Akmal Azhar
Powertrain and Performance
Bentley has officially introduced the 2025 Bentayga Speed, a new chapter in the luxury SUV segment. The updated model replaces the iconic W12 engine with a more compact yet potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
This powerplant delivers 650 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque, pushing the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. It boasts a top speed of 310 km/h, making it one of the fastest production SUVs on the market.
Weight Reduction and Driving Dynamics
Improved performance is paired with a drop in kerb weight to 2,466 kg—about 42 kg lighter than the outgoing model. The weight savings, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, result in sharper handling and better responsiveness. A 20 mm wider rear track further enhances driving stability and cornering agility.
Exterior Design Enhancements
On the outside, Bentley has refined the Bentayga’s aesthetic. A full-width tailgate and new encapsulated rear lamps add a sleeker rear profile, while a repositioned license plate contributes to a cleaner, more modern appearance. New alloy wheel designs help set the Speed apart from the rest of the Bentayga lineup.
Interior Luxury and Technology
The cabin receives a significant refresh with redesigned seats, a new steering wheel, revised door trims, and a reworked center console. Rear passengers benefit from improved legroom—up to 100 mm more depending on the configuration. The SUV also features a cutting-edge 10.9-inch infotainment display with edge-to-edge graphics, seamlessly integrated into Bentley’s traditionally handcrafted dashboard.
Key Features at a Glance
The 2025 Bentayga Speed comes equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h. The vehicle includes an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Notable updates include a 10.9-inch infotainment screen, reduced kerb weight, a wider rear track, a redesigned tailgate and lighting, and increased rear passenger space for added comfort.
Political and Environmental Perspective
The 2025 Bentayga Speed arrives amid rising global scrutiny over the environmental impact of luxury performance vehicles. Although Bentley has improved fuel efficiency by switching from the W12 to a smaller V8, the model still symbolizes a segment that faces pressure from green lobbyists and climate policy advocates.
Governments across Europe and parts of Asia are tightening emissions regulations and offering tax incentives for electric vehicles, which puts traditional high-performance combustion SUVs in the political spotlight.
Bentley, now under the Volkswagen Group, is navigating this terrain by committing to a fully electric lineup by 2030. The Bentayga Speed, while not electric, reflects the brand’s transitional strategy—retaining traditional luxury and performance while implementing more efficient powertrains. In political terms, the car appeals to wealthy consumers prioritizing legacy and prestige over zero-emission compliance—for now.
Availability and Outlook
The 2025 Bentayga Speed is expected to hit key international markets by the end of the year, with a strong possibility of reaching markets like Malaysia. Bentley remains committed to balancing traditional luxury with technological evolution, keeping the Bentayga Speed relevant in an increasingly electrified and regulated automotive world.
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