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Bentley's new V-8 SUV is the best Bentayga yet

Even with fewer cylinders, the new 2026 Bentayga Speed has plenty to like by HANNAH ELLIOTT SOME people get hung up counting cylinders. They believe the more a car has, the better it is. I'm not one of those people. Instead, steering, braking and balance — the management of the marriage between power and torque — matter far more when it comes to driving enjoyment. Engine size doesn't necessarily indicate driving character. The magic is in the transitions. That's why I liked the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed. The new V-8 SUV claims fewer cylinders than its W12 predecessor, but it offers more power, better balance, improved control and a deeper, downright angry engine note that will strike fear into whomever has the poor luck of slowing it down. Bentley Motors Ltd will unleash a new all-electric SUV next year and will keep making hybrids at least until 2035. In the meantime, this SUV will more than mollify those still attached to combustion — even without those four extra cylinders. All models come standard with 10.9-inch infotainment screen with navigation The Essentials Unveiled in 2015, the Bentayga competes against ultraluxe followers including the Lamborghini Urus, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Aston Martin DBX. Although it's not as opulent as the Cullinan or as athletic as the Urus, it's a strong contender among the set as a powerful, practical SUV with a distinct design and a sense of occasion to match. Base prices will be announced imminently, Bentley said; the specific model I drove cost €225,882 (RM1.12 million). The Bentayga Speed's new twin-turbo four-litre V-8 produces 641hp and 627 lb ft of torque — that's about 100 more horses and 60 lb ft more than its predecessor, the Bentayga S, and current lower Bentayga trims. It will go 0mph-60mph in 3.4 seconds (quite respectable) and deliver a top speed of 193mph. An enhanced Sport mode and new stability control and anti-roll settings maximise the car's connection to the road more than previous generations. Four-wheel steering now comes standard. This rig has the sportiest chassis set-up ever offered on a Bentayga. It includes, for the first time, the ability to generate on-throttle slip angles, which means you can use the throttle to modulate some slip in the tyres, especially on the rear wheels. That's a polite way of saying it will drift. I must admit I did some fishtailing of my own, off-road on the back 40 of Jumping Horse Stock Ranch near Ennis, Montana. The Bentayga Speed, in a glorious hue called Alpine green satin, proved dexterous and even playful as I sped past quarter horses and mule deer grazing along the uneven dirt and gravel track. I didn't want to leave. Those with a sense of style should refrain from overdoing the interior The Good The best thing about the Bentayga Speed is how it drives. Surprised? Previous versions of the Bentayga have indeed felt a little sleepy, but this Speed feels sharp. Stiffer too, by 15%, Bentley told me. It was intoxicating to press the gas pedal and bump the paddles on the steering wheel under Yellowstone skies, coaxing the Speed to go faster. (I don't think it was just because of that throaty new titanium exhaust system made by the esteemed Akrapovič brand, but that probably did have something to do with it.) Across more than 200 miles (321.87km) in a day on some of Montana's grandest highways and alongside its gnarliest rivers the Speed stayed planted and controlled, carrying its weight well especially in my favourite mode: Sport. I loved the directness of the steering in particular. It's got plenty of extras inside its silent confines, including a heads-up display and night vision, heated armrests even in the rear, and ventilated and massaging seats. Its body is shaping up, gradually, to look more serious. The current Speed reminds me of that cousin we all have who once had a slightly round face but who has been working out — and it shows. It's not an Ozempic-style deflation; it's muscle mass. There's definition: Roof rails; bigger (23-inch) wheels; quad tail pipes; optional blackware on the lamps, grill and badges; and myriad colour options on the massive carbon ceramic brakes. They all help make it look as if it's got the guts to match the incredible menacing sound of that engine. The Bentayga features a commanding stance with 21-inch wheels as standard The Bad A caveat: Those with a sense of style should refrain from overdoing the interior with optional trims. The myriad options for contrast stitching, supple leathers, open-pore woods and diamond patterns seemingly everywhere can lead the over-eager buyer down the path of chaos. The pillows alone are an aesthetic minefield. Be careful on the options in general. Things such as black wheels (€10,370), satin paintwork (€16,935) and titanium exhaust (€7,740) will send the final price soaring. If You Remember One Thing This is the best Bentley SUV we've seen yet. As the company progresses deeper into high-performance products with former Porsche motorsport guru Frank-Steffen Walliser at the helm, all indicators imply this is leading us somewhere very good. — Bloomberg This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition