Bentley has relaunched its W12-powered Bentayga Speed for 2020, providing the 190mph model with its latest exterior changes and technological upgrades for the cabin, along with Sport mode tweaks said to enhance performance. While PH’s recent drive in the Bentayga V8 did nothing to make us feel short of power, the twin-turbo 12-cylinder Speed remains significantly more potent. It has 635hp and 664lb ft of torque, as before, giving this 2.5-tonne brute a 3.9-second 0-62mph time. Still sounds bonkers, doesn’t it?
The updates for 2020 are, of course, centred around that new front and rear end, with the slimmer headlights and oval taillights, along with the relocated rear numberplate, the most significant alterations. The light lenses are more tinted than before and there are additional paint options for the bodywork (with Mulliner, the 17 standard options are supplemented by 47 hues, or the division can match any requested shade). There’s also a new Black Specification that replaces the exterior’s chrome bits with black trim, to match black 22-inch rims and exhaust surrounds. You’re given a carbonfibre roof spoiler with the pack, as well.
Inside, the Bentayga Speed receives the same technical upgrades that were applied to its lesser (relatively speaking) siblings, with the bigger and brighter and higher-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen, and its anti-reflection, anti-glare coating, added. The software is faster and the screen now spans the entire width of the centre console, so it’s easier to operate. Additionally, the head-up display now projects more navigation data than before, including traffic info, street names and remaining distance to the destination.
Pinched from the Continental GT is Bentley’s fully-digital instrument cluster, which can be customised to show different features depending on preference, including Speed-appropriate graphics. The Speed also gets Alcantara fabrics to emphasise its ranking, but customers can switch to leather if they’d prefer. Of course, Bentley offers vast levels of customisation via its Mulliner department, so no two Bentaygas – let alone Bentayga Speeds – should be the same. Aside from the fact that they're all lavishly trimmed and finished with exquisite detail.
As for the powerplant, while those enormous peak outputs remain unchanged, the team at Crewe has worked on the car’s drive modes. Sport gets new calibrations, said to enhance response from the W12 engine, the eight-speed automatic its mated to, and also unlock greater body control from the air suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride system. Bentley claims “a more dynamic and engaging drive”, which for something that was already eminently capable of covering great distances at enormous pace in pre-update form, is quite the promise. The Speed also keeps its optional (at nearly £12k), enormous carbon ceramic brakes, which remain the largest of any production car, to slow things down.
In a cruel twist of fate, however, it seems the Speed won't be sold in Britain. Despite Bentley announcing it on UK channels, it's thought that the W12 machine is unable to conform to the latest emissions limits of Europe - although in truth, Bentley is yet to provide the official reason. For markets like the US, though, expect sales to be strong. Because nothing says "What recesssion?" like a new, 635hp super-SUV from Crewe.
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