Bentley has claimed the title of world’s fastest SUV with an upgraded version of its Bentayga. Details below…

Named to avoid any duplicity about its purpose, the new Bentayga Speed features a slightly more powerful version of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine.

Denoting its special status amongst high-performance SUVs, this new Bentayga features darkened light clusters, obligatory ‘Speed’ badging, model-specific 22-inch alloy wheels and a functional tailgate spoiler.

The number which defines Bentley’s Speed SUV is its 306 kph top speed, which makes it a rather academic 5 kph faster than any other W12 powered Bentayga. By implication, the new Speed also claims the title of world’s fastest SUV.

It’s not only fast but quick too, capable of running the zero to 100 kph benchmark in 3.9 seconds – which is two-tenths of a second faster than a ‘standard’ W12 Bentayga. A point of contention is that Lamborghini’s Urus, which rides on a similar platform to Bentayga, is faster in terms of pure acceleration, capable of 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds.

How does the Bentayga Speed manage to deliver its performance gains? Although its peak torque value remains the same as other W12 powered Bentley SUVs, at 900Nm, engineers have managed to boost additional power from the 6.0-litre engine, allowing the Bentayga Speed 467kW of peak power. That’s a gain of 20kW.

To harmonise the performance of a heavy, luxury SUV capable of 306 kph, you need exceptional brakes. As such, Bentayga Speed mounts the largest brake discs ever fitted to a production Bentley. Benefitting from ceramic construction, these brakes can absorb 1 000 °C of heat build-up and generate maximum braking torque of 6 000 Nm.

The Bentley Bentayga will make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March 2019.

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