A few months ago, we joined the ‘first drive’ of the Bentley Bentayga Speed; now, we’ve lived with it. Driving this luxury SUV in the Hamptons, it’s clear that this is more than just a prestige vehicle. It’s a supercar disguised in SUV form — a machine that can handle school runs, grocery drops, sunset cruises, and highway blasts with equal ease. With a 0–60 time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, the 2025 Bentayga Speed is faster, sleeker, and more impressive than nearly anything else on the road.
In this part of the world, where comfort, style, and presence carry as much weight as horsepower, the Bentayga Speed feels perfectly at home. Folding back from winding coastal roads to quiet town streets and serene driveways, it reveals its dual personality — showy, yes, but never impractical. Whether it’s the morning commute or a weekend escape to Sag Harbor, every drive feels special. Ride refinements, supple materials, and intuitive tech make it an experience that’s both grounded and indulgent.
The heart of the Bentayga Speed is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 650 PS (641 hp) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. That’s supercar power wrapped in tailored restraint. A newly refined SPORT mode stiffens the suspension by roughly fifteen percent over the standard V8 Bentayga, while enhanced torque vectoring, all-wheel steering, and a dynamic ESC system make for more controlled, more confident performance. For the first time, Bentley has given the Bentayga the ability to drift lightly or launch with ferocious precision.
Visually, the Speed announces itself through dark-tint brightware, grey tail lamps with smoked bezels, exclusive dark headlamp internals, and striking 23-inch Speed wheels. Carbon ceramic brakes are available for those seeking even sharper control, and the signature Speed badging, paired with colored brake calipers, gives the exterior a restrained sense of drama.
Inside, the craftsmanship is unmistakably Bentley — hand-finished hides, the new Precision Diamond quilting exclusive to the Speed, and a signature color split with contrast stitching and piping. Dark finish air vents and subtle driver-oriented details, like the custom display graphics, create an interior that’s both luxurious and quietly assertive.
Technology integrates seamlessly, as it should at this level. The infotainment and driver display systems are the latest generation, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Speed offers multiple drive modes — Comfort, Bentley, and Sport — transforming the SUV from a laid-back cruiser to something thrillingly alive at the flick of a switch. For those who want a more theatrical experience, the optional titanium Akrapovič exhaust adds just the right note of drama, while carbon ceramic brakes paired with the 23-inch wheels deliver performance worthy of a grand tourer.
Even in its most everyday form, the Bentayga Speed is an expression of quiet luxury. The cabin is plush and serene until you decide otherwise. Parking and maneuvering in tight Hamptons spots are effortless thanks to all-wheel steering, and the car’s tech — from cameras to driver aids — makes the experience feel as convenient as it is commanding.
The 2025 Bentayga Speed embodies Bentley’s rare balance of presence and practicality. It’s big enough to carry everything that comes with your life, yet agile enough to make every drive an event. It’s a supercar for real life — confident, composed, and completely captivating.
