The Bentley Bentayga is what ultra-luxury dreams are made of. When Bentley unveiled the first edition 2021 Bentley Bentayga, we were presently surprised by its refreshed exterior. The Bentayga has shed its relatively anonymous looks and now has a more commanding presence, as Bentley a should. And to make things even better, Bentley has officially confirmed that the Bentayga Speed variant will return for 2021.

The Bentayga Speed’s unique design elements 

Bentley’s primary goal with its Bentayga SUV is simple: to blow past class rivals like the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus. Bentley has heavily invested in the new Bentayga’s updated looks to accomplish this, so buyers see it as a brand-new car. The result is a bolder, in-your-face statement that makes the Bentayga appear more high-class. Previous Bentaygas were borderline ugly and resembled hearses. 

The Bentayga Speed variant returns as the most potent option in the Bentayga lineup. This model features many of the same design elements of the first edition Bentayga powered by a 542- hp twin-turbocharged V8. Although, the Speed version is more distinguished thanks to its dark-tint headlights, sleekier bumpers, and its prolonged rear spoilers.

As far as power goes, the Bentayga Speed is very much the same for 2021. It still features a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W-12 engine that generates 626-hp and 664 pound-feet of torque. The most significant change here is that Bentley is adding a cylinder deactivation function to optimize efficiency. Bentley still claims that the Bentayga Speed is the world’s fastest SUV and reaches a top speed of 190 mph. 

On the inside 

There are slight distinctions inside the Speed also. The Speed’s cabin has a “color split option” that’s only available on this variant. This design option includes unique color accents, contrast stitching, and Alcantara materials. There are also many additional ways for buyers to customize the Speed’s interior, including leather and stitching details. 

Bentley is also particularly proud of the new technology offered in the new Bentayga lineup. The Speed will come with Benley’s premium 12-speaker stereo system and updated infotainment system. The Bentayga was slightly behind with its infotainment features, but the 2021 lineup now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also an available 20-speaker stereo.

There’s more to come

Now that Bentley has revealed both the first edition Bentayga and the Speed models, the next variant we’re expecting is the hybridized model. The 2020 Bentayga hybrid has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor that makes 443-hp. Bentley is planning to reveal the 2021 version very soon. The biggest news here is that the hybrid will have a more extended battery range.

The first edition Bentayga V8 is the most popular variant, and the 2021 model starts at $179,725. Pricing for the Speed edition is around $245,000. Bentley will prepare to deliver first edition models at the end of the third quarter, and the Speed will soon follow.