- Bentley is teasing a new variant of the Bentayga SUV, and we think it's a successor to the W-12-powered Bentayga Speed that was last sold in 2023.
- Bentley says this new SUV model will have a nonhybrid twin-turbocharged V-8 that makes more power than the old W-12's 626 ponies.
- A new dynamic stability-control mode will allow the Bentayga to drift, while a special sports exhaust should emit a raucous engine note.
The Bentley Bentayga is known for large-displacement and potent engines, richly upholstered interiors, and an ostentatious design. What the British automaker's only SUV is not synonymous with is sliding sideways through a corner, with the rear tires spinning up a cloud of smoke. But Bentley is teasing a new performance-focused variant of the Bentayga, set to be revealed on Monday, June 2, that promises to be capable of performing dramatic drifts.
Bentley didn't provide a name for this new Bentayga model, but the luxury SUV has been without a Speed trim since the 2023 model year, so we wouldn't be surprised if this hi-po model carries that moniker. Bentley has revealed that this new version of the Bentayga will pack a twin-turbocharged, non-hybrid V-8 engine. Bentley says it will have more power than the W-12 engine found in the previous Bentayga Speed, further reinforcing the idea that this one is a new iteration of the Speed nameplate.
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That claim would mean the new Bentayga Speed will produce more than 626 horsepower. Currently, the Bentayga is only offered with a 443-hp hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged V-6 and an electric motor, as well as a 542-hp twin-turbocharged V-8. This suggests the new model will have at least 85 more horses than the most potent Bentayga currently for sale. Interestingly, Bentley isn't slotting in the new 771-hp hybrid powertrain found in the latest Continental GT Speed and Flying Spur Speed into the Bentayga, at least not yet.
Bentley divulged a few other details about this new Bentayga ahead of its unveiling. The SUV will pack a new sports exhaust with two elliptical tailpipes that protrude from the rear diffuser, as seen in the teaser photo. Bentley also said there will be a new ESC Dynamic (stability control) mode that will "permit exhilarating drift angles." That sounds promising, and we look forward to performing comedically lurid slides in the 5600-pound-plus behemoth. The latest Bentayga variant will be revealed at 7:30 a.m. ET on June 2.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
