Last week, Bentley gave us a glimpse of a future that becomes reality today. The opulent SUV you see before you is the 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed, which pairs the new Bentayga’s look with the tried-and-true existing mechanicals of the outgoing Bentayga Speed, just introduced last February. That means this exceptional fast SUV stays quick, and looks good doing it.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed: What’s New?
The short answer is that the new 2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed puts the current 2020’s mechanicals into the updated-for-2021 body. There is of course a lot more to it, since the updated sheetmetal and interior afford the Speed lots of ways to differentiate itself from its lesser V-8 powered siblings.
Another big chunk of new? The Speed model is also now the only way to get the W-12 engine in a Bentayga. Previously, customers could select non-Speed W-12-powered Bentaygas. Since most folks were ordering their Bentayga W-12s in Speed guise before, Bentley just made the Speed the only choice for twelve-cylinder intenders.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Speed Design
While the Speed’s underlying structure and mechanicals are largely carry-over, the sheetmetal outside is heavily revised, just as it is for all 2021 Bentaygas. Only the roof and door skins are untouched.
The overall look from outside is lower, wider, more planted. The Speed model sets itself apart with a variety of small changes: Dark-tinted headlights, body-colored side skirts, dark-tinted grilles, and unique 22-inch wheels. The front and rear bumpers are unique to the Speed, as is the elongated tailgate spoiler that stands proud of the roof, and the oval tailpipes reserved for W-12 models. The exterior changes are subtle, but decidedly sporty.
For a darker, sportier look, customers can order the Black Specification, which replaces all the exterior brightwork with dark accents. Those bits could be gloss black or carbon fiber, depending on the part in question. Black Specification Bentaygas feature a carbon fiber front splitter, spoiler, and side sills, while the rear diffuser is painted gloss black. The exhaust pipes and 22-inch wheels are also blacked out.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Specs
With the carry-over mechanicals, the Speed’s engine output and performance figures are unchanged, but still monumentally impressive. The twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, figures that are good enough to shove the Speed from zero to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph. Bentley claimed the fastest production SUV title with the current Bentayga Speed, and provided no competitor throws down a Connolly hide gauntlet, that bragging right shouldn’t change for the new one.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Tech and Interior
As with the recently updated Flying Spur and Continental GT, all 2021 Bentaygas adopt a revised interior. There’s a 10.9-inch touchscreen mounted under a showy central air vent and clock arrangement with a winged design reminiscent of the company’s winged B logo. A new configurable digital dash is joined by a revised steering wheel and redesigned seats.
What sets the Speed apart is in the details. If you want Alcantara, the Speed offers it, placing the synthetic suede material on the seat cushions, in the center of the seat backrest, on the steering wheel, and in other little places throughout the cabin. Optionally, all this Alcantara can be replaced with leather. A “Speed” script is embroidered as standard in the backrest, but can be replaced with a “Bentley” logo at no cost. The Mulliner Driving Specification appearance package is standard, including a special contrasting stitching through the diamond quilting—Bentley says one thread matches the leather, and the other contrasts, for a special look. “Speed” badges adorn several places on the exterior, as well.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Price and Availability
The 2021 Bentayga Speed will be available in the U.S., Middle East, and Asia Pacific markets. Pricing for our market starts at $245,000 when the Speed arrives in the first quarter of 2021.
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