Bentley has announced details of its first hybrid model to debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2018 this week. The Bentayga Hybrid is said to be “Bentley’s first step towards full electrification”. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an advanced powertrain combining electronic motor with an unusual (for Bentley) V6 petrol engine.
At the heart of the Bentayga Hybrid sits a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine. This combines with an electric motor which acts as both a motor and a generator to guarantee maximum electric range. That pure electric range will be 50 km from a full 7.5 hour charge on a domestic household socket, or 2.5 hours from an industrial connection.
As you would expect, it features all the same powertrain features as the other Bentayga models including permanent four-wheel drive and four on-road modes – Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom. The Start-Stop switch is instead replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. With the requirement for different driver information, the infotainment screen and Driver’s Information Panel have been revised to incorporate details on performance, consumption and energy source.
Unique algorithms contained within the satellite navigation are used to calculate the best usage of electric motor and engine for every journey. Bentley have also developed Hybrid-specific functions introduced to the latest ‘MyBentley’ services, including My Battery Charge, My Cabin Comfort, and My Car Status, all operated via a smartphone app.
Bentley have worked with designer, Philippe Starck, to create the Power Dock. The pressed eco-linen, bio-sourced thermosetting resin box features aluminium frontage and is designed to keep charging cables neat and sage at home.
Aside from the new technology, there isn’t much to tell the Bentayga Hybrid apart from the rest of the model range. It gets that same driver assistance tech and similar levels of interior and exterior customisation. The same sound system options and MMI specifications. Outside, copper-coloured Hybrid badging will give the game away as well as copper finish wheel centres and Bentley badges. The exhausts will also differ slightly from the rest of the range.
The Bentayga Hybrid isn’t available to order quite yet. The order books will open during the second half of 2018 for selected markets. Pricing will presumably be announced closer to that time together with specific details on the drivetrain and performance – Bentley’s press release is lacking those details for the time being!
