Bentley Bentayga Speed is world’s fastest SUV

The Bentley Bentayga Speed has set a record as the world’s fastest SUV, beating the Lamborghini Urus’s top speed by just 0.5mph.

The Bentayga Speed, the performance variant of the Crewe-based firm’s luxury SUV, has a claimed top speed of 190mph, while the Urus’s figure is 189.5mph. However, the Urus achieves the 0-62mph sprint in 3.6sec, while the Speed takes 3.9sec. 

The Speed, which will make its debut at Geneva motor show in March, uses a more highly tuned version of the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine as the standard Bentayga, raising power from 600bhp to 626bhp. Torque remains the same at 664lb ft.

Compared with the standard W12 Bentayga, the Speed is 0.2sec faster from 0-62mph, while its top speed is 3mph higher. 

Sport mode, one of four on-road driving modes, has received engineering tweaks in the Speed, intended to provide a more dynamic drive. The mode has been recalibrated to “enhance response” from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the suspension and Bentley Dynamic Ride, the firm’s electric active roll control technology.

There is also a louder exhaust note and firmer suspension to “further increase driver engagement”, said Bentley.

Design changes include dark-tinted headlights, body-coloured side skirts and a prominent tailgate spoiler. The Speed also features dark-tinted front air intake grilles and 22in alloy wheels, available in a choice of three finishes.

Inside, the Speed gets new contrast stitching, Speed badging, an illuminated 'Speed' treadplate and, for the first time in a Bentayga, Alcantara upholstery.