The New Bentayga Hybrid – The Next Step Towards Beyond100 strategy

The Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy outlines the British carmaker’s transition to complete electric engine by 2026 and the new Bentayga Hybrid is the first step towards its sustainable future. The SUV is the first of two new Bentley PHEVs to be launched this year. 

Photo Credit: Bentley

The exterior design of the new Bentayga range has been completely refreshed from the previous generation to create an even more stylish and purposeful car. Every panel at the front and rear of the car has been altered to give it a cleaner and more modern look. JP Gregory, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors, comments: “We spent a long time examining how to improve the proportions and character of the car. New Bentayga is still instantly recognisable as a Bentley but now has a much greater road presence, a more self-confident looking SUV from whatever angle you look at the car. The prouder grill and higher, more focused elliptical headlights give a much more modern expression.” The larger and more matrix grille allows the bonnet to sweep down to the very edge of the chrome work adding to the muscular aesthetic of the car. The elliptical tail lamps – a first on the Bentayga, are inspired from the Continental GT.

Photo Credit: Bentley

While the design looks luxurious and sleek, it’s what on the inside that matters. Despite having a 3.0 litre twin-scroll turbocharged V6 petrol engine, the SUV starts off on the EV Drive mode. The inclusion of the V6 engine drops the performance by 100 Nm in comparison to its non-hybrid V8 counterpart. The engine delivers 443 bhp (449 PS) and 516 lb. ft (700 Nm) of torque with a combined range of 536 miles with the capability of 31 miles (84 km ph) range in a pure electric drive (NEDC) which is enough for urban journeys.

Photo Credit: Bentley

The Bentayga offers 3 E modes: EV Drive EV Hybrid and EV Hold as well as collects predictive data from Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation system provides haptic feedback via driver pedals. The EV Drive is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience and is ideal for city rides and shorter journeys. The Hybrid mode maximises vehicle efficiency and range using data from the intelligent navigation system while the Hold mode balances engine and electric power to hold a high voltage battery charge for later use. This is the default mode when in Sport is to provide consistent boost and recuperation.

Photo Credit: Bentley

The luxurious interior can be further enhanced with the application of dark tint diamond brushed aluminium trim for the first time in a Bentley, as well as two straight-grained veneers new to Bentayga: Koa and Crown Cut Walnut. Mulliner Driving Specification adds a new quilting design, and micro piping detailing for the seats. Among the major changes to Bentayga’s more contemporary interior are new door trims and steering wheel, a redesigned centre fascia and digital instrumentation cluster. A next-generation infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the handcrafted, Bentley ‘wing’ dashboard design and features a 10.9-inch display screen with edge-to-edge graphics.

The new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid starts at $183,225 and would reach the United States by the mid of the year.