The new Bentayga Speed is still the world’s fastest SUV

As before the Bentayga Speed with its mighty 635PS (467kW) twin-turbo W12 engine is remaining the ultimate Bentayga for markets like the Middle East, and won’t be joining the UK range. Of far more significance to us is the impending Bentayga Hybrid… more details on that soon.

What is significant about the latest fast Bentley to carry the Speed name is the 1,000-odd changes and cleaned-up styling that have been applied to all models, including the V8-powered Bentayga we get here.

We have already written about this refresh, so for all our friends in the Middle East, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region – all places where demand for 12 cylinders remains strong – here’s a whirlwind tour to the “pinnacle” Bentley Bentayga, and a great British flag-waver.

As before, the Speed gets 635PS backed up by 900Nm (664 lb ft) of torque from just 1,500rpm. Performance too is unchanged, with a top end of 190mph and 0-62 mph in 3.9 secs. (To save you checking, the Lamborghini Urus is faster to 62mph at 3.6 but, and here’s the rub, 1km/h, or 0.6mph, behind on top speed.)

As Bentley chief executive Adrian Hallmark tells us: “It’s important that we still recognize the customer desire for absolute performance. The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world, but more that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga.”

The improved looks of all Bentaygas suit the Speed version well. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler are ways to tell the Speed model, along with the W12 signature of oval exhaust finishers.

It promises to be a little more efficient than before, with new cylinder deactivation system that can allow the engine to run on just one bank of six. The Speed can also freewheel when you lift off at cruising speeds, for so-called “sailing”. That saves a little more fuel as well.

48-volt active anti-roll “bars” as part of the Bentley Dynamic Ride system keep the Speed level and comfortable, while the sport drive mode has been beefed up for a more engaging drive. No surprise the carbon ceramic brakes are big – the biggest Bentley makes – but they do cost extra.

For a pinnacle model, there’s unlikely to be much else on the options list, apart of course from the multitude of delights from the Mulliner bespoke department. There’s plenty of hand-crafted luxury in the finishes and materials inside the cabin, just as there is with the Bentayga V8.

What you do not get with the V8 is the word “Speed” embroidered into the seat backrests – handy in case anyone thinks you’ve bought the slow one…