Bentley is finally launching the Bentayga Hybrid in
Europe, following a delay caused by certification issues with the current WLTP
testing regime. The plug-in hybrid version of the Bentley SUV is powered by a
combination of a 335 HP turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and an 120 HP electric motor.
The combined output is rated at 443 HP and 700 Nm of
torque.
The hybrid powertrain is completed by a 17.3 kWh
lithium-ion battery pack, which provides enough energy for the new Bentayga
Hybrid to travel up to 39 km on electric power alone and can be
recharged in just 2.5 hours.
Bentley claims a 0-100 km/h
in 5.5 second and a top speed of 254 km/h. According to the WLTP standards,
the new Bentley Bentayga Hybrid emits 79g/km of CO2 and returns a combined 80.7
mpg UK (3.5lt/100km). Total driving range is a claimed 747 km.
Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model also benefits
from a model-specific Intelligent Satellite Navigation system that helps the
powertrain to find the optimum combination of electric motor and the petrol
engine. There are three hybrid drive modes: the self-explanatory EV Drive mode,
the Hybrid mode where the car uses information from the trick navigation system
to optimise power usage and the Hold mode which reserves electric power for
later use.
Prices before taxes for the new Bentley Bentayga
Hybrid start from £ 133,100 in the UK, € 141,100 across Europe, and US$ 160,000 in
the United States. First customer deliveries in the UK and Europe are expected
to begin towards the end of the year, with the US to follow in the first
quarter of 2020.
