It appears the axing of Bentley’s legendary twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 final yr wasn’t all unhealthy information, for the reason that V8 that replaces it within the upgraded 2026 Bentley Bentayga Velocity makes the British model’s flagship SUV even faster, quicker, lighter and extra agile than earlier than.
Revealed in a single day forward of first Australian buyer deliveries within the third quarter (July to September) of 2026, the refreshed Bentayga Velocity is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 478kw of energy and 850Nm of torque (over 2250-4500rpm).
That’s up 11kW however down 50Nm on the 12-cylinder mannequin it replaces, but as a result of the V8 reduces kerb weight by 42kg to a still-hefty 2466kg, the newest Bentayga Velocity is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) from standstill half a second sooner, in 3.4 seconds.
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On condition that 0-60mph time equates to a 0-100km/h time of about 3.5 seconds, it means the flagship model of Bentley’s solely SUV is now as fast because the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Efficiency plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the Kia EV6 GT electrical ‘SUV’ (and now a lot faster than a base Porsche 911).
Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless slower than a number of different high-performance SUVs, together with the Lamborghini Uus Performante, Ferrari thoroughbred and Aston Martin DBX707 (all of which declare a 3.3-second 0-100km/h time), and electrical SUVs together with the Lotus Eletre R (2.9s), Porsche Macan Electrical Turbo (3.3s) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (3.4s)
Bentley says the most recent Bentayga Velocity can be quicker than ever, with its prime velocity of 310km/h – nearly 5km/h greater than earlier than – matching the DBX707 and bettering the Purosangue, however falling simply in need of the Urus SE Hybrid.
To point out off its further tempo, the V8-powered Velocity scores a sports activities exhaust system as customary, however an optionally available Akrapovic titanium unit with quad retailers ought to make up for its 4 fewer cylinders with regards to the exhaust observe.
There are additionally revised drive modes together with a Sport mode that will increase damping stiffness by 15 per cent and will increase the steadiness management system threshold to “allow exhilarating drift angles”.
Mixed with much less weight over its nostril, rear-wheel steering will increase each high-speed stability and low-speed manoeuvrability, main Bentley to assert the Velocity is its most agile SUV ever.
Cosmetically, the top-shelf Bentayga wears Velocity badges on the surface and rides on distinctive 22-inch wheels, with the choice of 23-inch rims wrapped round carbon-ceramic brake rotors.
Finishing the Velocity bundle inside is a revised digital instrument cluster structure, Velocity badging on the seats, scuff plates and the passenger facet of the dashboard, and particular quilted Precision Diamon trim highlights.
Australian pricing is but to be confirmed, however the present Bentayga Velocity is priced at $531,500 earlier than on-road prices, positioning it effectively above the entry-level 404kW/770Nm Bentayga V8 and the 340kW/700Nm V6 Hybrid (each priced from $395,800), in addition to S and Azure variants with the identical powertrains.
The Mulliner Hybrid tops Bentley Australia’s present Bentayga vary at $646,800 plus on-roads.
