2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed Gets New V8 and Goes Drifting
Following in the footsteps of the Continental GT and Flying Spur, the Bentley Bentayga Speed drops the W12 engine and receives an all-new V8 for 2026. No electrification here, but you're still looking at the most powerful SUV in the history of the British luxury brand—and the first one with actual drifting skills.
The heavily revised twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 generates 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h now takes as little as 3.4 seconds, which is ridiculously quick for a gas-powered vehicle weighing over 2,600 kg. That's half a second faster than the previous, W12-equipped Bentayga Speed, by the way. Top speed is rated at 310 km/h.
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The engine is not only more powerful but also more characterful thanks to a standard sport exhaust system. Optionally, customers can crank things up even further with a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system featuring quad tailpipes instead of two.
Now, imagine this: by selecting the enhanced Sport chassis mode (including 15 percent stiffer damping) and the new ESC Dynamic setting, Bentayga Speed drivers can maximize handling and even generate on-throttle slip angles. Because, whoever said you can’t have fun drifting with an ultra-luxurious SUV?
Incidentally, the other two drive modes—Comfort and Bentley—remain unchanged in calibration to retain exceptional day-to-day and grand touring competency, the company explained. What’s more, the optional carbon ceramic brakes are required to allow the selection of ESC Dynamic in Sport mode. According to Bentley, torque vectoring by brake allows for a sharper turn-in, and more power to be put to the road during corner exit, with improved driver confidence going hand-in-hand with the extra agility.
Also included in ESC Dynamic programming is Launch Control, a first for any Bentayga model. Ditto for all-wheel steering. At low and medium speeds, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of agility and reducing the turning circle. Conversely, at high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front to improve stability.
In terms of styling, the new Bentayga Speed stands out with dark-tint brightware, bright chrome Speed badges on the leading edge of the front doors and 22-inch Speed wheels in either dark tint or silver (23-inch wheels are optional). Unique headlamps feature dark tint internals and a dark tint bezel, while the taillamps are grey, again with a dark tint bezel. Another option offered exclusively for the Bentayga Speed is the black roof, which is finished in either gloss or satin.
Finally, the interior benefits from Speed-specific displays and badging, while the seat shoulder panels, door inners and backboard (four-seat models) all feature a new Precision Diamond quilt design.
Look for the new Bentley Bentayga Speed to arrive in Canada in early 2026 with a base price well over $300,000.
