Bentayga Speed Edition 12

When the Bentayga was launched back in 2015, not only was it the world’s first true luxury SUV, but it was also the fastest and most powerful SUV on the planet. It has evolved quickly since then, yet its performance continues to set the standard, thanks in no small part to the Bentley W12 engine beneath the bonnet of its most performance-focused models.

An essential part of Bentley’s DNA, the hand-assembled W12 engine is capable of a unique blend of smoothness and power. Yet it is a complex piece of engineering; one that is difficult to design and manufacture at scale. This could be why, among all today’s SUV manufacturers, only Bentley makes vehicles powered by this incredible engine.

It could also be why Bentley’s vehicles set so many performance records. From the Ice Speed Records set on the frozen lakes of Arctic Norway to the Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak, Bentleys frequently prevail in contests of automotive power – and in the case of so many records they set, the source of that power is a 6.0 litre W12 engine – an iconic piece of engineering that has played a pivotal role in the brand’s story.

The engine the Bentayga Speed Edition 12 celebrates can produce 626 bhp and 900 Nm of torque, for truly incredible acceleration. In fact, despite its imposing exterior and spacious cabin, it can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds – performance it simply could not achieve without the Bentley W12. Speed is only part of the equation, however. A wealth of chassis systems come together to harness the W12’s power, enabling the vehicle to drive like no other SUV.

GROUNDBREAKING DRIVING TECHNOLOGY

Bentley Dynamic Ride is a 48-volt anti-roll system developed for the very first Bentayga, and perfected in the years since its launch. It enables the vehicle to switch between a taut, responsive experience and a refined, comfortable cruise, depending on how you want to drive. It even allows for greater wheel articulation if you choose to take your Bentayga off-road.

Adaptive all-wheel drive ensures optimal traction, regardless of the driving conditions, while four driving modes allow you to experience every aspect of the Bentley driving experience, from Comfort mode to Sport.

To maximise fuel economy and reduce emissions, the engine also features variable displacement. This means that when its full power is not required, six of the twelve cylinders can automatically shut down. They will lie dormant while you drive slowly – in busy city streets, for example – then reactivate the moment you need to accelerate, without any noticeable lag.

The Bentayga Speed Edition 12 builds on the imposing exterior of the Bentayga Speed, with a series of subtle additions to mark the end of this glorious era.

The moment you set eyes on the vehicle, gleaming Edition 12 badges provide a clear indication of the car’s identity – and if you open either of the front doors at night, Welcome Lamps built into the undersides of the doors will illuminate the ground at your feet, their beam displaying the Edition 12 emblem.

Among the wide range of exterior colours on offer is an exclusive new optional finish, Opalite: a grey-green colour that appears solid until it catches the light, when a shimmering copper undertone becomes apparent. Whichever colour you choose, eye-catching silver brake callipers house the car’s huge brakes, while at the centre of each 22” wheel, a self-levelling badge keeps the Bentley ‘B’ upright, even when the vehicle is in motion.

One final detail lurks beneath the gleaming bonnet of the Bentayga Speed Edition 12: affixed to the engine itself is an Edition 12 plaque, which reads ‘Edition 12’ and ‘1 of 120’, proving the rarity of this car.

Illuminated Edition 12 treadplates welcome you into the cabin of the Bentayga Speed Edition 12 with a gentle white glow that adds drama to the interior – especially at night.

Take a seat in the front and you will be greeted with a sleek, Grand Black dashboard. Metal overlays pick up the story that began on the outside of the car, showing the firing sequence of the engine’s cylinders, as well as a Speed Edition 12 badge. The organ stop controls for the air vents, meanwhile, are machined from solid brass and topped with a number 12.

The upholstery can be commissioned in any one of five colour combinations, each one arranged according to Bentley’s Speed colour layout, while the exquisite diamond-in-diamond quilting adds visual depth and a sumptuous sense of luxury. Three different thread colours come together in the stunning ombré stitching that darts across the seats, each of which features Edition 12 embroidery and silver piping.