Bentley Bentayga Speed 2019: prices, specs and UK release date

Bentley has announced that its new Bentayga Speed has dethroned the Lamborghini Urus as the world’s fastest SUV.

Previewed ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Bentayga Speed can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds before continuing on to a top speed of 190mph, says Car magazine.

While the Bentley is 0.2 seconds slower to 62mph than the Lamborghini Urus, the British SUV’s top speed is 0.6mph faster than the Italian’s, the motoring magazine says.

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Bentley has achieved its record-breaking performance through a series of tweaks to the car’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine.

The Volkswagen-owned carmaker has increased the vehicle’s power output by 26bhp to a total of 626bhp, while a tuned exhaust system gives the Bentayga Speed “a more purposeful sound”, notes Auto Express.

It’s 664lb-ft of torque remains unchanged, as does the eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system, the magazine says.

Under the SUV’s skin, Bentley’s engineers have tweaked the “sport” driving mode to offer buyers a more “dynamic” characteristic, says Autocar. This means the car’s throttle response is faster than the standard car and the suspension is slightly firmer to keep the vehicle level when flying through twisty corners.

The car’s design has also been modified to reflect its sporty character, most notably the rear wing that sits above the boot lid and new 22in wheels, the mag says. Body-coloured side skirts are also new, as are the dark-tinted lights and grille.

Inside, the Bentayga Speed’s steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, a gripped surface often found in supercars and racing machines, and there are carbon fibre highlights around the centre console and dashboard.

When does it come out?

The order books are expected to open in March, shortly after the car makes its Geneva Motor Show appearance, says Auto Express.

How much does it cost?

Official pricing has yet to be announced. Given that the standard W12-engined car carries a price tag of £165,000, CarBuyer predicts the Bentayga Speed will sell for up to £200,000.