Bentley Drops the W-12 And The New V8 Bentayga Speed Is Even Faster

Bentley’s iconic W-12 engine has officially bowed out, but the brand isn’t mourning its loss. In fact, the carmaker thinks the replacement is an upgrade. Meet the new Bentayga Speed, now powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. It’s smaller, lighter, and, surprisingly, a little bit faster.

Despite the downsizing, the new engine delivers 641 horsepower, which is 15 more than the outgoing W-12. Torque drops slightly to 627 lb-ft, but that’s a trade-off Bentley seems comfortable with. Thanks to the smaller engine, the SUV sheds around 95 pounds, bringing the total curb weight down to 5,435 pounds.

That might not sound dramatic, but it’s enough to shave half a second off the 0–62 mph sprint, now clocking in at just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is a serious 193 mph, which is three mph higher than the old model.

Performance isn’t just about straight-line speed, though. Bentley added rear-wheel steering to improve agility and tightened up the Sport driving mode, stiffening the suspension by 15 percent compared to the Bentayga V8 S. The steering is also quicker, making the big SUV feel more alert behind the wheel.

To make sure the new V8 still delivers on sound, Bentley fitted the Bentayga Speed with a standard sports exhaust. Want more noise? You can opt for the Akrapovič titanium system with quad tips for a sharper, more aggressive growl.

Visually, the updates are subtle but effective. It rides on massive 23-inch wheels, and when paired with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, performance goes up another notch. Darkened head- and taillights give it a more focused look, and buyers can choose a contrasting black roof in either satin or gloss. Inside, standard chrome trim can be swapped for a darker finish to keep the cabin in line with the SUV’s sporty intent.

So why the change? Stricter emissions rules are making big engines like the W-12 harder to justify. Bentley is already phasing out pure gas models; only the Bentayga remains without an electric motor. That won't last much longer. The brand's next big debut will be its first full EV, an SUV that will slot in below the Bentayga.

The W-12 may be gone, but Bentley isn’t looking back. The latest Bentayga Speed proves Bentley hasn’t lost its taste for power, even as it heads toward an all-electric lineup.