increased fuel injectors, and a lower compression ratio for managing enhanced boost levels deliver 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque—15 hp more but 37 lb-ft less than the previous 12-cylinder Speed.

      Even with reduced torque, this new Speed outperforms the old model: pressing both pedals activates launch control (a first for the Bentayga), allowing it to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and an eventual top speed of 193 mph. For comparison, the former Bentayga Speed required 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and had a top speed of 190. Unlike other VW Group performance models that launch with immediate force, the Bentley is tuned for more elegance. Acceleration is formidable, yet it delivers a grand and gradual thrust—no champagne spills allowed in the rear, even on the dragstrip.

      In Sport mode, the dampers are 15% stiffer, yet it remains comfortable in practice. The ESC Dynamic system has been tuned for easier slides, while the 440-mm carbon ceramic brakes are touted as the “largest in the world,” providing powerful performance without feeling overly aggressive or cushy in the pedal—they strike a perfect balance. Brake-based torque vectoring enhances cornering precision.

      Navigating the winding highways and gravel roads of Montana, the Bentayga Speed proves to be impressively agile. While it may not deliver the “shrinking around you” sensation characteristic of some high-performance luxury vehicles, it feels lighter than its actual weight. Superior Pirelli P Zeros, exceptional all-wheel drive, and 641 hp contribute to this effect.

      Conversely, while the Bentayga doesn’t ride quite as smoothly as a magic carpet or a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, it is decidedly more engaging to drive than both—well, at least compared to the Rolls, as I can’t speak for piloting any magic carpets. It remains stable and well-insulated, avoiding a floaty or haphazard feel, all while