Plans for a Bentley Bentayga Speed revealed

Sources reveal that Bentley has plans to develop a high performance ‘Speed’ version of the Bentayga that could be in-line with the Continental GT Speed.

While a plug-in hybrid Bentayga is expected to be launched in 2018, a coupe and an extended-wheelbase model is also rumoured to be in the pipeline for markets like China and the Middle East. This extended-wheelbase model is expected to share the Mulsanne EWB’s success to an extent.

Bentley boss Wolfgang Durheimer said, "We are the first in the luxury SUV space and at the moment unopposed, but there are lots of rivals coming to the sector. The question we need to answer is if there is space for all these different body styles."

Depending on how the coupe and extended-wheelbase models of the Bentayga fare in the market, the brand could then give the green signal for a high performance Bentayga Speed. “If we have enough people who want the car, and they are new to the brand rather than people who will choose this Bentley over than another one, then we will consider it," said Rolf Frech, head of engineering.

When introduced, the Bentley Bentayga Speed will rival cars like the Range Rover SVR.