Bentley Kuala Lumpur bids farewell to the iconic W12 petrol powertrain with the delivery of its final Bentayga Speed, marking the last Bentayga model in Malaysia to include the W12 engine.
This move follows Bentley Motor’s global announcement to discontinue the W12 engine as part of its Beyond 100 strategy, focusing on the full electrification of all models to position Bentley as a leader in sustainable luxury mobility. Orders for the Bentayga Speed featuring the W12 powertrain ceased at the end of July 2023.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine, the Speed offers remarkable top speeds without compromising on luxury and comfort, accompanied by a range of customisations and exclusive styling.
Building on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007, the Bentayga Speed maintains the performance credentials proven by its predecessor, which claimed the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018.
The latest Bentayga Speed – the fastest SUV in the world – is now available in Malaysia, joining the other Bentley models offered by Bentley Kuala Lumpur. The handbuilt SUV has the vaunted W12 powertrain and many of the model’s luxurious features are standard, including the Mulliner Driving Specification.
Power, performance and agility
The new Bentayga Speed utilises the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 ps/900 Nm, the full amount of torque generated from 1500 rpm and available to 5000 rpm. It gives the SUV a claimed maximum speed of 306 km/h, while the 0 – 100 km/h sprint can be done in 3.9 seconds.
The 6-litre W12 engine accounts for 10% of the time taken to build a Bentayga Speed.
While pursuing high performance, Bentley’s engineers have not forgotten the need to use fuel efficiently and also keep exhaust emissions down. To achieve this, the engine control unit can deactivate one complete bank of six cylinders as required. Switching between A and B Bank using information from the inlet and exhaust sensor, minimises cylinder and catalytic convertor cool-down and avoids spikes in exhaust emissions. This not only benefits CO2 emissions but also enables significant economy gains under part-throttle cruising conditions.
Four Drive Dynamics modes are available for the driver to use according to personal preference or conditions. Uniquely in the Speed, the Sport mode has been recalibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride.
The Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises a 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive.
The Bentayga Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight saving of more than 20 kgs over iron brakes.
Purposeful exterior
To complement the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the performance credentials. At the rear, the exhaust finishers are now the oval design that signifies a W12 powertrain.
Customers can choose from 17 standard paint colours, supplemented by a further 47 hues in the Extended and Mulliner ranges… with an additional 24 duo-tone options. If the customer still cannot find something appealing from these 88 choices, Bentley can have the bodywork colour-matched to any sample they provide. This exceptional range is complemented by a palette of 15 hide colours, 6 colour splits and 8 veneers with 2 technical finishes.
Dramatic design theme within
Inside, the Bentayga Speed has a dramatic design theme that balances luxury and performance. The unique Speed colour split is achieved through the use of dark colours enhanced by primary hide accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console.
‘Speed’ seat embroidery on the backrest of all the seats is included as standard, and as a no-cost option, customers can choose to replace the ‘Speed’ embroidery with that of the Bentley logo.
A new contrast stitching design through the diamond quilting of the Mulliner Driving Specification (included as standard) is unique to Speed, with each of the stitch lines running through the quilting being split – one to match the leather, the other in the contrast colour.
There is also the option of the Black Specification, a striking package that replaces all exterior chrome work, bright detailing and some elements of the body with gloss black or carbonfibre versions. With this package, the standard roof spoiler is replaced with a curved carbonfibre version.
50% of sales tax exempted
The Bentayga Speed is priced from RM1,062,000 (excluding all taxes and insurance). With the recent announcement that the exemption of sales tax will continue till the end of 2021, there will be considerable savings with half of the applicable sales tax removed.
For now, viewing the Bentley Speed won’t be possible as the Bentley Kuala Lumpur showroom is closed during the FMCO period from June 1 – June 14, 2021.
At the uppermost end of the car market, ‘best’ is rather subjective and those who spend a million ringgit and more would consider that what they have purchased is ‘the best’. Nevertheless, each carmaker in that sector would present its car as being the best and Bentley declares its Flying Spur as ‘the best luxury sedan in the world’.
The Flying Spur is now available through the officially importers for Malaysia, Bentley Kuala Lumpur, and is available in both 4-seat or 5-seat configurations. The basic price starts from RM839,000 excluding taxes and registration, and a typical customer would obviously pay a higher price.
Driver-centric experience
While most Bentley customers in Malaysia are likely to be chauffeur-driven, the company’s research shows that an increasing number of its customers prefer to drive the car themselves. In fact, global research (including two customer clinics in America and China) indicated that over 40% of customers travel with rear seat passengers at least once a week.
For this reason, Bentley’s engineers focussed on offering a more driver-centric experience, with a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment and technology tailored to the driver and also the passengers.
V8 that can become an I4
Under the bonnet is Bentley’s 4.0-litre, twin turbocharged V8 engine, an alternative choice to the iconic W12 unit. With turbocharging, it produces 550 ps/770 Nm with responsiveness and a top speed claimed to be 318 km/h.
When the driver is not blasting along at high speeds, the engine can save fuel by literally halving its displacement and running on 4 cylinders. It does this by shutting down one bank of cylinders under light-load conditions, when torque demand is below 235 Nm and the engine speed is below 3000 rpm.
The transition from V8 to what is essentially an inline four is imperceptible to the occupants and can be executed within 20 milliseconds (a tenth of the time it takes to blink). The result is savings of up to 16% in fuel consumption, allowing a longer range and less stops to refuel if driving very long distances.
Advanced chassis
The latest Flying Spur has powertrain and chassis advancements; Adaptive Air Suspension, Torque Vectoring by Brake, Drive Dynamics Control, and Electric Steering, all of which are standard features. The technically advanced, adaptive chassis can feature Bentley’s pioneering 48V electric active anti-roll control system (Bentley Dynamic Ride) and Electronic All-Wheel Steering are available as options.
Recognisable as a Bentley
The bold exterior design is new and modern but still recognisable as a Bentley. It has increased road presence and stronger, more muscular lines that sweep the full length of the car. Compared to the second generation, the latest one has a wheelbase that is 130 mm longer, benefitting interior space and comfort.
For the Flying Spur V8, there are seven Bentley paint finishes to choose from and for those who want even more exclusivity, there is an extended range of over 60 colours, including Mulliner and personal commission.
Cabin with fine materials and craftsmanship
The interior has comfortable, spacious seats available in 5 hide colours, with Bentley’s ‘Wing’ theme across the lower console and fascia. Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. Besides Crown Cut Walnut as standard, there are 7 other veneers to choose from, plus a High Gloss Carbonfibre technical finish.
The industry-first Bentley Rotating Display is also available on the new Flying Spur V8. When the engine start button is pressed, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen, displaying three, customisable digital tiles. The second side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass and a chronometer. A complete digital detox can be selected on the third side, to simply enjoy the seamless wood veneer fascia continuing around the cabin.
Needless to say, the range of equipment is extensive and can be supplemented with options like Rear Seat Entertainment tablets, Naim for Bentley audio system and even the luxury of an onboard 2-bottle drinks cooler. A completely new design means that the cooler is packaged into a much smaller space than the previous generation of the Flying Spur, resulting in less intrusion into the 420-litre boot space.
While most of Bentley’s customers would prefer not to be identified, there are some who allow the company to tell the world about the cars they have commissioned. From time to time, we are treated to some very personalised models prepared by the company’s bespoke and personal commissioning division, Mulliner. As it is Christmas time, Bentley can show off the ‘Reindeer Eight’, a unique and festive Flying Spur V8 commissioned by ‘a world famous customer’.
Every commission is important and this was in fact, one of Bentley Mulliner’s most important yet because of the customer’s own global and extensive list of expectant fans. It drew on its rich history and expertise of fine craftsmanship to meet the specific requirements of the customers.
One of 62 shades from Extended Range
The one-off ‘Reindeer Eight’ is finished to the exterior in deep red Cricket Bauble paint finish, a unique shade created for the customer based on Cricket Ball which is available as one of the 62 shades offered by the Extended Range.
Leading the car from the front, a gold three-dimensional printed reindeer can be found in lieu of the Flying B mascot, and to the sides the V8 badges have been replaced by a special ‘Reindeer Eight’ badge signifying the powertrain the customer is more familiar with.
Following the lead reindeer, the standard chrome bonnet strip has been re-trimmed in gold, and coordinating hand painted fine line details shimmer from the rear of the Bentley wing badges.
Maximum aerodynamic performance
To emphasise the speed and performance required to cover the significant distance planned by the owner, a gold styling specification has been included, comprising of a carbonfibre diffuser to the front and rear bumper, carbonfibre side sills and a bootlid spoiler – for maximum aerodynamic performance at cruising altitude.
The Mulliner Driving Specification with 22-inch golden wheels and diamond finish, representing the snow peaks crossed, completes the exterior theme. Given the cold climate of the customer’s primary residence, All Season tyres have been fitted.
Personalised embroidery with 11,100 stitches
The interior of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivalled luxury and innovation, capable of comfortable seating for four or five. The customer specified a monotone Cricket Bauble interior with gold personalised embroidery and hand cross-stitching, including his name stitched into the driver’s seat and that of his wife alongside.
Festive gold hand cross-stitch highlights the attention to detail and skill of those working at the Bentley factory. It takes 18 hours for a craftsperson to complete the 11,100 hand-sewn stitches throughout the cabin, and consumes 115 metres of special thread (equal to the height of Big Ben).
The seats of the ‘Reindeer Eight’ feature a twin-flute design and increased functionality, including heating, ventilation, multi-mode massage, adjustable bolsters and top tilt which should keep the customer alert yet relaxed over the extensive mileage that he will be covering. With the Mulliner Driving Specification chosen by the customer, the new three-dimensional leather combines with traditional stitching and embroidery work.
Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. At Mulliner’s suggestion, the Grand Black veneer displays a North Pole winter night scene with inlays to fascias and door waistrails to depict the end of the night’s journey.
The industry-first Bentley Rotating Display features in the ‘Reindeer Eight’. When the engine start button is pressed, and after a welcome sound of sleigh bells jingling, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen, displaying multiple menus. A Naughty and Nice list integrated in the navigation system allows the customer to quickly know whether his fans have been bad or good.
The second side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass (vital for the customer to find home at the end of the long work night) and a chronometer. Finally, the third side offers the seamless Grand Black veneer fascia, continuing around the cabin, representing the North Pole winter night scene.
“What fun it is to ride in a 542 horsepower sleigh. Plus, there’s space in the back for all my subordinate Clauses. I’m looking forward to putting 66 million kilometres on the clock before the end of the year,” said the bearded customer.
Bentley Motors offers customers a multitude of customisable features, making their car truly and uniquely theirs from the inside out. The Continental GT V8 is no exception and where colours are concerned, there’s a very broad spectrum of choices for them to express themselves and show off their personalities. To further enhance the exterior, owners can also opt for the Blackline Specification which replaces the exterior body brightware with black-painted trim and other items. Customers can discuss with their dealer, Bentley Kuala Lumpur in the case of Malaysia, on the wide range of options available to ensure they get exactly what they desire.
If you’re a fan of Bentley vehicles, you would know the existence of the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept vehicle that they unveiled a few months back. In celebrations of the brand’s 100th birthday, the Bentley EXP 100 GT is essentially a present for themselves and by the looks of things, what a grand present to get. (more…)
The world’s finest high-performance luxury Grand Tourer made its first public appearance in northern Peninsular Malaysia at the Penang Rendezvous recently. The new Continental GT First Edition – a series of cars limited by production – represents the ultimate expression of Bentley’s most technologically advanced model. For the full release click to download this: Bentley KL Showcases Luxury, Performance and Craftsmanship in Penang
Here’s a closer look at the Continental GT First Edition from our friend Bobby Ang @ EVO Aurizn:
Bentley Kuala Lumpur celebrates the month of Ramadhan with the Bentley Colour Collection. The Bentley Collection is a series of carefully selected luxury products, each with its own unique identity. Every item embodies the essence of the Bentley marque: unparalleled craftsmanship with incredible attention to detail; coupled with the use of uncompromised quality luxury materials.
The newly launched Colour Collection is a series of the Bentley Collection that draws inspiration from Bentley’s extensive colour palette, celebrating the marque’s array of vivid and astonishing shades. Bentley Kuala Lumpur is celebrating the colourful month of Ramadhan with the Colour Collection, providing a preferential rate of 20% off all items in this collection from now till 14 June 2018; a perfect time to gift yourself and your loved ones this festive season.
The Colour Collection at Bentley Kuala Lumpur includes:
Ladies Polo: With raised Bentley emblem on the chest, short button tab with Bentley branded button on sleeve. Matrix grille pattern on split hem. Contrast neck tape. Available in Kingfisher Blue and Dragon Red. Retail value RM499.
Gents Polo: Pure pique cotton with raised Bentley emblem on the chest. Button tab with Bentley emblazoned buttons. Contrast neck tape. Available in Kingfisher Blue. Retail value RM499.
Wings Keyring: Leather keyring featuring the iconic metal Bentley wings emblem. Available in Dragon Red, Kingfisher Blue, Portland and Beluga. Retail value RM289.
Baseball Cap: Raised Bentley emblem on the front. Shield with contrast piping. Metal buckle with Bentley emblem. Adjustable by approx. 2cm. One size. Available in Portland. Retail value RM259.
Matrix Grille Mug: Depicting the iconic Bentley matrix grille, our mugs have been expertly colour matched to the most popular paint choice from the Bentley palette, white in Malaysia, with Living Green contrast to the rim. Retail value RM259.
Bentley Wings Ball Pen: Highly distinctive design inspired by the matrix grille mesh of our cars. Influenced by tones from the Bentley palette. Crafted in brass and aluminium. Available in Black, White and Living Green. Retail value RM269.
2 in 1 Lanyard: Lanyard and keyring in one product. Stainless steel buckle. Knurling,stylized ‘B’ emblem and engraved ‘Bentley’ wordmark on clasp. Matrix grille print. Security clip for easy opening. Available in Moroccan Blue and Highland Hare. Retail
value RM219.
Visit Bentley Kuala Lumpur at Lot 1.1 Ground Floor, Etiqa Twins, 11 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur from Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm and Saturday 10am – 3pm, or call +60 3 2165 1688 for more information.
When money is no object, there are cars out there that simply beggar belief in terms of craftsmanship and sheer road presence, and one such car is the Bentley Mulsanne Speed…
Costing about RM2,588,000 (NSP), the Bentley Mulsanne Speed is powered by a more potent 6.75-litre, twin-turbo V8, capable of producing 530bhp and a whopping 1,100Nm of torque.
As gargantuan as it may be, the Mulsanne Speed will send you into triple digit speeds from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds, and onward to a top-speed of 305kmh as you waft along on special 21-inch “Speed” alloys.
Do have a look at the video below and photo gallery that follows, and try not to drool too much. – Chris Wee.
What colour is that? Exclaimed one of the guests in front of me during the official unveiling of the new Continental GT at Bentley Kuala Lumpur recently, and indeed, it’s quite an amazing shade of silver. So, once again redefining the benchmark of luxury grand touring in the industry, the new Conti GT has arrived.
“Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain, the new, third-generation Bentley Continental GT combines spirited, focused performance with handcrafted luxury and cutting-edge technology, to create the finest Grand Tourer ever produced.” – Bentley.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only the debut of the new Continental GT, but also a showcase of Bentley’s revolutionary design and engineering achievements. The all-new Continental GT marks another milestone for Bentley, setting the benchmark for luxury grand touring yet again with its unique combination of luxury and performance”, explained Jerry Lee, Managing Director of Wearnes Quest (above, right)
The launch featured the evolution of the Bentley Continental GT, drawing inspiration from the R-Type Continental 66 years ago that created a template and inspiration for the future of Bentley. Since then, the first generation of the Continental GT in 2003 has created a benchmark of revolutionary, luxury design, technology and performance, reflecting the best in class of each respective generation. You can read more about the new GT after the photo gallery below…
“It encapsulates Bentley’s desire to innovate while staying true to its design DNA, continuously evolving to shape the future of luxury and the future of performance. It is specially crafted for discerning Bentley owners and the new generation, who understand and thrive with real power, luxury and innovation – the future of Bentley Kuala Lumpur.” said Jerry.
NB: Due to overwhelming response prior to the launch, the new Continental GT will only be available for viewing by appointment, call +60 3 2162 2033. Customer deliveries and handovers of the new GT in Malaysia will commence towards the end of Q2 2018. Estimated price from RM1.9million before GST.
At the heart of the new Continental GT sits an all-new, enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine, mated, for the first time, to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission, for faster, more efficient gear change.
A new, technically advanced, adaptive chassis uses Bentley’s intelligent 48-volt Dynamic Ride System to ensure a responsive ride and exceptional handling and refinement in all road conditions. The new system controls ride comfort and lateral roll, cushioning passengers from excessive movement, as well as making the car feel effortlessly precise.
The muscular exterior design, created using revolutionary technology, results in a lightweight, yet stiff body. The engine is positioned further back to improve weight distribution, resulting in driver focused, dynamic performance.
Offering four seats and improved luggage capacity for genuine real-world usability, the new Bentley Continental GT’s luxurious cabin is packed with exquisite details including a new ‘diamond in diamond’ leather design. In addition, significant work has gone into harmonising the extensive portfolio of 15 colours across hides and carpets.
The new Continental GT also showcases major evolutions in Bentley’s unique application of technology. An advanced, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and Bentley Rotating Display for the driver are among the suite of innovations. The latter features an impressive 12.3” touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves the veneer to reveal the touchscreen, as well as three elegant analogue dials.
The interior design of the Continental GT is tailored specifically to the modern luxury customer, with unrivalled attention to detail that creates an effortless ownership experience. The cabin seamlessly integrates cutting-edge onboard technology with the finest handcrafted natural materials. The result is an exquisite, harmonised, connected and luxurious space.
