Anthony Albanese rejects US pressure to raise defence spending
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected America's push for Australia to raise its defence spending.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing the Australian federal government to increase spending on defence to 3.5 per cent of GDP.
Mr Albanese claims Australia will determine its own defence policy.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Tech giant sued over sleep aid foam inhalation 'risk'
An alleged risk of patients breathing in or swallowing small particles of foam from degrading sleep aids has prompted the federal government to take legal action. Multinational health technology company Philips is accused of selling defective ventilators aimed at assisting with sleep apnoea and, after those products were recalled in June 2021, selling a further device which was also dangerous. In the lawsuit filed on Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration claims both sets of devices did not meet Australian safety standards. Devices sold prior to June 2021 contained a polyester-based polyurethane foam used for noise suppression. "There was a real risk of the (foam) degrading and then particulates being inhaled or ingested by the patient," the agency wrote in a statement. The potential harms from these devices included skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, asthma and impacts on the reproductive system. Long-term exposure could damage or kill a patient's cells, cause genetic damage or cause cancer, the health watchdog alleges. "The probability of degradation, and consequential harm to the patient, was unacceptable, given the potentially serious consequences," the lawsuit claims. Philips did not conduct any risk analysis on the products until early 2021, the government agency says. Ten devices sold under the BiPAP, DreamStation, OmniLab and REMstar brands were recalled globally in June that year. After this date, Philips allegedly sold a further defective device, the Trilogy 100. This contained silicone foam which could become detached from its housing, obstructing the air path. Potential adverse health effects included increased carbon dioxide levels or low oxygen levels in the patient's blood. The TGA is seeking pecuniary penalties and orders that Philips pay its legal costs. A Philips spokeswoman said the lawsuit only revolved around the company's activities before and during the 2021 recall. "The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in Australia by Philips," she said. The spokeswoman said extensive testing had been conducted internally as well as with five independent laboratories and third-party experts since June 2021. This testing concluded that the use of Philips sleep therapy devices presently sold on the market "is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients". Philips would review the court documents filed by the TGA and engage constructively as required, she said. An alleged risk of patients breathing in or swallowing small particles of foam from degrading sleep aids has prompted the federal government to take legal action. Multinational health technology company Philips is accused of selling defective ventilators aimed at assisting with sleep apnoea and, after those products were recalled in June 2021, selling a further device which was also dangerous. In the lawsuit filed on Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration claims both sets of devices did not meet Australian safety standards. Devices sold prior to June 2021 contained a polyester-based polyurethane foam used for noise suppression. "There was a real risk of the (foam) degrading and then particulates being inhaled or ingested by the patient," the agency wrote in a statement. The potential harms from these devices included skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, asthma and impacts on the reproductive system. Long-term exposure could damage or kill a patient's cells, cause genetic damage or cause cancer, the health watchdog alleges. "The probability of degradation, and consequential harm to the patient, was unacceptable, given the potentially serious consequences," the lawsuit claims. Philips did not conduct any risk analysis on the products until early 2021, the government agency says. Ten devices sold under the BiPAP, DreamStation, OmniLab and REMstar brands were recalled globally in June that year. After this date, Philips allegedly sold a further defective device, the Trilogy 100. This contained silicone foam which could become detached from its housing, obstructing the air path. Potential adverse health effects included increased carbon dioxide levels or low oxygen levels in the patient's blood. The TGA is seeking pecuniary penalties and orders that Philips pay its legal costs. A Philips spokeswoman said the lawsuit only revolved around the company's activities before and during the 2021 recall. "The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in Australia by Philips," she said. The spokeswoman said extensive testing had been conducted internally as well as with five independent laboratories and third-party experts since June 2021. This testing concluded that the use of Philips sleep therapy devices presently sold on the market "is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients". Philips would review the court documents filed by the TGA and engage constructively as required, she said. An alleged risk of patients breathing in or swallowing small particles of foam from degrading sleep aids has prompted the federal government to take legal action. Multinational health technology company Philips is accused of selling defective ventilators aimed at assisting with sleep apnoea and, after those products were recalled in June 2021, selling a further device which was also dangerous. In the lawsuit filed on Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration claims both sets of devices did not meet Australian safety standards. Devices sold prior to June 2021 contained a polyester-based polyurethane foam used for noise suppression. "There was a real risk of the (foam) degrading and then particulates being inhaled or ingested by the patient," the agency wrote in a statement. The potential harms from these devices included skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, asthma and impacts on the reproductive system. Long-term exposure could damage or kill a patient's cells, cause genetic damage or cause cancer, the health watchdog alleges. "The probability of degradation, and consequential harm to the patient, was unacceptable, given the potentially serious consequences," the lawsuit claims. Philips did not conduct any risk analysis on the products until early 2021, the government agency says. Ten devices sold under the BiPAP, DreamStation, OmniLab and REMstar brands were recalled globally in June that year. After this date, Philips allegedly sold a further defective device, the Trilogy 100. This contained silicone foam which could become detached from its housing, obstructing the air path. Potential adverse health effects included increased carbon dioxide levels or low oxygen levels in the patient's blood. The TGA is seeking pecuniary penalties and orders that Philips pay its legal costs. A Philips spokeswoman said the lawsuit only revolved around the company's activities before and during the 2021 recall. "The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in Australia by Philips," she said. The spokeswoman said extensive testing had been conducted internally as well as with five independent laboratories and third-party experts since June 2021. This testing concluded that the use of Philips sleep therapy devices presently sold on the market "is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients". Philips would review the court documents filed by the TGA and engage constructively as required, she said. An alleged risk of patients breathing in or swallowing small particles of foam from degrading sleep aids has prompted the federal government to take legal action. Multinational health technology company Philips is accused of selling defective ventilators aimed at assisting with sleep apnoea and, after those products were recalled in June 2021, selling a further device which was also dangerous. In the lawsuit filed on Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration claims both sets of devices did not meet Australian safety standards. Devices sold prior to June 2021 contained a polyester-based polyurethane foam used for noise suppression. "There was a real risk of the (foam) degrading and then particulates being inhaled or ingested by the patient," the agency wrote in a statement. The potential harms from these devices included skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, asthma and impacts on the reproductive system. Long-term exposure could damage or kill a patient's cells, cause genetic damage or cause cancer, the health watchdog alleges. "The probability of degradation, and consequential harm to the patient, was unacceptable, given the potentially serious consequences," the lawsuit claims. Philips did not conduct any risk analysis on the products until early 2021, the government agency says. Ten devices sold under the BiPAP, DreamStation, OmniLab and REMstar brands were recalled globally in June that year. After this date, Philips allegedly sold a further defective device, the Trilogy 100. This contained silicone foam which could become detached from its housing, obstructing the air path. Potential adverse health effects included increased carbon dioxide levels or low oxygen levels in the patient's blood. The TGA is seeking pecuniary penalties and orders that Philips pay its legal costs. A Philips spokeswoman said the lawsuit only revolved around the company's activities before and during the 2021 recall. "The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in Australia by Philips," she said. The spokeswoman said extensive testing had been conducted internally as well as with five independent laboratories and third-party experts since June 2021. This testing concluded that the use of Philips sleep therapy devices presently sold on the market "is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients". Philips would review the court documents filed by the TGA and engage constructively as required, she said.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Flare debate: Socceroos veteran, A-League club fire up
Socceroos veteran Milos Degenek wants to see flares back at Australian soccer games, saying travelling teams now have it too easy due to fans being over policed. More than 50,000 spectators are expected on Thursday night when Australia host Japan in a crunch World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match will be played less than a week after riot police were called to control unruly fans walking to Melbourne City's A-League Men grand-final win over arch-rivals Melbourne Victory, two-and-a-half years on from Victory's infamous pitch invasion. About 20 flares were lit in the crowd, with one police officer taken to hospital after allegedly being kicked. Football Australia strictly bans flares and other pyrotechnics in and around stadiums, with perpetrators facing hefty bans. The Socceroos have played before plenty of hostile crowds over the years in various World Cup qualifying campaigns, but Degenek feels Australian fans aren't given the scope to return the favour. "It would be a lot nicer if when countries come to Australia to play against us, the crowd was a little bit more hostile," Degenek said in Perth on Tuesday. "Put it this way. I played in Serbia. I played at Red Star Belgrade, in the Eternal Derby where you play Partizan (Belgrade), where flares are thrown onto a pitch, where the city gets shut down on game day. "But in the end, that's normal for me. There's no fear. "There's a code in the footballing world: Fans are never going to attack footballers. "I saw the pictures from the (A-League) grand final - a lot of police. "For me, I just think it's nonsense that you have people in riot gear for guys who are going to a game. "I don't think we're going to a war. We're just going to a football game. You're making it out to be a lot worse than what it is." Victory chairman John Dovaston and managing director Caroline Carnegie lashed police for their "disproportionate" presence. "The scenes we saw prior to the grand final on Swan Street were overwhelming and unacceptable," Carnegie and Dovaston said in an email to fans. "Instead of promoting a fun and exciting spectacle of football, the extent of the police presence created fear amongst families and football fans alike. Degenek believes tightening down on people's rights with a huge police presence leads to more problems. "In the end, you're going to force an issue, because you're narrowing down corridors where they can walk," he said. "You're pushing them to a side. Someone's going to step on someone, someone's going to push and then that escalates really quick, rather than give them freedom to move and getting them safely to a stadium." Degenek believes more people would attend games if they were policed less. "You need to give the fans the freedom, the joy," he said. "In Europe, you have less police, and that's where you have more fans at the games. "And for us as footballers, it's a lot better when you see flares in the stadium, when you see fans screaming, chanting, flares going off, because that kind of gets the adrenaline going and motivates you even more." The Socceroos (13 points) sit second in their qualifying group. A win over Japan (20 points) would almost certainly lock in their place for the 2026 World Cup. Socceroos veteran Milos Degenek wants to see flares back at Australian soccer games, saying travelling teams now have it too easy due to fans being over policed. More than 50,000 spectators are expected on Thursday night when Australia host Japan in a crunch World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match will be played less than a week after riot police were called to control unruly fans walking to Melbourne City's A-League Men grand-final win over arch-rivals Melbourne Victory, two-and-a-half years on from Victory's infamous pitch invasion. About 20 flares were lit in the crowd, with one police officer taken to hospital after allegedly being kicked. Football Australia strictly bans flares and other pyrotechnics in and around stadiums, with perpetrators facing hefty bans. The Socceroos have played before plenty of hostile crowds over the years in various World Cup qualifying campaigns, but Degenek feels Australian fans aren't given the scope to return the favour. "It would be a lot nicer if when countries come to Australia to play against us, the crowd was a little bit more hostile," Degenek said in Perth on Tuesday. "Put it this way. I played in Serbia. I played at Red Star Belgrade, in the Eternal Derby where you play Partizan (Belgrade), where flares are thrown onto a pitch, where the city gets shut down on game day. "But in the end, that's normal for me. There's no fear. "There's a code in the footballing world: Fans are never going to attack footballers. "I saw the pictures from the (A-League) grand final - a lot of police. "For me, I just think it's nonsense that you have people in riot gear for guys who are going to a game. "I don't think we're going to a war. We're just going to a football game. You're making it out to be a lot worse than what it is." Victory chairman John Dovaston and managing director Caroline Carnegie lashed police for their "disproportionate" presence. "The scenes we saw prior to the grand final on Swan Street were overwhelming and unacceptable," Carnegie and Dovaston said in an email to fans. "Instead of promoting a fun and exciting spectacle of football, the extent of the police presence created fear amongst families and football fans alike. Degenek believes tightening down on people's rights with a huge police presence leads to more problems. "In the end, you're going to force an issue, because you're narrowing down corridors where they can walk," he said. "You're pushing them to a side. Someone's going to step on someone, someone's going to push and then that escalates really quick, rather than give them freedom to move and getting them safely to a stadium." Degenek believes more people would attend games if they were policed less. "You need to give the fans the freedom, the joy," he said. "In Europe, you have less police, and that's where you have more fans at the games. "And for us as footballers, it's a lot better when you see flares in the stadium, when you see fans screaming, chanting, flares going off, because that kind of gets the adrenaline going and motivates you even more." The Socceroos (13 points) sit second in their qualifying group. A win over Japan (20 points) would almost certainly lock in their place for the 2026 World Cup. Socceroos veteran Milos Degenek wants to see flares back at Australian soccer games, saying travelling teams now have it too easy due to fans being over policed. More than 50,000 spectators are expected on Thursday night when Australia host Japan in a crunch World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match will be played less than a week after riot police were called to control unruly fans walking to Melbourne City's A-League Men grand-final win over arch-rivals Melbourne Victory, two-and-a-half years on from Victory's infamous pitch invasion. About 20 flares were lit in the crowd, with one police officer taken to hospital after allegedly being kicked. Football Australia strictly bans flares and other pyrotechnics in and around stadiums, with perpetrators facing hefty bans. The Socceroos have played before plenty of hostile crowds over the years in various World Cup qualifying campaigns, but Degenek feels Australian fans aren't given the scope to return the favour. "It would be a lot nicer if when countries come to Australia to play against us, the crowd was a little bit more hostile," Degenek said in Perth on Tuesday. "Put it this way. I played in Serbia. I played at Red Star Belgrade, in the Eternal Derby where you play Partizan (Belgrade), where flares are thrown onto a pitch, where the city gets shut down on game day. "But in the end, that's normal for me. There's no fear. "There's a code in the footballing world: Fans are never going to attack footballers. "I saw the pictures from the (A-League) grand final - a lot of police. "For me, I just think it's nonsense that you have people in riot gear for guys who are going to a game. "I don't think we're going to a war. We're just going to a football game. You're making it out to be a lot worse than what it is." Victory chairman John Dovaston and managing director Caroline Carnegie lashed police for their "disproportionate" presence. "The scenes we saw prior to the grand final on Swan Street were overwhelming and unacceptable," Carnegie and Dovaston said in an email to fans. "Instead of promoting a fun and exciting spectacle of football, the extent of the police presence created fear amongst families and football fans alike. Degenek believes tightening down on people's rights with a huge police presence leads to more problems. "In the end, you're going to force an issue, because you're narrowing down corridors where they can walk," he said. "You're pushing them to a side. Someone's going to step on someone, someone's going to push and then that escalates really quick, rather than give them freedom to move and getting them safely to a stadium." Degenek believes more people would attend games if they were policed less. "You need to give the fans the freedom, the joy," he said. "In Europe, you have less police, and that's where you have more fans at the games. "And for us as footballers, it's a lot better when you see flares in the stadium, when you see fans screaming, chanting, flares going off, because that kind of gets the adrenaline going and motivates you even more." The Socceroos (13 points) sit second in their qualifying group. A win over Japan (20 points) would almost certainly lock in their place for the 2026 World Cup.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed revealed as British brand's fastest SUV yet
It seems the axing of Bentley's legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 last year wasn't all bad news, since the V8 that replaces it in the upgraded 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed makes the British brand's flagship SUV even quicker, faster, lighter and more agile than before. Revealed overnight ahead of first Australian customer deliveries in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the refreshed Bentayga Speed is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 478kW of power and 850Nm of torque (over 2250-4500rpm). That's up 11kW but down 50Nm on the 12-cylinder model it replaces, yet because the V8 reduces kerb weight by 42kg to a still-hefty 2466kg, the latest Bentayga Speed is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) from standstill half a second sooner, in 3.4 seconds. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given that 0-60mph time equates to a 0-100km/h time of about 3.5 seconds, it means the flagship version of Bentley's only SUV is now as quick as the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the Kia EV6 GT electric 'SUV' (and now much quicker than a base Porsche 911). However, it's still slower than a host of other high-performance SUVs, including the Lamborghini Urus Performante, Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX707 (all of which claim a 3.3-second 0-100km/h time), and electric SUVs including the Lotus Eletre R (2.9s), Porsche Macan Electric Turbo (3.3s) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (3.4s) Bentley says the newest Bentayga Speed is also faster than ever, with its top speed of 310km/h – almost 5km/h more than before – matching the DBX707 and bettering the Purosangue, but falling just short of the Urus SE Hybrid. To show off its extra pace, the V8-powered Speed scores a sports exhaust system as standard, but an optional Akrapovic titanium unit with quad outlets should make up for its four fewer cylinders when it comes to the exhaust note. There are also revised drive modes including a Sport mode that increases damping stiffness by 15 per cent and increases the stability control system threshold to "permit exhilarating drift angles". Combined with less weight over its nose, rear-wheel steering increases both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability, leading Bentley to claim the Speed is its most agile SUV ever. Cosmetically, the top-shelf Bentayga wears Speed badges on the outside and rides on unique 22-inch wheels, with the option of 23-inch rims wrapped around carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Completing the Speed package inside is a revised digital instrument cluster layout, Speed badging on the seats, scuff plates and the passenger side of the dashboard, and special quilted Precision Diamon trim highlights. Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the existing Bentayga Speed is priced at $531,500 before on-road costs, positioning it well above the entry-level 404kW/770Nm Bentayga V8 and the 340kW/700Nm V6 Hybrid (both priced from $395,800), as well as S and Azure variants with the same powertrains. The Mulliner Hybrid tops Bentley Australia's current Bentayga range at $646,800 plus on-roads. Content originally sourced from: It seems the axing of Bentley's legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 last year wasn't all bad news, since the V8 that replaces it in the upgraded 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed makes the British brand's flagship SUV even quicker, faster, lighter and more agile than before. Revealed overnight ahead of first Australian customer deliveries in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the refreshed Bentayga Speed is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 478kW of power and 850Nm of torque (over 2250-4500rpm). That's up 11kW but down 50Nm on the 12-cylinder model it replaces, yet because the V8 reduces kerb weight by 42kg to a still-hefty 2466kg, the latest Bentayga Speed is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) from standstill half a second sooner, in 3.4 seconds. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given that 0-60mph time equates to a 0-100km/h time of about 3.5 seconds, it means the flagship version of Bentley's only SUV is now as quick as the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the Kia EV6 GT electric 'SUV' (and now much quicker than a base Porsche 911). However, it's still slower than a host of other high-performance SUVs, including the Lamborghini Urus Performante, Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX707 (all of which claim a 3.3-second 0-100km/h time), and electric SUVs including the Lotus Eletre R (2.9s), Porsche Macan Electric Turbo (3.3s) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (3.4s) Bentley says the newest Bentayga Speed is also faster than ever, with its top speed of 310km/h – almost 5km/h more than before – matching the DBX707 and bettering the Purosangue, but falling just short of the Urus SE Hybrid. To show off its extra pace, the V8-powered Speed scores a sports exhaust system as standard, but an optional Akrapovic titanium unit with quad outlets should make up for its four fewer cylinders when it comes to the exhaust note. There are also revised drive modes including a Sport mode that increases damping stiffness by 15 per cent and increases the stability control system threshold to "permit exhilarating drift angles". Combined with less weight over its nose, rear-wheel steering increases both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability, leading Bentley to claim the Speed is its most agile SUV ever. Cosmetically, the top-shelf Bentayga wears Speed badges on the outside and rides on unique 22-inch wheels, with the option of 23-inch rims wrapped around carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Completing the Speed package inside is a revised digital instrument cluster layout, Speed badging on the seats, scuff plates and the passenger side of the dashboard, and special quilted Precision Diamon trim highlights. Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the existing Bentayga Speed is priced at $531,500 before on-road costs, positioning it well above the entry-level 404kW/770Nm Bentayga V8 and the 340kW/700Nm V6 Hybrid (both priced from $395,800), as well as S and Azure variants with the same powertrains. The Mulliner Hybrid tops Bentley Australia's current Bentayga range at $646,800 plus on-roads. Content originally sourced from: It seems the axing of Bentley's legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 last year wasn't all bad news, since the V8 that replaces it in the upgraded 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed makes the British brand's flagship SUV even quicker, faster, lighter and more agile than before. Revealed overnight ahead of first Australian customer deliveries in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the refreshed Bentayga Speed is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 478kW of power and 850Nm of torque (over 2250-4500rpm). That's up 11kW but down 50Nm on the 12-cylinder model it replaces, yet because the V8 reduces kerb weight by 42kg to a still-hefty 2466kg, the latest Bentayga Speed is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) from standstill half a second sooner, in 3.4 seconds. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given that 0-60mph time equates to a 0-100km/h time of about 3.5 seconds, it means the flagship version of Bentley's only SUV is now as quick as the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the Kia EV6 GT electric 'SUV' (and now much quicker than a base Porsche 911). However, it's still slower than a host of other high-performance SUVs, including the Lamborghini Urus Performante, Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX707 (all of which claim a 3.3-second 0-100km/h time), and electric SUVs including the Lotus Eletre R (2.9s), Porsche Macan Electric Turbo (3.3s) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (3.4s) Bentley says the newest Bentayga Speed is also faster than ever, with its top speed of 310km/h – almost 5km/h more than before – matching the DBX707 and bettering the Purosangue, but falling just short of the Urus SE Hybrid. To show off its extra pace, the V8-powered Speed scores a sports exhaust system as standard, but an optional Akrapovic titanium unit with quad outlets should make up for its four fewer cylinders when it comes to the exhaust note. There are also revised drive modes including a Sport mode that increases damping stiffness by 15 per cent and increases the stability control system threshold to "permit exhilarating drift angles". Combined with less weight over its nose, rear-wheel steering increases both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability, leading Bentley to claim the Speed is its most agile SUV ever. Cosmetically, the top-shelf Bentayga wears Speed badges on the outside and rides on unique 22-inch wheels, with the option of 23-inch rims wrapped around carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Completing the Speed package inside is a revised digital instrument cluster layout, Speed badging on the seats, scuff plates and the passenger side of the dashboard, and special quilted Precision Diamon trim highlights. Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the existing Bentayga Speed is priced at $531,500 before on-road costs, positioning it well above the entry-level 404kW/770Nm Bentayga V8 and the 340kW/700Nm V6 Hybrid (both priced from $395,800), as well as S and Azure variants with the same powertrains. The Mulliner Hybrid tops Bentley Australia's current Bentayga range at $646,800 plus on-roads. Content originally sourced from: It seems the axing of Bentley's legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 last year wasn't all bad news, since the V8 that replaces it in the upgraded 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed makes the British brand's flagship SUV even quicker, faster, lighter and more agile than before. Revealed overnight ahead of first Australian customer deliveries in the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the refreshed Bentayga Speed is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 478kW of power and 850Nm of torque (over 2250-4500rpm). That's up 11kW but down 50Nm on the 12-cylinder model it replaces, yet because the V8 reduces kerb weight by 42kg to a still-hefty 2466kg, the latest Bentayga Speed is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) from standstill half a second sooner, in 3.4 seconds. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Given that 0-60mph time equates to a 0-100km/h time of about 3.5 seconds, it means the flagship version of Bentley's only SUV is now as quick as the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the Kia EV6 GT electric 'SUV' (and now much quicker than a base Porsche 911). However, it's still slower than a host of other high-performance SUVs, including the Lamborghini Urus Performante, Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX707 (all of which claim a 3.3-second 0-100km/h time), and electric SUVs including the Lotus Eletre R (2.9s), Porsche Macan Electric Turbo (3.3s) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (3.4s) Bentley says the newest Bentayga Speed is also faster than ever, with its top speed of 310km/h – almost 5km/h more than before – matching the DBX707 and bettering the Purosangue, but falling just short of the Urus SE Hybrid. To show off its extra pace, the V8-powered Speed scores a sports exhaust system as standard, but an optional Akrapovic titanium unit with quad outlets should make up for its four fewer cylinders when it comes to the exhaust note. There are also revised drive modes including a Sport mode that increases damping stiffness by 15 per cent and increases the stability control system threshold to "permit exhilarating drift angles". Combined with less weight over its nose, rear-wheel steering increases both high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability, leading Bentley to claim the Speed is its most agile SUV ever. Cosmetically, the top-shelf Bentayga wears Speed badges on the outside and rides on unique 22-inch wheels, with the option of 23-inch rims wrapped around carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Completing the Speed package inside is a revised digital instrument cluster layout, Speed badging on the seats, scuff plates and the passenger side of the dashboard, and special quilted Precision Diamon trim highlights. Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the existing Bentayga Speed is priced at $531,500 before on-road costs, positioning it well above the entry-level 404kW/770Nm Bentayga V8 and the 340kW/700Nm V6 Hybrid (both priced from $395,800), as well as S and Azure variants with the same powertrains. The Mulliner Hybrid tops Bentley Australia's current Bentayga range at $646,800 plus on-roads. Content originally sourced from:
