Skip advert
Advertisement

New Bentley Bentayga PHEV arrives at Geneva

The Bentley Bentayga SUV has gained a plug-in hybrid version, which combines an electric motor with a new 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine

Bentley has added a plug-in hybrid powertrain option for the Bentayga SUV, making it the brand’s first electrified vehicle. The firm says it is its “first step towards full electrification”, and it lines up alongside W12, V8 and V8 diesel versions of the Bentayga.

Under the skin of the Bentayga Hybrid is a new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, mated to an electric motor and generator. Bentley has yet to release any power or performance figures for the new model, but claims CO2 emissions of 75g/km, while an official range of 31 miles on electric power only is claimed, as measured under New European Driving Cycle tests. Recharging the battery pack will take 7.5 hours from a household three-pin plug, and a 2.5-hour charge time is quoted for those with a proper connector.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best hybrid SUVs on the market

While the Bentayga Hybrid retains the same Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom driving modes, the stop-start switch in the cabin has been replaced by a control for three new hybrid only features – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. Each of these modes alters how reliant the car is on the battery and electric motor for propulsion, with EV Drive switching the car onto electric power only, and Hold Mode for holding charge and relying more on the V6 engine.

The infotainment system and instrumentation has been changed too, to reflect the car’s hybrid power source. For instance, the rev counter has been altered with a new segment dedicated to how much electric power is being used, while a battery status dial replaces the coolant temperature gauge. A live energy flow diagram is now available on the infotainment screen and the TFT display in the middle of the instrument panel.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The satellite navigation setup works with the hybrid system too, calculating the best balance of electric motor and engine usage for every journey in a bid to be as efficient as possible. For instance, it can store electrical energy in reserve if the navigation sees city driving ahead. Bentley says it can ration electrical energy so efficiently, that on-board charge reduces to zero on arrival.

Advertisement - Article continues below

New functions have been added to the MyBentley3 smartphone app too. Owners can now use their smartphones to monitor battery charging remotely, alongside being able to pre-heat and cool the vehicle’s interior. The app can locate charging points too, and send them to thee car’s navigation system.

The Bentayga Hybrid’s charging socket is located behind a flap on the opposite side of the car to the fuel filler. Aside from that, copper coloured ‘Hybrid’ badging and copper coloured wheel centres are the only design changes on the outside. In the cabin, the tread plates gain hybrid branded inserts.

Elsewhere, the same technology and driver assistance systems present across the Bentayga range are included. That means adaptive cruise control teams up with Bentley’s Traffic Assist function, while traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert, park assist, infrared night vision and a top-down view camera system are also available.

Alongside the Bentayga Hybrid, Bentley has revealed a concept charging unit for the home, designed in collaboration with Phillipe Starck. There’s currently no word if the Bentley by Starck Power Dock will be offered to customers, and we’re still waiting to hear UK prices and specifications for the new Bentayga Hybrid, though Bentley says it’ll hit the market in the second half of 2018.

Click here for all the latest from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best luxury SUVs 2025
Best luxury SUVs - header image

Best luxury SUVs 2025

Luxury SUVs combine the sophistication of a luxury car with the sheer practicality of an SUV. Here’s our pick of the current crop…
Best cars & vans
23 Jan 2025
New Bentley Bentayga flagship to arrive next year with plenty more power
Bentley Bentayga V8 S - front

New Bentley Bentayga flagship to arrive next year with plenty more power

Bentley is working on a high-performance variant of its Bentayga SUV packing a high-grade turbo V8
News
20 Nov 2024
The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress
Opinion - Geneva Motor Show

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress

Mike Rutherford laments the demise of the iconic Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
16 Jun 2024
The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025
Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025

A “lack of interest shown by manufacturers” and competition with other motor shows were among the reasons given for the demise of the Geneva Motor Sho…
News
31 May 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is practical, hot-hatch quick and only £284 per month
Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is practical, hot-hatch quick and only £284 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 26 January offers space for all the family and loads of power for when you’re not on the school run
News
26 Jan 2025
Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead
Tesla Model 3 alternatives - header image

Tesla Model 3 alternatives: Six sleek electric cars you could buy instead

Bored of seeing Tesla Model 3s everywhere? Sickened by Elon Musk’s antics? Here are the best new and used EV alternatives
Features
28 Jan 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda: UK prices, specs and full details
Fiat Grande Panda - front static

New Fiat Grande Panda: UK prices, specs and full details

The new Grande Panda will cost from under £19,000 in hybrid form
News
28 Jan 2025