Four fewer cylinders, a wet track, and plenty of weight — and all that is still not enough to stop the new 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed from setting a new record as the fastest internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV to race up the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb. Piloted by Andy Marson, a vehicle dynamics specialist and experienced Goodwood driver, the marque’s flagship SUV clocked a time of just 55.8 seconds up the iconic hill climb route.
That’s a full second faster than the previous W12-powered Bentayga Speed, which did it in 56.8 seconds up the same hill climb, and on a dry track at that. The only internal combustion-powered SUV that recorded a faster time was the specially developed one-off Pikes Peak Bentayga.
Although fitted with a smaller 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the new 2025 Bentayga Speed produces 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque, which allows for a top speed of 310 km/h. The car sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds — faster than the previous W12 Bentayga Speed (3.9 seconds) and the V8 Bentayga S (4.4 seconds).
Along with Marson’s driving capabilities, Bentley also credited the Bentayga Speed’s dynamic capability with its enhanced sport chassis mode. The record-breaking Bentayga benefits from 15% stiffer suspension and optional carbon ceramic brakes, which allow for the ESC Dynamic setting in sport mode.
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The car also features torque vectoring by brake, which allows for a sharper turn-in and improved grip when putting down power, and enables on-power slides for controlled slips as well. Complementing the ESC Dynamic programming are all-wheel steering and launch control—the first time either has been offered on a Bentayga.
Apart from the chassis improvements, the car can be distinguished by model-specific touches such as exclusive badging on the front doors, dark-tinted lights, and optional black roof finishes. The new Bentley Bentayga Speed comes standard with 22-inch wheels and is upgradable to 23-inches.
Inside, the car comes with new Precision Diamond quilted upholstery that comes in a Speed-exclusive colour split. The digital instrument cluster features unique Speed-specific graphics and is complemented with chrome accents with an optional dark tint finish.
While losing the W12 in Bentley’s flagship SUV may be disappointing, the V8 now feels more like an upgrade than a downgrade — proven by this record-breaking hill climb. It’s a performance that challenges the old saying, “there’s no replacement for displacement.”
READ MORE: 2025 Bentley Bentayga Speed now open for orders in Malaysia – from RM2.8 million
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