Bentley Adds Drift Mode to New Bentayga Speed

The latest addition to Bentley’s tony SUV proves that at least one person at the brand must be fun to hang out with.

Called the Bentayga Speed, this monster packs a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 engine (pour one out for the W12) producing 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, marking a handful more horses and 37 torques fewer than the mighty W12 engine. Yes, we know ‘torques’ isn’t a real word but you try incorporating the measure of twist into a dozen different stories a dozen different ways. Despite the difference in cylinder count, the Bentayga Speed will reach highway velocities in less than 3.5 seconds on its way to a 193 mph top end.

The new Speed is also reportedly almost 100 pounds lighter though it still weighs very nearly 5,500 pounds. Despite its heft, Bentley has incorporated a number of fun tricks by making good use of computer software. Optional carbon ceramic brakes permit the selection of a ‘Dynamic’ stability control setting in Sport mode, relaxing the stability control threshold of intervention to permit drift angles or power-on oversteer. Yee to the haw. Torque vectoring by way of brake magic apparently allows for more power to be put to the road during a corner exit. Also included in that ‘Dynamic’ stability control setting is launch control, a first for any Bentayga according to the company. The included all-wheel steering won’t hurt matters, either.

Elsewhere, the standard sports exhaust or optional “Titanium Akrapovic” system should bring the goods in terms or aural delights. We’d order the latter just because its name is fun to say. All sorts of dark and smoky trim adorn the exterior, while the cabin gets a new upholstery pattern and its own Speed-specific colorways. Twenty-three inch wheels are available if you want ‘em.