Bentley Takes First Step Towards Electrification – The Bentayga Hybrid

Bentley has taken its first step towards the electrified future with the introduction of the Bentayga plug-in hybrid variant, which now goes on sale in Europe.

The Bentayga Hybrid is the first electrified variant of a much larger group of future models, which will see the marque roll out an electrified version of every nameplate by 2023.

The Bentayga Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that works in tandem with a 94 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor/generator that outputs 126 bhp and 400 Nm.

The combined power output is rated of 443 bhp and peak torque output of 700 Nm is capable of propelling the Bentayga Hybrid from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds onto a top speed of 254 km/h. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On a full battery charge, the Bentayga offers a 39 km electric range (WLTP Standard); the combined range is claimed to be 747 km. The 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery requires just 2.5 hours for a full-recharge.

Another highlight of the Hybrid variant is the 'Intelligent Satellite Navigation' system which can use GPS data to calculate and plan the optimum hybrid drive settings for the chosen route for best efficiency. The Bentayga Hybrid goes on sale across Europe with prices starting at EUR 141,100; customer deliveries in the UK and Europe are set to begin in the final quarter of 2019, US deliveries start in Q1 of 2020.